Assiniboine Alumni to recognize late Parkland Elder and leader with Distinguished Alumni Award

Last year, the community mourned the passing of a beloved and influential community member, Elaine Beverley Dreaver-Harvey, affectionately known as Elder Bev. Elder Bev, a graduate of Assiniboine’s Mature Student High School program class of 2013, left an indelible mark on all those she encountered. Assiniboine College’s Alumni Association will recognize and remember Elder Bev with a Distinguished Alumni Award at the 12th annual Graduation Pow Wow hosted in partnership with Mountain View School Division.

"Elder Bev Harvey, also known as Bright Star Medicine Cloud Woman, was widely celebrated in the Parkland community for her dedication to aiding individuals on their paths to recovery and healing,” said Carol Stewart, Director of Assiniboine’s Parkland campus. “Elder Bev had a profound impact on everyone she encountered. Not only was she a respected Elder, but also a mentor and advisor, offering invaluable support and guidance to all at Parkland campus. Her warm smile and comforting words served as a beacon of hope for many, and her boundless generosity touched numerous lives."

Assiniboine’s Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes college alumni who have distinguished themselves in their profession and community. This year’s Graduation Pow Wow provided a fitting occasion for the college to follow through on the recognition of Elder Bev as a Distinguished Alumni that was planned prior to her passing. The award will be presented during the acknowledgement of Elder Bev, which will also include an Honour Song and Give Away.

Lance Maxwell, one of her instructors in the college’s Mature Student High School program, remarked “Elder Bev's kindness knew no bounds. Whether it was a warm smile, a listening ear, or a helping hand, she made sure that those around her felt seen and appreciated. Her genuine concern for others shone through in every interaction, creating a ripple of positivity wherever she went”.

Beyond her work at the college, Harvey was a valued member of the Parkland region. Committing her time to serving various groups and initiatives in her community. She was a key member of the Mountain View School Division Umbay Nagamon team doing the necessary work on Reconciliation efforts. She served on the South Parkland FASD collaborative, as well as volunteering her time with the Dauphin Food Bank and the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba where she received the Helping Hands Hope Award. In 2023 she was the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubliee Medal.

“We were truly privileged to have had the opportunity to spend many years alongside Elder Bev. She was a significant presence in the Parkland campus family and a cherished member of our broader community. Her wisdom, guidance, and the positive impact she had on countless lives will always be remembered,” said Stewart.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Assiniboine College’s Alumni Association is proud to honour Elder Bev Harvey with the Distinguished Alumni Award at the Graduation Pow Wow being held May 16 outside the Rotary Arena in Dauphin. Grand entry begins at 10:00 a.m. This award celebrates Elder Bev’s unwavering commitment to education, community service, and cultural preservation, and her legacy will forever remain a cherished part of the Assiniboine fabric.