BC Achievement: elevating excellence in reconciliation

Highlighting excellence has always been about more than the individual. BC Achievement elevates the communities that nurture and benefit from the people we recognize. The effects of their work ripple outward, building momentum and enriching countless lives.   

BC Achievement’s mission is to honour excellence and inspire achievement throughout British Columbia. In doing so, we call others to act to build stronger and more engaged communities.   

The British Columbia Reconciliation Award 

The British Columbia Reconciliation Award represents the apex of our mission and values, underscored by a deep and urgent sense of purpose. In launching the British Columbia Reconciliation Award we are privileged to work in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor under the leadership of the Honourable Janet Austin. 

The Reconciliation Award draws inspiration from the work of the Honourable Steven Point, 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the Award. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, was created as an enduring symbol of reconciliation, recognizing, in his words that “we are all in the same canoe” and must “paddle together” to move forward. 

Celebrating Awardees 

This week, we shine a light on the inaugural recipients of the British Columbia Reconciliation Award, recognizing individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts. We’re honoured to recognize those, who from a place of deep respect and understanding, work to further reconciliation of Indigenous Peoples. This award celebrates the individuals, groups and organizations who have respectfully furthered reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia. They are tenacious leaders and compelling changemakers whose work inspires people across the province. 

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and we recognize that it is an ongoing journey. Recognizing past injustices and healing those wounds will lead us all to a brighter future. 

Lasting and meaningful change will take continued, consistent and committed effort. Recipients of the Reconciliation Award urge us forward. 

We encourage British Columbians from all communities to reflect on the stories of these remarkable people and to learn from their perspectives and to be inspired by their accomplishments.   

It is our honour to ELEVATE their excellence, and SHARE their success so that together, we may INSPIRE change. 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.