At BC Achievement, we are in the business of storytelling—to showcase excellence that inspires others and drives change.
On November 19 we celebrated the remarkable awardees of the 18th annual Polygon Award in First Nations Art at The Roundhouse. Two days later we honoured the equally as impressive recipients of the 20th annual Applied Art + Design Award, under its newly minted name: The Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design. It was a privilege to showcase the incredible work of this year’s two art program awardees and celebrate their accomplishments.
A combined exhibition of recipients’ work from both programs was on display at The Roundhouse last week. For those who missed it, the exhibition has moved to Three Bentall Centre (595 Burrard St.) where it will be on display in the lobby until January 25, 2025.
Polygon Award First Nations Art
Since 2007 the First Nations Art Award program has celebrated artistic excellence, honouring First Nations traditions that permeate the artists’ work, while creating a platform for engagement, mentorship, and storytelling.
Over one hundred BC First Nations artists have been recognized through this award program. Now added to that growing list of accomplished First Nations artists are the 2024 recipients: Stephanie Anderson (Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist), Andy Everson, Kelly Cannell and James Hart (Award of Distinction).
Sam Carter Award Applied Art + Design
Twenty years ago, the late, Sam Carter along with several other individuals dedicated to the province’s creative economy envisioned and founded the program. Sam led the initiative with great passion and positioned the program as a celebration of elegance and design – to be considered as a vital life force within our daily tasks and experiences.
Each one of the program’s recipients create beauty, character and function through their art forms. The 2024 awardees: Meghan Weeks (Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist); Pam Baker, Robin DuPont and Brent Comber (Award of Distinction) will now join the 91 laureates of the program, who have been recognized over the past two decades.
Elevating Excellence
BC Achievement is grateful to the advocacy and leadership of the province’s incredible arts community, whose support continues to make a difference to artists, designers, and creators across this province.
Providing a platform for BC’s artistic, social, cultural and economic landscape, while showcasing the innovation and excellence that thrives here, BC Achievement programming ignites a movement that captures the best of BC and carves a path forward for others to follow. 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.
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
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 fourth British Columbia Reconciliation Award.
The award recognizes four extraordinary individuals and two incredible organizations that 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:
Sdahl Ḵ’awaas, Lucy Bell (Old Massett) Corporal (Retired) Chris Gosselin, M.O.M. (West Kelowna) Gloria Morgan (Enderby) Phyllis Webstad (Williams Lake)
Organization recipients:
Qwelmínte Secwépemc (Kamloops) Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Port Alberni)
“The essence of reconciliation as a vital process for fostering connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is illuminated through the work of the BC Reconciliation Award program,” said Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, a BC Achievement board member. “The importance of recognizing historical injustices, while also celebrating transformative actions that empower Indigenous Peoples, underpins the program’s intent as we mark its fourth year celebrating outstanding reconciliation practices. The recognition of the 2024 recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award honours their contributions and also serves as an inspiration for others to engage in meaningful reconciliation efforts. It’s a powerful reminder of the collective journey we are undertaking in British Columbia toward healing and accountability.”
BC Achievement Foundation has several established programs honouring excellence and inspiring achievement throughout British Columbia, such as the Indigenous Business Award and the First Nations Art Award.
“The stories of this year’s BC Reconciliation Award recipients give me hope,” said Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. “These are stories that awaken hearts to the truths of some of the most difficult history of our country, but also stories of resilience, generosity, healing and bravery. Every year, I am deeply inspired by the work of these recipients, the depth of their communities, and their commitment to authentic, respectful relationship building. I am honoured to share the work of the recipients and express my gratitude for all they have contributed to reconciliation in British Columbia.”
Her Honour Janet Austin 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 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. Parliament 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 Tsm’syen/Nisga’a artist Shawna Kiesman to commemorate the award. Shawna is the Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist recipient of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art. The paddle designed by Shawna was installed alongside previous BC Reconciliation Award paddles at Government House in Victoria on Nov. 5, 2024.
The 2024 recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award will be recognized in a ceremony held at Government House in the new year.
The selection committee for the 2024 British Columbia Reconciliation Award is:
p̓i·q̓, Christopher Horsethief – Ktunaxa Nation
Chief/Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir – Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc
Xyolholemo:t, Brenda Crabtree – Spuzzum Band with Nlaka’pamux and Sto:Lo ancestry
Dr. Danièle Behn Smith – Eh Cho Dene of Fort Nelson First Nation and Franco-Manitobain/Métis, Red River Valley
Brendan Eshom – Gitga’at (Hartley Bay) Nation
Interviews with BC Reconciliation Award recipients, as well as Her Honour Janet Austin or representatives of the BC Achievement Foundation, are available by request. Biographies of award recipients and high-resolution images are available online: https://bcachievement.com/media-kit/
BC Achievement Foundation gratefully acknowledges Teck Resources Limited for its presentation support of the 2024 BC Reconciliation Award ceremony.
Contacts:
Rachel Rilkoff Communications and Events Officer Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia: Rachel.Rilkoff@gov.bc.ca 778 679-2278BC Achievement Foundation:
2024 BC Reconciliation Award Recipients – Backgrounders
Sdahl Ḵ’awaas, Lucy Bell, PhD (ABD) Old Massett
Watchmen, Skyáanaa ‘la’áaylang, stand atop Haida poles, watching for visitors and for danger. Lucy Bell, Sdahl Ḵ’awaas, has served as a Watchman in the museum world, advocating for reconciliation, repatriation, and anti-racism.
As a founding member of the Haida Repatriation Committee, she has spent nearly 30 years helping return over 500 ancestral remains to Haida Gwaii, guided by Yahgudang (Respect), and reconnecting the Haida with their 12,000 belongings in global museums.
As the inaugural Head of Indigenous Collections and Repatriation at the Royal BC Museum (RBCM), Lucy advanced reconciliation, co-authored the Indigenous Repatriation Handbook, and pushed for systemic change despite facing institutional racism. Her public resignation led to a year-long investigation and significant changes in the museum sector. She received the Sterling Prize for Controversy for speaking out against racism. Lucy will soon host a Haida Tla Yahda (Making it right) ceremony with the RBCM for closure, and to receive an apology in a Haida way.
Lucy continues to speak out for reconciliation and justice in the heritage field, advising the BC Museums Association, and the Canadian Museums Association. Her co-authored From Stealing to Healing Report on repatriation costs and benefits for First Peoples’ Cultural Council is a first of its kind in Canada.
Lucy is passionate about protecting and supporting her daughter and other upcoming museologists. She co-created a UVic course on decolonizing museums and co-founded Indigenous Museum Cousins. Her forthcoming dissertation will show how the Haida reconcile and work with museums.
Corporal (Retired) Chris Gosselin, M.O.M. West Kelowna
Corporal (Retired) Chris Gosselin, M.O.M., whose traditional name is Makadewaa Makwa (“that comes from the black bear people), is a band member of Tootinaowaziibeeng, a reserve in Manitoba. Chris served over 23 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in BC, building strong relationships between Indigenous communities, RCMP and provincial and federal government agencies. In 2010, Chris was recognized nationally with Order of Merit for Police Award in Ottawa by the Governor General of Canada.
Of Ojibwe and Métis descent, Chris became known for his diplomatic approach to improving tripartite policing agreement with Stó:lō communities. His work centered on reconciliation, cultural sensitivity, and ensuring Indigenous voices were respected within the justice system.
Chris championed cultural education within the RCMP, training officers on Indigenous traditions and advocating for tailored policing services. Noticing gaps in Community Tri-Partite Agreements, he helped to establish the Urban Indigenous Liaison position and formed a specialized unit focused on cultural sensitivity. His leadership culminated in the signing of the Community Safety Agreement in 2021, for 14 Indigenous communities without a policing agreement, solidifying the RCMP’s commitment to culturally responsive policing. Chris’ dedication to fostering trust and mutual respect leaves a lasting legacy in community-focused policing. On October 19, 2022, the Stó:lō Tribal Council communities honoured Chris upon his retirement with being adopted and covered with an ancestral name, Qelets’telts (protector of the people).
Gloria Morgan Enderby
Gloria Morgan, a survivor of St. Eugene’s Indian Residential School and the 60s Scoop, exemplifies resilience and leadership in her lifelong commitment to reconciliation. After serving as an RCMP officer for 11 years, she transitioned to law in 1994. Gloria practiced until 2001, when she was elected Chief of the Splatsin First Nation, serving two terms. Her dedication to justice extended to her role as a Federal Adjudicator for the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, supporting survivors across the country.
Gloria has contributed to numerous boards, including Tsm7aksaltn Teaching Center and Okanagan College, where she championed Indigenous curriculum development and ensuredthat Indigenization and Reconciliation worked hand in hand. As an advocate for education and cultural preservation, she has promoted fundraising for Indigenous students and taught Secwepemc Youth Language and Cultural Arts classes. Currently a board member of the Provincial Health Services Authority, Gloria remains a force for reconciliation, bridging cultural divides through her work with the Enderby and District Arts Council and community events.
Qwelmínte Secwépemc Kamloops
Qwelmínte Secwépemc is a collective of leadership and technical experts from eight Secwépemc communities, working in partnership with four BC government ministries to advance reconciliation and foster shared governance. Formed in 2019 through a Government-to-Government Letter of Commitment (LoC), the partnership enhances Indigenous law and land management capacity, while ensuring Secwépemc people play a central role in regional economic development, and Governance.
In 2022, the Sku7pecen’s Journey LoC reinforced this collaboration with multi-year funding, resulting in the Joint Intentions Paper (JIP) that outlines a strategic path forward. Embracing the “Walking on Two Legs” philosophy, the collective integrates both Western and Secwépemc knowledge in governance.
Qwelmínte Secwépemc’s work spans forestry, water, wildlife, and energy. Its recent successes include successful co-development of Forest Biodiversity Principles with BC as a precursory step to its Forest Landscape Plan work, and Collaborative Stewardship Forum. The Qwelmínte Secwépemc Office (QSO) staff have also contributed to the drafting and creation of the Together for Wildlife Strategy and advises its implementation. QSO staff and interns’ contributions to this work includes co-development of innovative ways for the Province to approach reconciliation at a strategic scale in an inclusive fashion by drafting an approach to non-Statutory Shared Decision-Making and collaborating on a principled approach to reconciliation through a potential wildlife act review. The #TeamSkú7pecen Knowledge Builders Program ensures future generations continue this work by providing interns with hands-on education in reconciliation work, including a Summer Speaker Series that connects interns with Elders, fostering cultural healing, learning, and leadership.
Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Port Alberni
Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family & Child Services (Usma), part of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, is an Indigenous Child and Family Services Agency dedicated to the protection and cultural continuity of Nuu-chah-nulth children. “Usma,” meaning “precious one,” reflects the agency’s mission to ensure the safety and well-being of children while preserving their cultural identity.
Central to Usma’s approach is the Nuu-chah-nulth Haahupa Program, brought to the agency by Elder Geraldine Edgar-Tom, which combines traditional teachings with modern education to support healing and cultural resilience. “Haahupa,” meaning “teaching in a loving way,” offers initiatives such as the Chaputs Program in collaboration with local School District 70-Pacific Rim, which incorporates traditional food and medicine teachings, and language revitalization. A key element is the “From Residential Schools to Reconciliation” course, educating local service providers about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools to foster community-wide understanding.
Through its programs, Usma reconnects children with their heritage while building bridges between Nuu-chah-nulth and non-Nuu-chah-nulth communities, advancing reconciliation and cultural preservation.
Phyllis Webstad Williams Lake
Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) author and activist, is a leading voice in raising awareness of the painful legacy of Indian Residential Schools. A member of the Stswecem’c Xgat’ First Nation, Phyllis is a founding member of the Orange Shirt Society, dedicated to educating the public about the lasting trauma of these institutions and honouring survivors and their families. Her activism began in 2013 when she shared her own residential school experience, which inspired the creation of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Phyllis is also a member of the Survivors Circle, supporting fellow survivors and promoting healing. Through her books, The Orange Shirt Story and Every Child Matters, and the film Returning Home, she amplifies the call for reconciliation. Phyllis’s advocacy ensures that the history of residential schools is remembered, transforming trauma into education and hope for future generations.
Photo: Robert J. Dennis Sr. (Emchayiik), 2024 Indigenous Business Award of Distinction recipient
Robert J. Dennis Sr. (Emchayiik) is a distinguished leader who exemplifies the essence of the Indigenous Business (IBA) Award of Distinction, which he received last month at the 16th annual IBA Gala Dinner. Having dedicated his life to fostering Indigenous business activities for his Nation and with a career spanning decades, Robert has played a pivotal role in advancing the economic and political landscape of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN).
Serving as elected Chief Councillor for HFN from 1995 to 2011 and again from 2015 until his final term in June 2023, Robert’s leadership has been marked by a commitment to the prosperity and self-determination of his people. Prior to his tenure as Chief Councillor, Robert spent 12 years as a Councillor and three years as Band Manager, laying the groundwork for the significant achievements that would follow.
As HFNs Chief Negotiator for 14 years, Robert spearheaded the implementation of the Maa-Nulth modern treaty in 2011, a landmark achievement that has allowed the Nation to benefit from self-government and transition from a rights-based discourse to one centered on economic reconciliation. His vision for a stronger future is rooted in an economic development and business-based agenda, steering away from entitlement and towards sustainable progress.
Beyond his political service, Robert’s background as a fisherman and logger provides him with a profound understanding of resource management in his Territory. This hands-on experience fuelled his drive to learn from the past and embrace a more inclusive approach to achieving shared goals. Robert states “We can’t worry about what happened in the past. We can learn from the past, but we can’t worry about it. We can’t blame people for what happened, we can’t blame other jurisdictions, we can’t blame other things outside of our Nation. We can only focus on what we have inside of our Nation and take it step by step.” He is committed to forging innovative and unique partnerships with businesses, believing that collaboration is key to unlocking new opportunities for the HFN.
Robert embodies the HFN Sacred Principles: ʔiisaak – Greater Respect; ʔuuʔałuk – Taking Care Of; and Hišuk ma c̕awak – Everything is One. His perfect combination of vision, tenacity, and courage has made him an exemplary leader who continues to inspire and create lasting impacts in his community. In his own words, Robert says “I always say, rather than complain about it, what are you going to do about it? What can you do to change it? If there’s a plan that needs to be developed, do it. If there’s a capital investment that’s needed and if it’s viable do it. If it’s worthwhile business opportunity that’s worth building just do it.”
His work stands as a testament to the transformative power of economic reconciliation.
Watch the short film produced by BC Achievement on the powerful work of Indigenous Business Award of Distinction Recipient 2024 Robert J. Dennis Sr. (Emchayiik).
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
The 20th annual Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design will be celebrated in an award presentation and reception on Thursday, November 21! This award celebrates talented British Columbians who create exceptional functional art and design, from furniture and fashion to ceramics and jewellery, impacting our daily lives and strengthening the province’s creative economy.
Join the Celebration
BC Achievement is hosting a public presentation and reception to honour these talented creators on November 21. Tickets are available for $50 per person, so don’t miss this chance to connect with BC’s vibrant art and design community. Each awardee will be featured in short films highlighting their creative journeys and accomplishments.
If you can’t attend, stop by the free exhibition at The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Vancouver from November 18 to 24. This exhibit will feature both the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design recipients and the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art awardees.
As Walter Pela, BC Achievement Foundation board chair, has expressed to the awardees, “Your dedication and creativity enrich our daily lives and elevate the cultural and economic fabric of our province. By celebrating your achievements, we highlight the essential role that art and design play in shaping our world.”
Meet the 2024 Awardees
This year’s recipients showcase remarkable talent and vision in their fields:
Meghan Weeks – Jewellery, Vancouver – Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist Pam Baker – Fashion, West Vancouver Robin DuPont – Ceramics, Winlaw Brent Comber – Furniture, North Vancouver – Award of Distinction
Chosen by an independent jury of experts, including industry leaders from Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Western Living magazine, and past award recipients, these artists and designers represent the best in applied art and design.
The foundation thanks the Sam Carter award donors, sponsors and community partners, including BC Ferries, Denbigh Fine Art Services, and The Roundhouse, whose collective support helps bring these awards to life.
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
The BC Achievement Foundationrecently announced the talented recipients of the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art. The annual program celebrates exceptional contributions to First Nations art across traditional, contemporary, and media-based practices, recognizing artists who bring their culture to life through their creativity.
Join the Celebration
BC Achievement is hosting a ticketed award ceremony and dinner on Tuesday, November 19 at The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Vancouver. Each artist will be celebrated with a short film highlighting their achievements. Tickets are available now—don’t miss this chance to celebrate these incredible artists!
If you can’t make it to the event, there will be a free public exhibition showcasing the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art and Applied Art + Design Award recipients. The exhibit will be open from November 18 to 24 at The Roundhouse, offering a unique opportunity to see these artists’ work up close.
Each year, the First Nations Art program highlights artists whose work resonates deeply within their communities and beyond. As Walter Pela, BC Achievement Foundation Chair, expressed, “Your exceptional artistry, innovation, and dedication are remarkable. Your journey enhances cultural expression and strengthens the enduring legacy of First Nations art in the province.”
Now in its 18th year, the program is a tribute to those who honour their craft, maintain cultural connections, and inspire others to explore their creative paths. The recipients of the 2024 Polygon Award include:
Stephanie Anderson, Witsuwit’en, Terrace – Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist Kelly Cannell, Musqueam, Vancouver Andy Everson, K’omoks, Courtenay
James Hart, 7IDANsuu, Haida, of Haida Gwaii will receive the Award of Distinction, an honour decided in consultation with community leaders and the BC Achievement board.
Meet the Jury
This year’s recipients were selected by a panel of past awardees, including Shawn Hunt (Heiltsuk), Maynard Johnny Jr. (Coast Salish / Kwakwaka’wakw), and Lisa Hageman Yahgujanaas (Haida), guided by advisors Connie Watts and Brenda Crabtree.
The Polygon Award in First Nations Art is made possible through the support of Vancouver-based Polygon Homes, with additional sponsorship from TD and community partners: BC Ferries, Denbigh Fine Art Services, and The Roundhouse.
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
