TWO WORLDS, TOGETHER AS ONE. LET US SHOW YOU THE WAY. TwoWorldsTransportation.ca
Best-in-class Indigenous-led transportation services throughout western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.
November • 2023
globalheroes.com The power of positive, solution-based journalism.
ADVERTORIAL
Empowering Indigenous Voices: The Story of Two Worlds Transportation It is often during life’s darkest moments that our inner resilience shines through to help us triumph over adversity. This is undoubtedly true for Steven Stark, President of Two Worlds Transportation and creator of
STEVEN STARK © COURTESY OF TSAWWASSEN SHUTTLES INC.
Tsawwassen Shuttles Inc. (TSI), whose story proves the power of using one’s heritage to overcome darkness and rekindle positive connections with places and people that feel like home. OVERCOMING ADVERSITY Stark’s early life was marred with displacement and disconnection. Stark moved frequently as a child due to his stepfather’s work as an independent gold miner, which meant that it was difficult to obtain a diagnosis for Stark’s dyslexia and legal deafness, which led to a speech impediment and a lack of confidence in his intellect growing. Although Stark received reconstructive ear surgery after his diagnosis, the troubles continued throughout his childhood, marked by challenges and abuse at the hands of his family members—the very people who were meant to be a safe haven for him. At 15, Stark was told to leave home with a one-way ticket to downtown Vancouver, where he made his way to the Okanagan Falls community.
Stark reconnected with his biological father, who welcomed him back to the Tsawwassen First Nation. However, the two men became entangled in the destructive world of addiction. For years, Stark lived under a cloud of drug use, landing him in jail multiple times for various misdemeanour crimes. At age 26, recognizing that his life had veered far off course, Stark reached out for help and began rebuilding and rehabilitating his life with the help of members of his community. Even amidst his early life struggles, Stark kept his entrepreneurial spirit alive. Once clean, he began taking carpentry classes at Kwantlen Polytechnic University while working as a carpenter and fisherman. At 33, he returned to school at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Marine Campus to earn his Master 150GT Certificate. LEADING WITH LIGHT In 2011, he established Stark Transportation, later rebranded in 2015 as Tsawwassen Shuttles Inc. (TSI). TSI has garnered
attention and accolades for its exceptional land and marine transportation services, serving schools, construction sites, corporate clients, and the tourism industry. But his work didn’t stop there: Stark became the President of Two Worlds Transportation, an Indigenous-led shuttle and motorcoach service providing innovative, customized, and costefficient transportation solutions throughout western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Two Worlds Transportation is a partnership with Traxx, a premium transportation and logistics company. In Coast Salish, Two Worlds Transportation translates into Naut’samawt, meaning “Working Together as One,” a perfect symbol of Stark’s own story. Today, through determination and perseverance, Stark stands as one of the prominent employers within the Tsawwassen First Nation community, acknowledging that many individuals, particularly within Indigenous communities, face marginalization. The United Nations Declaration
on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) has laid the foundation for acknowledging and protecting the rights and dignity of Indigenous peoples worldwide. Stark's stor y showcases how individuals can reclaim their Indigenous heritage and claim a space in today’s business world. He actively seeks opportunities to support his community through charity, government initiatives, employment, training, and business opportunities, weaving his Indigenous identity and heritage into his business experience, proving that there is a place for both. A firm believer in the power of hard work and second chances, Stark lives by a simple yet powerful philosophy: "Persistence Overcomes Resistance.” From his own experiences, he knows that darkness can be overcome, and he hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their challenges. The story doesn’t end here. Visit stevenstarkfilm.com to learn more.
Meet Toyota's Athletes on the Road to Paris 2024 A remarkable group of athletes is gearing up to take the biggest stage in sports—the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. Toyota Canada has proudly welcomed six exceptional Canadian athletes to their Team Toyota roster. These world-class athletes have had unique journeys to the top, overcoming challenge after challenge in stride and achieving athletic excellence. With a roster of incredible sporting achievements under their belts and a wealth of passion to drive them forward, these athletes embody the spirit of 'Start Your Impossible,' inspiring not only fellow Canadians but also a future generation of athletes. The 'Start Your Impossible' campaign was launched by Toyota ahead of the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang, aiming to share athletes' stories of achieving the seemingly impossible through the power of movement. CINDY OUELLET, QC (WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL) One of Canada's biggest wheelchair basketball stars, Cindy Ouellet is no stranger
to representing Canada on the global stage. Diagnosed with bone cancer at 12 years old, she faced unimaginable odds, with less than a five per cent chance of survival. However, Cindy's unwavering determination propelled her to excel in both Para sports and academics. Having competed in five Paralympic Games and four Parapan Am Games, Cindy is a true inspiration. Now, Cindy is vocal in intersectional spaces and a motivational force for those facing adversity. DAMIAN WARNER, ON (ATHLETICS DECATHLON) Damian Warner's journey to becoming the men's decathlon champion at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was far from straightforward. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household, he experienced firsthand the challenges faced by underserved children. Supported by his mother and a dedicated team of coaches, Damian now aims to give back by encouraging disadvantaged youth to pursue their passions. His story
of self-confidence. Phil's mission is to inspire a new generation of breakers and future Olympians. TAMMARA THIBEAULT, QC (BOXING) Tammara Thibeault, a world boxing champion and Olympian, defied stereotypes and misconceptions to rise to the top. As a biracial child who often felt like an outsider, she found her sense of belonging through boxing. Now, Tammara is determined to change the face of women's boxing and fight against stereotypes on her way to the top. ATHLETES FROM L TO R: KEELY SHAW, MARISSA PAPACONSTANTINOU, CINDY OUELLET, DAMIAN WARNER, TAMMARA THIBEAULT, AND PHILIP KIM © CNW GROUP/TOYOTA CANADA INC.
MARISSA through Para-cycling and is deter- PAPACONSTANTINOU, mined to change the perception of ON (PARA ATHLETICS) physical disabilities. Marissa Papaconstantinou's journey to becoming a bronze KEELY SHAW, SK PHILIP KIM, BC medallist at the Tokyo 2020 (BREAKING) (PARA-CYCLING) Paralympic Games defies the Keely Shaw's path to winning Trailblazer Philip Kim, known limits of human potential. Born Canada's first medal at the as 'Phil Wizard,' is a pioneering without a right foot, she overcame Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games figure in the Breaking world. With obstacles with the support of her is a story of determination and the sport making its Olympic decommunity, a resilient mindset, overcoming adversity. After a but in Paris 2024, Phil has become and determination. Now a top life-altering horse-riding injury one of Canada's top Olympic athlete, Marissa is dedicated to at 15, she faced an identity crisis. prospects. His journey is marked sharing her strength, elevating Re-learning her body and changed by perseverance, overcoming Para sport and inspiring the next abilities, Keely regained her power doubt, and harnessing the power generation of Paralympians. is a powerful reminder that with the right support, anyone can achieve greatness.
ADVERTORIAL
Keeping Patients Close to Home: The Next Phase of Burnaby Hospital’s Redevelopment Burnaby born and raised Dr. Wesley Jang serves as the Department Head of Burnaby Hospital’s busy Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He heads down a narrow corridor to a crowded equipment storage room to retrieve a piece of life-saving equipment—a corridor only wide enough for one person to pass through at a time. “Crowded workspaces are only one of the obstacles that we encounter daily,” said Dr. Jang. “Our staff do an exceptional job navigating the many challenges that we face. Outdated equipment and shared patient rooms are some of the other issues that will be addressed in Phase Two of Burnaby Hospital’s redevelopment.” “My staff and I are excited to see increased services and programs not only in our department, but throughout the hospital,” he shared, alluding to the many upcoming changes that will improve his team’s ability to deliver critical care. Phase Two of the redevelopment, announced in September, brings
DR. JANG © COURTESY OF BURNABY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
PHASE 2 RENDERING OF BURNABY HOSPITAL'S REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
upgrades to the Intensive Care Unit and Medical Imaging departments, as well as other important additions that include new in-patient oncology and cardiac telemetry units, 160 private rooms, and the first cancer centre in the region. Some new programs include the addition of Continuous Renal Treatment Therapy (CRRT) to the ICU, which enables staff to provide dialysis treatments for patients experiencing kidney failure. Instead of transporting critically-ill patients multiple times per week
for hours-long treatments at another hospital, patients will receive dialysis treatment from medical staff right here at Burnaby Hospital. Even with the global pandemic, increasing demand for services, and ongoing construction, Burnaby Hospital continues to be a vital pillar of a thriving and expanding community. The aging hospital cares for over 200,000 patients each year from a region that reaches from East Vancouver to the eastern edge of Burnaby and beyond, all in a building
designed over 70 years ago to serve a population just a fraction of its current size. “Donations are crucial at this time,” shared Kristy James, President and CEO of Burnaby Hospital Foundation. “With the addition of a new 12-storey acute care tower on our campus, the list of necessary equipment is quite extensive. Generous contributions from our community make it possible to purchase the stateof-the-art equipment that our staff need to continue providing
exceptional medical care.” “Our fundraising focuses around increased medical services coming to Burnaby Hospital, keeping people close to home, to their families and to their support systems, all while receiving care,” said James. “I urge the community to consider donating towards their hospital and towards a project that benefits us all now, and in the future,” said James. “This transformational project is one that we aren’t likely to see again in our lifetimes.” With construction now peeking over the treetops, Burnaby Hospital will soon be joining the ranks of the largest healthcare facilities in the region. The Foundation and all the staff at Burnaby Hospital look towards a bright future where patients will be able to receive a greater continuum of care within their own community. Learn more and donate at bhfoundation.ca
