The Polygon Award in First Nations Art: Join us for the 2023 Dinner and Presentation Ceremony 

Celebrate the 2023 recipients of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art program at The Roundhouse in Vancouver on November 15! Click here to purchase your tickets on Eventbrite.

Since 2006, the First Nations Art (FNA) award program has championed the intersection of art and culture, while simultaneously paying homage to First Nations artistic traditions. By celebrating both traditional and contemporary arts, the FNA program sets a stage where First Nations artists can shine, fostering genuine community engagement, mentorship, and the art of storytelling. The program serves as a powerful platform for the stories of artists to be told and heard while showcasing artistic excellence. 

Program recipients will be honoured at an award presentation in front of their family members, friends, peers, and community. Four short films produced by BC Achievement will be premiered at this event unveiling each recipient’s artistic journey and achievements. The films live on the BC Achievement YouTube library, accessible to anyone who wants to learn and be inspired. 

The exceptional art of each awardee is showcased in a week-long exhibit at The Roundhouse surrounding attendees with a welcoming space celebrating excellence. 

The 2023 FNA award ceremony will include a formal sit-down dinner, along with the award ceremony and art exhibit. Featuring local and cultural food, the FNA award celebration will bring people together, sharing the artists’ unique perspectives with a wider audience, fostering dialogue, understanding, and appreciation. 

The Polygon Award in First Nations Art Dinner and Award Presentation is a celebration of artistic brilliance, cultural heritage, and the enduring spirit of First Nations artists. The gathering is a testament to the ongoing journey of artistic expression and cultural preservation. The Polygon Award in First Nations Art program ensures that the stories and artistry of First Nations peoples continue to captivate and inspire generations to come. 

Watch for the 2023 Awardee announcement in October! 

BC Achievement is grateful for the generosity of Polygon Homes in supporting the First Nations Art Award program. 

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

Introducing the Emerging Leader designation for the 2024 Community Award program

Photo: Stephanie Quon, 2023 Community Award recipient

As we celebrate the first two decades of honouring the citizens who build community in this province, BC Achievement is pleased to announce a new category saluting youth who are leading the way. The Emerging Leader designation – launching in 2024, will be part of the annual Community Award program. 

The mission of BC Achievement is to elevate excellence to inspire achievement. The goal of this new designation will be to recognize and celebrate the strength, courage, and skill of young people who are making a difference in their communities and striving to make BC a better place.  

This distinction will acknowledge the incredible dedication and unwavering efforts of young leaders. It will act as a beacon of motivation for the youth who dedicate their time and energy to making a difference. 

The Emerging Leader designation will nurture a sense of accomplishment and self-worth amongst awardees, supporting the belief that their actions possess the potential to sculpt a positive transformation within their communities. Through this empowerment, a ripple effect transpires – one that resonates far beyond the initial act of service. 

Photo: Baylie McKnight, 2022 Community Award recipient

Often fuelled by a selfless drive, these young changemakers embark on endeavours with little anticipation of recognition. Yet, when bestowed with an award, their commitment receives a well-deserved spotlight, igniting a fire of inspiration within them and inspiring others to follow suit. 

And at a community level the Emerging Leader designation will inspire a culture of giving back, cultivating an ethos where the youth embrace their roles as active contributors to the common good.  

The Emerging Leader designation will be a platform for the next generation of leaders to showcase their skills, share their stories, and inspire change. We are excited to embark on this new initiative.  

The Community Award program provides an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the transformative efforts of individuals who raise the quality and character of their community and, in doing so, inspire others to do the same. BC Achievement is honoured to extend this recognition to the youth of this province. 

Nominations for the Community Award and the Emerging Leader designation open December 1, 2023 at bcachievement.com. 

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

The Indigenous Business Award of Distinction designation: Inspired leadership

Photo: Chief David Jimmie, Recipient, 2022 IBA Award of Distinction

Indigenous entrepreneurs who receive the IBA program’s award of distinction designation leave an indelible mark on their respective communities and contribute significantly to the broader province and its economic landscape. 

“Hard work is what creates success. We need to teach our young people to understand that hard work will get you to where you want to be.  Achievements are not the result of one person or work; they are the collective result of people working together. Behind every person being recognized for their achievements is a team”. 

Chief David Jimmie, Recipient, 2022 IBA Award of Distinction 

The IBA Award of Distinction recognizes outstanding achievement in Indigenous entrepreneurship in BC. The honour is presented to an individual who, over their career, has made a significant difference in the Indigenous business community through their entrepreneurial endeavours and, in doing so, serves as a leader, role model, mentor and inspiration. The individual may be an innovator in their business activities, a successful entrepreneur, or an individual who has been instrumental in supporting or creating Indigenous business activities in the province.  

Candidates are appointed by the BC Achievement board of directors through consultation received from community input, jury feedback and online nominations. The 2023 Award of Distinction recipient will be named later this month, alongside the announcement presenting the seven awardees of the Indigenous Business Award in their various categories. These remarkable individuals embody resilience, innovation, and a deep connection to their cultural heritage, often infusing traditional wisdom into modern business practices.  

Beyond their economic contributions, these entrepreneurs foster social empowerment by creating job opportunities, promoting skills development, and investing in community projects. The impact they have is far-reaching, extending beyond business to the cultural revitalization and self-determination of Indigenous peoples.  

BC Achievement is honoured to salute the Award of Distinction alumni on the 15th anniversary of the IBA program and thank them for their leadership:   

  • 2022 Chief David Jimmie 
  • 2021 Ken Cameron 
  • 2020 Carol Anne Hilton  
  • 2019 Paulette Flamond  
  • 2018 Chief Gordon Planes  
  • 2017 Chief Gibby Jacob
  • 2016 Chief Robert Louie
  • 2015 James Walkus
  • 2014 Councillor Garry Feschuk
  • 2013 Chief Commissioner Sophie Pierre & Ruth Williams
  • 2012 Chief Garry Reece
  • 2011 Chief Councillor Louie
  • 2010 Dolly (Watts) McRae & John Harper
  • 2009 Dorothy Grant & Angelique Merasty Levac

The IBA program honours excellence and focuses on the successes of Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. 

Join hosts Geena Jackson and Chief David Jimmie on November 1 for the 15th annual IBA Gala Dinner and Presentation Ceremony at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and celebrate the 2023 Award of Distinction designate and the deserving awardees from around the province! 

Tickets for the 2023 IBA Gala can be purchased at bcachievement.com

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