Bio:

Gurpreet Bains, an exceptional individual and dedicated public school teacher who has made remarkable contributions to preserving and promoting the Punjabi language, won the Heritage Defender Award this year.

As the Head of the Languages Department and Science teacher at LA Matheson, she has innovatively integrated the Punjabi language and culture into the multicultural fabric of the Surrey School District. She wants to amplify students’ voices and agency around culture, all through Punjabi Language instruction. She has closely worked with the Ministry of Education on curriculum development and helped mentor new Science/Language teachers as a School Associate. She has facilitated and served as a volunteer educational consultant with the ‘Being -Punjabi: Unfolding the Surrey Story’ feature exhibition with the Museum of Surrey.

She is the facilitator and co-curriculum writer for the District's Next Hundred Year Mentorship Program, which focuses on mentorship through identity and has presented multiple workshops at local elementary schools. She is the co-founder and facilitator of the Dhahan Youth Punjabi Literature Award in Creative Writing for BC Punjabi language students. Gurpreet's planning of Vaisakhi and Diwali festivals at Surrey’s public schools are phenomenal events, allowing a diverse student and staff body to celebrate Punjabi culture.

"My goal is to continue to educate, empower, and inspire a future generation of community builders and responsible citizens. After all, academic excellence is only achieved when you’re also a contributing member of your community."