15th Annual Indigenous Business Award Gala Dinner: Celebrating Transformative Success 

The recipients of the 15th annual Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program have been announced and will be celebrated in front of fellow entrepreneurs, along with their respective communities, at the annual IBA Gala dinner on November 1st. The award program recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities and community-owned enterprises.  

Congratulations to the 2023 Indigenous Business Awardees: 

Young Entrepreneur of the Year:
The Ballantyne Project, Maple Ridge

Business of the Year – one-to-two person enterprise:
Daxgedim Haanak Nation Building, Comox

Business of the Year – three-to-ten person enterprise:
Totem Design House, Courtenay

Business of the Year – 11+ person enterprise:
Jelly Academy, Fort Langley

Community-owned Business of the Year – one entity:
Sugar Cane Archaeology, Williams Lake

Community-owned Business of the Year – two or more entities: 
Tiičma Enterprise, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN) Village of Houpsitas

Business Partnership of the Year: 
Shxw’owhamel Land Sea Limited Partnership (SLLP), Hope

Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement:
Teara Fraser, Richmond

“Congratulations to the recipients of the 2023 Indigenous Business Award for exceptional entrepreneurship, outstanding contributions to the BC economy, and dedication to uplifting Indigenous communities through innovative endeavours,” says Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “Your success serves as an inspiring example of the key role Indigenous businesses play within local communities, throughout the province, and beyond.” 

The IBA program shares remarkable stories of Indigenous business excellence – while setting an inspiring example for the next generation of entrepreneurs. In addition to providing an authentic space to showcase successes and drive change, the awards help build stronger connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies in the province. It counts over 220 businesses within its alumni. 

This year’s IBA theme is “Building Community” and each of the businesses reflect that value in their work. The awardee selection was made by an independent jury panel that included Rhianna Millman, Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility Consultant, BC College of Nurses and Midwives and a member of Métis Nation BC; Ernie (Bones) George, CAO of Tsleil-Waututh Nation; and Jeff Ward, Ojibwe and Métis, founder and CEO of Animikii and a two-time IBA alumnus. 

The recipients of the 2023 Indigenous Business Award will be recognized during a formal gala ceremony at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Hosted by Geena Jackson and Chief David Jimmie (2022 Award of Distinction recipient) the event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased for $250 per person online here.  

The IBA program is presented by the BC Achievement Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. It is generously supported by: Enbridge, YVR, Teck Resources Limited, TD, Vancity, Ovintiv, BC Hydro, BC Transit, CN, KPMG, New Relationship Trust, Seaspan, Simpcw Resources Group, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, West Fraser, Dentons, FortisBC, Pacific Blue Cross, RBC, SFU Beedie School of Business Indigenous EMBA, Trans Mountain and TELUS. 

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

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