The practice of applied art + design in British Columbia 

Photo: footwear by John Fluevog, 2008 Award of Distinction recipient

In British Columbia, we have exceptional applied artists and designers who lead their fields with distinction, innovation, and creativity. Recognized recipients of the BC Achievement Applied Art + Design (AAD) award program include Martha Sturdy, Omar Arbel, John Fluevog, and Arc’teryx, among others. 

This program celebrates British Columbians who excel in creating functional art, enhancing day-to-day life while contributing to the province’s cultural and economic fabric. 

Applied art refers to the application of design and aesthetics to everyday objects, such as furniture, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and clothing. It combines functionality and artistic elements, creating beautiful objects that enrich daily life. The creative process often involves collaboration with manufacturers and craftsmen to ensure usability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. 

The AAD program, launched in 2006, has honoured 83 alumni, with 19 receiving the Award of Distinction designation. This award recognizes established artists for their extraordinary and sustained accomplishments in applied art + design, inspiring their community and province. 

Past Award of Distinction recipients include: 

The 2023 AAD award program recipients will be celebrated at an art exhibition from November 15 to 22, followed by a presentation ceremony on November 22 at The Roundhouse in Vancouver. Save the dates and stay tuned for ticket details at bcachievement.com  

Join us in honouring the best of BC’s creative economy and the visionaries who redefine possibilities in functional design. 

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

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the BC Achievement Foundation announce 2023 Reconciliation Award Recipients

Vancouver, B.C. – The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, in partnership with BC Achievement Foundation, is honoured to announce the recipients of the third British Columbia Reconciliation Award. The award recognizes four extraordinary individuals and two organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts. 

Individual Recipients: 

Dr. Danièle Behn Smith (Victoria) 
Chief Willie Sellars (Williams Lake) 
Klith-waa-taa, Dr. Barney Williams (Campbell River) 
Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn (Burnaby) 

Organization Recipients:

Last Post Fund – BC Branch (Burnaby) 
The Exploration Place & Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (Prince George) 

“Reconciliation acts as the cornerstone for fostering meaningful connections and bridging the divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. By acknowledging the historical injustices and illuminating transformative actions, we inspire others to tread the same path,” said Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, a member of the board of BC Achievement. “As we enter the third year of the British Columbia Reconciliation Award, we continue to shine a light on empowering approaches that allow Indigenous peoples to flourish while positively impacting all communities. On behalf of BC Achievement, we take great pride in announcing and commending the accomplished recipients of the 2023 award. Congratulations to the awardees, and heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to our shared journey of reconciliation.” 

BC Achievement Foundation has several established programs honouring excellence and inspiring achievement throughout British Columbia, including the Indigenous Business Award and the First Nations Art Award.  

“For the third year of the BC Reconciliation Award, I continue to be inspired by the impact and meaning of the achievements of the 2023 recipients, and across all nominations,” said the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. “The recipients demonstrate commitment to community, education, and recognizing the challenges of the past while honouring those who came before us. They are an inspiration to me, and to all British Columbians, in their call to do the hard work of reconciliation and support its transformative power to create real change. As always, I am incredibly honoured to be a champion of this award, and to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2023 recipients with British Columbians.”  

The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, has chosen Reconciliation as one of the key priorities of her mandate. This commitment includes participation in promotion of public awareness of the ongoing journey of reconciliation and developing a legacy through the creation of this award. 

The British Columbia Reconciliation Award draws inspiration from the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the Award. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, currently on display at the BC Legislature buildings, was created as a symbol of reconciliation, with the understanding that “we are all in the same canoe” and must “paddle together” to move forward. In honour of this legacy, this year’s recipients will receive a print of a canoe paddle designed by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Jamie Gentry to commemorate the award. Gentry is the Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist recipient of the 2022 First Nations Art Award. 

The 2023 recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award will be recognized in a ceremony held at Government House in Victoria in the new year.  

The selection committee for the 2023 British Columbia Reconciliation Award, including representation from Indigenous Elders and leadership, is: 

  • Chief/Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir – Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc 
  • Xyolholemo:t, Brenda Crabtree – member of the Spuzzum Band with Nlaka’pamux and Sto:Lo ancestry 
  • p̓i·q̓, Dr. Christopher Horsethief – Ktunaxa Nation 
  • T’esóts’en, Patrick Kelly – Leq’á:mel Nation 
  • Nicole McLaren – Métis Nation 
  • Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers – Hupacasath Nation 
  • T,łalisam, Dr. Kim van der Woerd – ’Namgis Nation 

Interviews with BC Reconciliation Award recipients, as well as the Honourable Janet Austin or representatives of the BC Achievement Foundation, are available upon request. Awardee bios and high-resolution images are available here.

Contact:

Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia: 
Amanda Campbell 
Director of Communications, Programs and Outreach
T: 250-480-8948  
E: amanda.campbell@gov.bc.ca

BC Achievement Foundation: 
Gemma Bishop 
Gather Public Relations 
T: 604-375-6953 
E: gemma@gatherpublicrelations.com 

2023 BC Reconciliation Award Recipients – Backgrounders

Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, Victoria 

Dr. Danièle Behn Smith is Eh Cho Dene of Fort Nelson First Nation and Franco-Manitobain/Métis from the Red River Valley. Danièle has dedicated her medical career to serving rural and First Nations communities across Canada. In 2014, she transitioned to a functional medicine practice, embracing a complex systems biology approach to family practice that aligns with Indigenous approaches to health and healing. Danièle has also served as a board director for the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, director of education for the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Health Initiatives Program, and site director of the University of British Columbia’s Aboriginal Family practice residency.  

In 2015, Danièle joined the BC Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) as Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Indigenous Health, providing independent advice and support to the Ministry of Health on Indigenous health matters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Danièle contributed to identifying and arresting racism in various pandemic responses and policies. This included collaborating with the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) and a coalition of First Nations leaders to establish a data-sharing framework expanding the scope of data shared to better support First Nations-led responses. Other anti-racist actions included advocating for the removal of requirements that the Provincial Health Officer approve First Nations-led pandemic response. Under Danièle’s guidance, the OPHO expanded to include six Indigenous team members, ensuring a strong Indigenous voice within the organization.  

A leader who actively advances reconciliation, Danièle works to raise awareness and promote acknowledgement that Indigenous-specific racism is perpetuated through white supremacist policies and practices that remain hardwired into our systems and processes and impede the health and wellness of Indigenous Peoples. She actively works to uphold the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples by taking actions on specific Foundational Commitments made to Indigenous Peoples (e.g., UNDRIP, TRC, MMIWG & In Plain Sight), being trustworthy in relationships with Indigenous partners, and taking anti-racist actions in all aspects of her work with the OPHO. She fosters relationships and collaborations to identify and eliminate racism in programs and services, while also promoting increased Indigenous cultural knowledge among those with whom she works. Danièle challenges the existing ways of knowing and operating within the healthcare system and society at large to improve the well-being of Indigenous communities. 

Last Post Fund – BC Branch, Burnaby 

The Last Post Fund (LPF) is dedicated to ensuring that no Veteran is denied a dignified funeral, burial, or military gravestone due to insufficient funds at the time of their death. Over 18,000 Indigenous Veterans served in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in World War I, II, the Korean War, Afghanistan and other peace keeping missions - often receiving minimal benefits while facing discrimination when they returned home. In March 2019, LPF established the Indigenous Veteran Initiative (IVI) as part of its mission and in alignment with the efforts of the federal and provincial governments towards reconciliation and building a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples. This initiative aims to commemorate and honour Indigenous Veterans by addressing two key components: the Unmarked Grave component and the Traditional Name Marking component.  

The Unmarked Grave Component focuses on providing grave markers to Indigenous Veterans who have been buried without an existing tombstone. These efforts make certain that their resting places are properly recognized and marked while preserving their memory and contribution. The Traditional Name Marking component acknowledges that some Veterans’ names were changed in residential schools or omitted on their military papers. LPF/IVI takes on the responsibility to add the Veteran’s traditional name to any existing tombstone placed by Last Post Fund, ensuring the acknowledgement of their identity and heritage.  

LPF/IVI collaborates with researchers who are either Indigenous Elders or former CAF members working alongside Elders. These researchers follow specific protocols when engaging with Elders, respecting the cultural and community requirements. The involvement of Elders is crucial as they possess valuable knowledge and information about deceased Indigenous Veterans and their histories. The initiative is significant where resources are limited for grave markers. Often, grave sites may only have a wooden marker as a tombstone which has deteriorated over time, leaving the grave unmarked. The LPF/IVI strives to ensure that all Indigenous Veterans receive a proper military marked tombstone, symbolizing their service, sacrifice and commitment to their community.  

Chief Willie Sellars, Williams Lake 

Chief Willie Sellars’ leadership embodies integrity, respect, and a commitment to furthering reconciliation. His efforts inspire others to participate in the collective journey of healing and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. A member of the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) of the Secwepemc Nation, Willie was first elected to WLFN Council in 2008. After serving on WLFN Council for a decade, he was elected as Chief in 2018 and is currently in his second term of office. Both as a WLFN employee and an elected official, Willie advocates for reconciliation, recognizing the need for healing from the impacts of colonialism, residential schools, and the Indian Act.  

Willie recognizes that building relationships and partnerships in business creates an avenue for reconciliation. His negotiation of three impact benefit agreements with local mines generated employment opportunities and community revenues used to fund programs for WLFN youth, elders, and vulnerable individuals. As Chief and chief negotiator, Willie concluded the first government-to-government agreement under section 119 of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, resulting in the establishment of WLFN’s Unity Cannabis retail chain. WLFN Cannabis enterprises employ more than 50 people, the majority of whom are Indigenous.  

Willie works tirelessly to improve governance in his community transitioning WLFN to sectoral self-government over lands with the implementation of a Land Code under the First Nations Land Management Act and a Financial Administration Law pursuant to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. The last five years have been transformative for WLFN, with more than $40 million in capital projects and development taking place on WLFN lands during that term. 

Working collaboratively with other orders of government, the public and the Catholic Church, Willie played a key role in the investigation of the former residential school at St. Joseph’s Mission. He recognizes that the revitalization of culture and language is key in addressing the impacts of colonization and residential schools. Willie and his Council have made substantial investments in programs and infrastructure to reconnect the community with Secwepemc (Shuswap) roots using a youth focus. In 2022, WLFN held its first competitive powwow. 

Willie always strives for the betterment of his people, writing children’s books, dancing in powwows, playing competitive sports, and engaging in various other community initiatives, and promoting unity and mutual respect among all Canadians.  

The Exploration Place & Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Prince George  

Prince George’s The Exploration Place (TEP) works alongside Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (LTFN) to safeguard and conserve their cultural assets. In a strong partnership, TEP serves as the designated repository for LTFN’s material history. Together, they have jointly undertaken various initiatives such as developing exhibits, facilitating the repatriation of the return of cultural objects to LTFN and other northern communities, and conducting digitization projects to preserve a vast collection of Dakelh oral histories. TEP and LTFN also prioritize Indigenous programming that aligns with local school board curriculum, and they have future projects in the pipeline including the establishment of a culturally safe childcare centre. These collective endeavours mark significant milestones in deepening the trust and understanding between TEP and LTFN, resulting in a true friendship, and setting an inspiring example to other museums nationwide.   

Their partnership efforts in creating the permanent gallery, Hodul’eh-a: A Place of Learning serves as a model for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to come together, reclaim traditional spaces, protect cultural assets, and foster a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous history and experiences. TEP stewards the objects in its collections vault with LTFN maintaining complete ownership. The stories the materials tell belong to LTFN and are told from their perspective. In addition, LTFN has held a permanent position since 1992 on TEP’s board of trustees to ensure the Nation informs museum decision-making.  

TEP’s focus on reconciliation and its partnership with LTFN was achieved through intentional and inclusive efforts. The trust between the two parties has grown over three decades of mutual work leading to a better understanding within their partnership and in the broader community. Museums from across Canada have sought guidance from TEP and initiated similar processes in their own regions. The partnership between TEP and LTFN provides hope that a museum can build the relationship needed to redress a colonial past. The trust and understanding established within this partnership ensure that Northern BC’s museum is a place where cultural learning and practice honour traditions and celebrate a collective future. 

Klith-waa-taa, Dr. Barney Williams, Campbell River 

Klith-waa-taa, Dr. Barney Williams, a hereditary leader from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, is renowned for his expertise in Indigenous healing and counselling. Fluent in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, he integrates traditional teachings into his work, particularly in the realm of mental health. Throughout his career, Barney has held notable positions as an executive director and social service administrator, specializing in counselling areas that encompass youth, community prevention, crisis intervention, and addictions. His contributions include the establishment of a ground-breaking counselling program for Indigenous peoples at Vancouver Island University. The program served as a model for the integration of traditional healing knowledge with Western approaches, marking a crucial step towards holistic and culturally responsive care.  

From 2008 to 2015, Barney played a vital role as a member of the Survivor’s Committee for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), offering cultural and spiritual guidance. As a survivor, counsellor, and leader, Barney’s knowledge and personal experiences informed the TRC’s work. As the Elder in Residence, he offered constant support to the TRC staff, and his contributions have been recognized and celebrated by many institutions. In 2017, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Laws from the University of Victoria, acknowledging his exceptional achievements. 

Barney actively encourages personal growth, drawing from his own journey to sobriety. Recognized with the 2022 Courage to Come Back Award, he collaborates closely with First Nations communities, deepening the understanding of addiction and trauma therapy. Barney creates a safe space for survivors to share their stories, preserving the history of residential schools and promoting healing within Indigenous communities. Through reconciliation initiatives, decolonization advocacy, and empowering Indigenous students, Barney embodies Indigenous resilience, inspiring cultural reconnection through community engagement.  

Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn, Burnaby 

Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn (Otahkotskina) is an Indigenous engagement leader in archaeology and academia whose trailblazing efforts have paved the way for subsequent generations of Indigenous scholars and students to thrive in these fields. Eldon joined Simon Fraser University (SFU) faculty in 2002 and helped establish the Department of Indigenous Studies in 2012, serving as its inaugural Chair until 2017. As a speaker of the Blackfoot language, Eldon is dedicated to its preservation. He has contributed his voice to narrate animated videos that incorporate Blackfoot for teaching mathematics. Eldon is now exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to create language learning instruments that allow citizen linguists to participate actively in preserving it. His research explores the potential of machine learning to revitalize Blackfoot and ensure that his generation is not the last to speak it.  

Eldon grew up on a farm on the Peigan Indian Reserve, part of the Piikani Nation. His upbringing nurtured his passion for earth sciences while shaping his professional path. His pursuit of knowledge led him on a learning journey culminating in graduate studies at SFU where he became the first Indigenous student to earn a Master of Arts degree in Archaeology in 1993. He completed his Ph.D. in 2002 at McGill University.  

Beyond his role as an educator at SFU, Eldon served as President of the Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) from 2010 to 2012 as the first Indigenous person to hold this position. His contributions to the Missing Children Project and the Brandon IRS Cemeteries Project have been invaluable in restoring the dignity and reclaiming the identities of Indigenous children who died at residential schools. Eldon’s commitment to promoting reconciliation principles resonates in his involvement with initiatives such as SFU’s First Peoples’ Gathering House planning committee. His advisory role and close collaboration with SFU’s senior executives help shape the university’s reconciliation efforts. Eldon’s ability and willingness to bridge different worlds inspires others to join forces in creating inclusive and welcoming societies and organizations. 

Celebrating 15 years of the Indigenous Business Award program – thanks to our sponsorship family 

Photo: Vancity, IBA program sponsor

Since 2009, the Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program has celebrated over 220 Indigenous businesses, showcasing their courage, skill, and strength that reflect the growing Indigenous economy in British Columbia. 

BC Achievement is honoured to uplift these exceptional entrepreneurial models and set a course for others to follow, made possible by our steadfast and evolving sponsorship family. 

Today, we express our heartfelt appreciation to the numerous supporters and partners of the IBA program. With each passing year, our sponsorship family grows, and we are grateful for their belief in and active support of the program’s goals. Together, we have invested over $2.5 million in Indigenous businesses since the launch of the IBA program. 

The 2023 IBA sponsorship campaign is in full swing, and we extend a big thank you to all those supporting the 15th annual IBA program to date. We eagerly anticipate celebrating the 2023 awardees together at the Gala Presentation Dinner in Vancouver on November 1, 2023. Stay tuned for ticket details! 

The theme for this year’s IBA program is ‘building community’ and our sponsors are leading the way.

We extend our thanks to the following funders to date: 

  • Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation 2023 Program Partner – since the 2009 launch (multi-year funding agreement) 
  • Vancity 2023 Awardee sponsor – since 2009 (multi-year funding agreement) 
  • Teck Resources Limited 2023 Presentation sponsor – since 2010 (multi-year funding agreement) 
  • TD Bank Group 2023 Alumni sponsor – since 2013 
  • Ovintiv Canada 2023 Elders’ & Dancers’ sponsor – since 2010 

IBA program 2023 film sponsors: 

  • New Relationship Trust (2010) 
  • BC Hydro (2009) 
  • BC Transit (2019) 
  • Seaspan (2021) 
  • Simpcw Resources Group (program alumni 2019 and sponsor since 2022) 
  • Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (2020) 
  • West Fraser (2018) 

IBA 2023 supporting sponsor: 

  • Fortis BC (2018) 

IBA 2023 community and media sponsors: 

  • BC Ferries 
  • Bear’s Lair 
  • BIV 
  • CFNR 
  • Frog Radio 
  • GlobalBC 
  • Indigenous World Winery 
  • Miss604 
  • Stir Magazine 
  • TELUS
  • World Trade Centre 

Empowering Indigenous businesses is at the core of the IBA program’s vision. Sponsorship funding and in-kind support enable BC Achievement to amplify Indigenous entrepreneurship excellence which serves as a model of success for aspiring entrepreneurs to follow. 

Join us for the 2023 IBA sponsorship campaign and support Indigenous business excellence in BC. 

To sponsor the Indigenous Business Award program, please contact Angela Marston, IBA Program Director, at indigenousbusiness@bcachievement.com. Let’s create opportunities together! 

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

Kat Hartwig, striving to inspire

Photo: Kat Hartwig, 2023 Mitchell Award of Distinction designate

Kat Hartwig of Brisco, BC inspires those she leads through an unwavering commitment to freshwater protection. As the founder of Living Lakes Canada, and its Executive Director for two decades, Kat recognizes that global water challenges caused by climate change need to be addressed locally. She’s played an instrumental role in many large-scale, environmental conservation initiatives including the Jumbo Wild campaign and the Columbia Wetlands.  

Her work has positive effects locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. And because of her exceptional commitment to elevating her community while empowering those she leads, Kat received the 2023 Mitchell Award of Distinction designation. Kat delivered the awardee address on behalf of her cohort of 20 awardees at the 2023 Community award ceremony at Government House in Victoria. With Her Honour, the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC presiding over the ceremony, along with the BC Achievement board of directors, friends, family and colleagues the 2023 awardees were honoured and celebrated for their efforts in building stronger and more engaged communities.  

The 2023 Mitchell awardee shared what inspires her work, feeds her passion and gets her up in the morning. 

“It is a distinct privilege to speak on behalf of my fellow award recipients whose stories and achievements are both uplifting and inspiring. It has been heartwarming to learn about the commitment, kindness, and vision embodied in the work of the award recipients.   

It can feel as though this remarkable work is eclipsed by the seemingly insurmountable challenges facing society today — so celebrating our successes through the BC Achievement Community Award helps to bolster our fortitude to carry on. 

My parents emigrated to this country after World War II and I grew up on our family ranch near Invermere where my bond with nature was firmly established.   

I have been privileged enough to find a path of work in environmental and water stewardship. This work has been deeply rewarding despite the overwhelming sense of urgency to address the climate and the biodiversity crises we have put ourselves into.   

Fortunately, we also find ourselves in a long overdue era of applied reconciliation, where we have been given another chance to heal relationships with the original people of this land. Perhaps through this process we will learn how to cultivate more respectful relationships with the land and water that we ultimately all depend on. 

So, in service to our communities and by mentoring applied optimism for our young people, we may rejoice in the collective action we all strive to inspire.   

Today we celebrate work that addresses inclusion, accessibility, equity, health, creativity, for the most vulnerable in our province.  From Masset to Salmo, from Victoria to Lillooet, from Surrey, Richmond, Delta, Vancouver, Burnaby, Bowen Island to Ashcroft and Brisco.  

To quote Tao Yuanming, a Chinese poet born over 1600 years ago: ‘Though I am different from you, we were born involved in one another, not by any means can we escape the intimate sharing of good and ill’. The BC Achievement Community Award program provides the space and the platform for us to gather to share and celebrate the good with our families and friends and inspire achievement.” 

Congratulations once again to each of the 2023 Community Award recipients. You can watch the celebration of the 2023 awardees at this link. If you know someone who deserves recognition for their commitment to their community, nominate them starting December 1, 2023 at bcachievement.com 

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

With gratitude to the nominators of BC Achievement’s art award programs  

Thank you to the nominators! Submitting nominations for the Polygon Award in First Nations Art and the Applied Art + Design Award is invaluable and makes a difference. Your commitment and enthusiasm in recognizing outstanding artists and designers supports nominees and the greater community. 

Nominating individuals for recognition holds immense benefits for the nominees and the broader community. Nominators play a pivotal role in shining a light on deserving individuals whose stories need to be told. By taking the time to nominate someone for an award, the nominee’s exceptional skills, creativity, and contributions to their respective fields are being actively acknowledged. Nominations serve as a testament to the artist’s talent and dedication, motivating them to continue pursuing their passions and sharing their story. 

The act of nominating also fosters a supportive and encouraging environment. By highlighting the achievements of individuals through nominations, we collectively share in the celebration of talent and excellence. This, in turn, encourages others to strive for excellence and sets a standard of achievement that can inspire the entire province. Nominations are a powerful tool to create a positive ripple effect, inspiring others to follow a similar path to reach their full potential. 

Receiving a nomination is an uplifting experience for the artist. It validates their hard work and commitment to their craft, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment. Being recognized for their skills boosts self-esteem while signifying a career milestone, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Nominations can act as a catalyst for growth, propelling individuals to further excel in their fields and make even greater contributions. 

The act of acknowledging and appreciating talent creates a ripple effect within the community. It creates a culture of support and collaboration, encouraging individuals to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences. The increased visibility of talented individuals also serves as an inspiration for younger generations, nurturing their aspirations and cultivating a rich artistic and creative heritage. 

BC Achievement is grateful to all the nominators who play such a meaningful role in recognizing and celebrating artists. Your nominations have brought deserving individuals into the spotlight where their stories can be told while empowering them to continue making a difference in their respective fields. By supporting and acknowledging the achievements of others, you have contributed to the growth and vibrancy of the cultural community of our province. 

Watch this space for updates this Fall as the awardees of each program are announced. Thank-you nominators, and best of luck, nominees! 

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