A few concerned Saskatchewan citizens have proven they can make a difference in the world and are being recognized for their efforts.
The Saskatchewan Friends of Burma received a Saskatchewan Global Citizens Award on Friday from the Saskatchewan Council for International Co-operation (SCIC).
SCIC executive director Loretta Latta said that each year the council recognizes people who have done an exceptional job in international co-operation. Since the award's creation 17 years ago 50 individual and organization have received one. She said this year the award is special because it recognizes not a single individual but a group.
"We're not just celebrating Saskatchewan people who are doing this kind of work, we're celebrating the people of Burma who are struggling for themselves and who have been part of this quiet determined revolution for so many years," said Latta.
One of those individuals who has been involved in the struggle in Burma is Buddhist monk Bikkhua Sandawara.
He said decades of military rule have made life virtually intolerable for the average citizen and anyone who criticizes those in power is severely punished. Sandawara fled his country and arrived in Regina in September. He is very appreciative of the work others have done on behalf of the people of Burma.
"We the people of Burma are living in incredible conditions. Our situation is very miserable," said Sandawara. "As a Burmese citizen this award is very meaningful for us."
Sandawara explained the people of Burma are treated no better than animals. He said the award holds special meaning for him because it means recognition that he is indeed a human being with rights.
As a permanent resident of Canada he may never return to Burma but plans to continue working with the Saskatchewan Friends of Burma to bring democracy and freedom to his homeland.
Trish Elliott, one of the founding members of the Saskatchewan chapter of the Friends of Burma, said she was humbled by the award.
She explained that the small group met informally at her place about six years ago. They decided it was important to raise awareness about the situation in Burma. The first project was an art project that involved teenagers from Burmese refugee camps and students from Thom Collegiate.
Elliott explained her group does primarily political support work because that's the kind of assistance the people from Burma want. Another way the group has been working to raise awareness about Burma is through letter-writing campaigns and by supporting national campaigns launched by the Canadian Friends of Burma.
Other members of the Saskatchewan Friends of Burma include Victor Lau, John Murney, Jim and Mavis Olesen, Susan Risk, Susan and Dallas MacQuarrie and BJ Wadee.
To get more information on the national organization or to contact the Saskatchewan chapter go online (www.cfob.org).
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