October, 2004 - Nr. 10
German Canadian Publication wins Accolades
Queens Park has long been the place to house the National Ethnic Press & Media Council for monthly meetings. But that the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable James K. Bartelman gives a reception for this organization is new. The occasion was placed at the end of Ethnomedia Week on September 10, 2004 and designed to honour individuals for contributions to their communities and the nation.
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister was presented by the Lieutenant Governor and Thomas S. Saras, President of the Council, a plaque for " the outstanding achievements, contributions and community service and in recognition of her efforts in promoting the German culture and the interests of the German-Canadian communities in general, her leadership, courage and dedication for the promotion of multiculturalism, human rights, respect of the human values, and equality among all Canadians.
At the same time she was also handed a certificate "Honoris Causa" for the same reasons and for her distinguished services provided to arts, letters, science, to industry, to public service, to media, to community and Canadian society she was made an honourary member of the council’s board.
Only one day later her own community’s umbrella organization the German-Canadian Congress awarded her the Heritage Award in recognition of outstanding contribution to the German Canadian Community together with several other recipients. This ceremony took place in the German-Canadian Club Hansa.
While very happy about these honours and recognitions bestowed on her, Sybille Forster-Rentmeister regrets that she did not have the opportunity at these occasions to thank the legions of people that brought her to this point, starting with the important in-house help of her husband Rolf Rentmeister, the technical genius of the publication, and Dr. Richard Altermann, the seasoned and multi talented newspaper man.
"We shared the same vision. No one does anything alone" she said. "From our columnists to the many members in the community that contributed and helped, to the communications personnel of the many art organizations, a lot of people helped to do the job of making German Canadian arts and culture shine. We are but an echo of these activities that deserve praise and a place in public life. Besides that I am always looking to the future. That is why I have forwarded the idea of a bilingual publication 15 years ago, and that is why I am creating a youth forum now as a bridge building format for younger generations all over the world. Our young people need a place to tell their stories, to share their experiences and views of the world in a setting where they will be heard. As a multi award winning publication we have that platform with Echo Germanica."
