Day: November 2, 2023

Open for Nominations: BC Reconciliation Award program November 15

Posted on by bcachievement

Nominate now for the annual BC Reconciliation Award program! 

Now in its fourth year, the BC Reconciliation Award recognizes excellence in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of BC. The Award honours individuals, groups, and organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia or inspire others to continue reconciliation efforts. 

With every story shared, there is the potential for inspiration to spark elsewhere. It’s this potential and these small sparks that allow hope to rise-up within our province. And it is in honouring excellence that BC Achievement hopes to inspire achievement. 

Photo: Sophie Pierre OC, OBC, Patrick Kelly, and David Suzuki, 2021 BC Reconciliation Award recipient

BC Achievement is grateful to work in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia to deliver the program which 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 B.C. 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. 

It is time to start considering who is doing this work and tell the stories of reconciliation in action throughout the province and #nominatenowbc! Submissions will be accepted starting November 15, 2023, until January 31, 2024.  

Nominate online at bcachievement.com. All submissions are reviewed by an independent selection committee comprised of representation from Indigenous Elders and leadership. 

Submit your nominations for the BC Reconciliation Award starting November 15, 2023 until January 31, 2024! #nominatenowbc 

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

Shawna Kiesman named Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist – Polygon Award in First Nations Art

Posted on by bcachievement

Shawna Kiesman, an emerging artist from Victoria, is a testament to dedication and innovation in her craft. Her heritage includes Ts’msyen, Nisga’a and Haida/German roots and her artistic journey began at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Arts. Shawna continued her education at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and receiving both the Audain Entrance Scholarship and BC Arts Council Scholarship. 

Not bad for someone who never envisioned being an artist. “If you told me when I was in high school that I’m going to win a BC Achievement Award, I would probably think you’re crazy because I never did art. I never thought I would be an artist or even doing anything within my culture so prominently at all.” 

Shawna’s commitment to her artistic development is recognized and elevated in receiving the 2023 Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist designation. The independent jury’s selection denotes that though in the early stages of her professional career, Shawna’s artistic trajectory points her in the direction of advanced artistic development. 

Photo: Shawna Kiesman, 2023 Crabtree McLennan Emerging

As an emerging artist, Shawna’s post-graduation career is thriving, marked by grants and residencies, including the RBC Audain Museum Emerging Artist Program. Permanent collections such as the Nisga’a Museum and Coast Mountain College house and celebrate her work. Each piece is a means of cultural exploration and identity reclamation that delves into her Indigenous heritage. Shawna’s diverse portfolio includes digital art, textiles, drawing, and painting, and is known for its modernized take on everyday items. As a First Nations artist, she seeks to understand her ancestral culture and its complexities while ensuring its continuance and legacy.  

As the recipient of the 2023 Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist, Shawna will be commissioned to design a paddle for the BC Reconciliation Award, another of BC Achievement’s programs – this one in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The symbolism of presenting recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award with a print of the paddle designed by the Crabtree McLennan Emerging artist stems from the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the BC Reconciliation 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, each year, recipients are presented with a print of a canoe paddle designed by the Emerging Artist recipient of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art. For the 2024 recipients, they will receive a limited edition print of Shawna Kiesman’s designed paddle. Each original paddle hangs in Government House celebrating the awardees and each artists’ interpretation of reconciliation. 

Shawna will be recognized for her artistic accomplishments at the Dinner and Award Presentation on November 15. Purchase tickets for the event at bcachievement.com. 

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

IBA Gala 2023: A vibrant celebration of Indigenous business

Posted on by bcachievement

The 15th annual IBA Gala Dinner, hosted last night at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, was a vibrant celebration of the exceptional achievements of eight Indigenous businesses. Chief David Jimmie and Geena Jackson co-hosted the event, joined by over 650 guests, as business excellence was showcased through the premiere of recipient films, sharing their entrepreneurial journeys. 

Cloy-e-iis Judith Sayers, BC Achievement board member, encapsulated the program’s intent, commending the awardees for their unwavering determination, tenacity, viability, and remarkable commitment to excellence. She highlighted the unique dedication of Indigenous businesses to giving back to their communities. 

BC Achievement expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the 2023 IBA sponsorship family for their invaluable support. 

To our readers, we invite you to be part of last night’s challenge and nominate businesses for the 2024 IBA program. The fast track nomination period remains open until Friday at 5:00 pm, and nominators have the exciting chance to win two VIP tickets to the 2024 IBA Gala Presentation Dinner in an upcoming draw. Click here to nominate!  Note that the Call for Nominations will be active in May 2024. 

For those who missed the ceremony, you can catch the recording through this link, and the films featuring the awardees are accessible on BC Achievement’s website and YouTube channel. Join us in sharing and celebrating these exceptional entrepreneurial accomplishments. 

Congratulations again to all the 2023 IBA recipients! 

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