Day: December 4, 2024

Building Bridges: How Partnerships Spotlight Reconciliation Efforts

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The British Columbia Reconciliation Award represents BC Achievement’s mission and values, underscored by a deep and urgent sense of purpose. It is a mission shared by the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC, who 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. 

The BC Reconciliation Award draws inspiration from the work of the Honourable Steven Point Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl] 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the Award. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, was created as an enduring symbol of Reconciliation, recognizing, in his words that “we are all in the same canoe” and must “paddle together” to move forward. 

Members of the organizing committee, along with Honourable Steven Point, led in the creation and design of the BC Reconciliation Award, ensuring the award is founded on Indigenous culture and knowledge. 

The reconciliation journey aims to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Recognizing past colonial injustices and healing those wounds with positive actions will lead to a brighter future. Lasting and meaningful change will take continued, consistent and committed effort. The partnership between the BC Achievement Foundation and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of BC elevates those leaders who inspire and teaches us all how to paddle in the same canoe. 

We look forward to celebrating the 2024 Reconciliation Awardees next month. Learn more about the BC Reconciliation Award and recognize remarkable individuals, groups and organizations by nominating for the 2025 award program. 

Hurry, nominations are accepted until February 15, 2025 at bcachievement.com 

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

Beyond the Ordinary Exhibition

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Discover the extraordinary talent of British Columbia in the Beyond the Ordinary Exhibition, an artistic showcase brought to you by the BC Achievement Foundation. This exhibition highlights the spirit and alumni of two art programs.  

The Polygon First Nations Art Award has honoured over 100 artists for their outstanding contributions to artistic excellence, recognizing work deeply rooted in First Nations traditions while fostering storytelling, mentorship, and cultural engagement. The Sam Carter Applied Art + Design Award celebrates functional art, showcasing pieces with practical applications that enrich the cultural and economic fabric of BC. 

Dates: November 24, 2024 – January 25, 2025 
Location: Bentall Centre 3, 595 Burrard Street, Vancouver 

Following a week-long exhibit at The Roundhouse in Vancouver last month, select pieces have been curated for showcase at Hudson Properties, Bentall 3 Tower starting November 25. The exhibition features works of 2024 alumni of both of BC Achievement’s art programs and includes Stephanie Anderson, Kelly Cannell, Andy Everson, James Hart (71DANsuu), Himikalas Pam Baker, Brent Comber, Robin DuPont, and Meghan Weeks. 

Curators Sheila Hall and Ray Hartley have created a stunning display of some of BC’s best artists through a respectful approach and eye for detail. This showcase is a new BC Achievement initiative, bringing alumni art to public spaces by collaborating with partners. The exhibition at the Bentall Centre provides an additional opportunity for the public to experience the incredible work of BC Achievement alumni in a new and dynamic space, while raising awareness of the foundation’s award programs and providing exposure for the artists. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the artistic brilliance of BC’s creators. Visit the Beyond the Ordinary Exhibition at Bentall Centre 3 and immerse yourself in the stories and creativity that shape our cultural identity. 

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

Recognize Remarkable 

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Join us to RECOGNIZE REMARKABLE – and nominate for one of five award programs that BC Achievement presents. 

Nominations are now open for all 2025 BC Achievement Award programs: 

Community Award 
BC Reconciliation Award 
Indigenous Business Award 
Polygon Award First Nations Art 
Sam Carter Award Applied Art + Design 

For more than 20 years, BC Achievement has recognized individuals and organizations making a difference in British Columbia, sharing their stories to inspire change, build community pride, and encourage others to follow their lead. 

Why Nominate Someone?  

Because recognizing achievement is about more than celebrating success – it’s about amplifying stories that inspire, fostering pride in our communities, and shining a light on those who drive change and create lasting impact. 

Recognizing achievement shares the impact of the work being done and ensures it reaches a wider audience. By nominating someone, you’re helping to honour their contributions and fostering a culture of inspiration and progress. James Nexw’Kalus’Xwalacktun Harry, a 2021 First Nations Art Award recipient, emphasized the importance of showcasing those who take risks and follow their passions to inspire the next generation, “We must continue to inspire the next generation of Indigenous people to pursue their dreams. Showcasing people who took risks and followed their passion will continue to inspire the future generations to do the same.” 

Past awardee Kiran Toor, a 2023 Community Award recipient, highlights the value of these awards, noting how recognition strengthens bonds within communities and encourages growth and well-being. “Recognizing excellence in community service…inspires, encourages participation, strengthens bonds, raises awareness, and sustains the impact of community initiatives, ultimately leading to the growth and well-being of communities.” 

Your nomination ensures that remarkable individuals get the recognition they deserve, encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. Brent Comber, who received the 2024 Sam Carter Award Award of Distinction , described awards as “a gift, a way to show that it’s possible to create a career doing what you love.”  

The award programs celebrate achievements that impact British Columbia’s cultural, social, and economic landscape. Whether fostering reconciliation, preserving cultural traditions, or driving innovation, the honourees contribute meaningfully to the province’s future.  

Nominations are open until February 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM. To nominate someone whose work deserves recognition, visit Recognize Remarkable.

By submitting a nomination, you’re sharing stories that matter and helping to celebrate the people who make BC remarkable. 

#recognizeremarkable 

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