BC Cabinet & First Nations Leaders’ Gathering 

Photo: Angela Marston (Satuts Stsuhwum), Program Director, Indigenous Business Award

Last week, BC Achievement attended the BC Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering held in Vancouver. This pivotal event brought together leaders including program partners such as BC Assembly of First Nations and First Nations Summit to foster collaboration, build relationships, and begin conversations with government. 

It was a remarkable event and gave us an opportunity to connect with BC Achievement friends and partners from across the province. We shared conversations on their initiatives and priorities and in turn, highlighted the Indigenous-focused award programs run by our foundation.  

BC Achievement is dedicated to recognizing remarkable and celebrating the achievements of individuals, organizations, and communities across British Columbia. Through programs such as the Indigenous Business Award program, BC Achievement honours excellence, leadership, and community contributions, with a particular focus on celebrating the rich cultures of the First Peoples. 

Through its programs, BC Achievement has highlighted the significant achievements of First Nation artists, leaders, and changemakers. The First Nation Art Award, for example, celebrates the creative excellence and cultural preservation led by Indigenous artists throughout BC.  

The BC Reconciliation Award, in partnership with the Lieutenant Governor’s office, provides a space to recognize the work done by individuals and groups fostering reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples in BC.  

These BC Achievement awards provide a platform for amplifying Indigenous voices and acknowledging their contributions to the cultural landscape of the province. 

First Nations Leaders’ Gathering was a welcoming space and facilitated many connections. Including, the recipients of our in-person draw. 

Congratulations to this year’s FNLG draw winners!!!  Quentin Noel is the happy winner of two tickets to the 2025 IBA Gala and J Richard Hall won a custom gift basket accompanied with Indigenous World Wine. 

Recognize someone Remarkable today and nominate before the deadline of February 15!!! Find the link to the nomination forms here. 

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

Celebrating Success: BC Achievement’s 2023-2024 Annual Report 

As we step into a new year, BC Achievement is reflecting on the milestones and achievements outlined in our 2023-2024 Annual Report (September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024). This past year has been one of remarkable progress, unwavering commitment, and inspiring recognition of individuals and organizations that continue to strengthen British Columbia through excellence in their respective communities of practice. Our annual report showcases the breadth of talent and dedication across the province, from artistic innovation and entrepreneurial ventures to community service and reconciliation efforts. 

A Year of Impact and Growth 

BC Achievement exists to uplift and celebrate those who make BC a better place through their work, creativity, and contributions ensuring their stories drive change and carve a path forward for others to follow. The 2023-2024 period was marked by an expanded outreach and meaningful engagement with communities throughout the province. 

Through five award programs—the Indigenous Business Award, the Community Award, the Polygon Award in First Nations Art, the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design, and the BC Reconciliation Award—BC Achievement recognized outstanding individuals and businesses who exemplify leadership, innovation, and resilience. The 2023 -2024 recipients inspired us with their stories of passion, perseverance, and purpose. 

Expanding Our Reach 

In addition to recognizing excellence, BC Achievement continued to prioritize accessibility and engagement. Through outreach initiatives, partnerships, and events, we have worked to ensure that our programs reflect the diversity and dynamism of BC. Our efforts to increase nominations from underrepresented regions and communities have been fruitful, resulting in a more inclusive celebration of achievement. 

Looking Ahead 

 BC Achievement remains committed to its mission of honouring excellence and inspiring achievement. The annual report highlights the successes of the past year and serves as a roadmap for the future. We aim to deepen our impact, foster new partnerships, and continue celebrating the remarkable people who make BC a better place for all. 

Read the Full Report 

The 2023-2024 Annual Report is now available online. We invite you to explore it and learn more about the incredible individuals and organizations who have been recognized. Their stories are a testament to the spirit of innovation, resilience, and generosity that defines British Columbia. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported BC Achievement over the past year—our partners, sponsors, volunteers, and, most importantly, the nominees and recipients who inspire us daily. Together, we celebrate excellence and build a brighter future. 

Stay connected with us as we continue to honor and uplift those making a difference across our province. Here’s to another year of inspiring achievement! #recognizeremarkable 

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

BC Achievement Award Programs: Nominations for 2025 accepted until Feb 15th! 

Nominate for the 2025 BC Achievement award programs! Any nominations submitted before February 15, 2025 will be included in jury deliberations. If your nomination is completed after this deadline, it will automatically roll over to the following year’s consideration. To make sure your nominee is in the running for the upcoming awards, submit a nomination online at bcachievement.com. 

Helpful Tips for Nominating 

To help make your nomination process smooth and successful, we provide a range of resources. These include advice on crafting a strong nominator statement, selecting impactful images, and using YouTube videos or news articles to strengthen your nominee’s case. And if you ever need assistance, the BC Achievement team is just a click away! 

Award Programs to Recognize Remarkable British Columbians 

Nominations are accepted across all five of BC Achievement’s annual programs, each highlighting the accomplishments of individuals, groups, and organizations in various fields: 

  • Indigenous Business Award – Celebrates excellence within Indigenous-owned businesses, with categories including Business of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Community-owned Business, and Business Partnership of the Year. 
  • Polygon Award in First Nations Art – Recognizes artistic excellence in both traditional and contemporary visual arts by First Nations artists. 
  • Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design – Honours outstanding achievements in functional art and design. 
  • Community Award – Celebrates excellence and inspiring contributions in community service and leadership. 
  • BC Reconciliation Award – Recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations advancing the principles of reconciliation. 

If you know someone whose work deserves recognition, don’t miss the February 15, 2025 deadline to have them considered for next year’s award programs. 

Join Us in Celebrating Remarkable People all Year Long 

Nominations for all five BC Achievement award programs are open year-round. This change means you can recognize and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of BC’s entrepreneurs, community leaders, and artists at any time throughout the year. Whether it’s acknowledging innovative Indigenous business leaders or honouring community-driven achievements, this is your opportunity to highlight remarkable people from across the province whenever you see fit. 

Nominations can be made online at bcachievement.com. Get involved, celebrate excellence in BC, and nominate!  #recognizeremarkable 

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

January – a gateway to new possibilities 

Photo: 2024 Community Award recipient, Coralie Nairn

As we step into the first days of 2025, January brings a renewed sense of purpose and opportunity across British Columbia. It’s a season marked by fresh beginnings—new goals, creative ambitions, entrepreneurial ventures, and a deepened commitment to building stronger communities. This time of transition invites us to reflect on past achievements and chart a bold course forward. 

January is a time for personal growth and goal setting. Whether it’s committing to a healthier lifestyle, launching a long-anticipated project, or developing new skills, the new year represents a chance to push beyond limits and create meaningful change. For many, it’s a time to reset priorities and establish habits that align with personal values and long-term aspirations. 

Entrepreneurs and creatives often find inspiration in the promise of a new year. Fresh ideas gain momentum, and communities benefit from the energy of those willing to take risks and innovate. Indigenous businesses, in particular, continue to be a growing part of BC’s economy—generating jobs, fostering innovation, and stimulating local economies. Likewise, artists channel the spirit of new beginnings into works that challenge perspectives, inspire dialogue, and enrich lives. 

As routines settle after the holiday rush, January is also an ideal time for individuals to engage more deeply in community service. Acts of service—whether mentoring youth, organizing local events, or supporting charitable causes—foster empathy and a collective spirit of hope. They strengthen the social fabric and build a more inclusive, compassionate province. 

This is also a perfect time to recognize those doing remarkable things in art, business, community service, and reconciliation efforts. Across BC, countless individuals and organizations are making an extraordinary impact.

January provides the opportunity not only to reflect on their contributions but also to celebrate them by submitting a nomination for one of BC Achievement’s five award programs. If you know someone whose work deserves recognition, now is the time to highlight their efforts.

The submission deadline for 2025 program nominations is February 15, 2025. 

January stands as a gateway to new possibilities. Whether through personal development, innovation, artistic expression, or service, British Columbians have the chance to shape the future and uplift their communities.

For those seeking inspiration from individuals who have made a lasting impact, BC Achievement’s online archive of recipient films offers a rich source of motivation. These stories spotlight people and groups dedicated to positive change, providing a glimpse into the vibrant heart of our province. Join us in shining a light on these remarkable stories! #recognizeremarkable 

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

Celebrate Extraordinary Achievement Across British Columbia, Recognize Remarkable by nominating for BC Achievement Foundation Award Programs

Vancouver, BC (January 7, 2025): The BC Achievement Foundation invites British Columbians to celebrate and honour individuals and organizations whose contributions inspire us all to reach higher and do more. Do you know someone whose achievements deserve recognition? Recognize someone remarkable and nominate them today for one of BC Achievement Foundation’s annual award programs and help shine a spotlight on their incredible impact on communities across the province.

“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,” said Kiran Toor, 2023 Community Award recipient.

Nominations are open for the following programs:

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

Achievement is more than success – it’s the remarkable result of dedication, passion and the drive to make a difference. “This is really important because it’s setting the stage for what partnerships and business projects can look like and how it benefits not only First Nations, but the community and beyond,” said a representative of the Nch’Kay Development Corporation, 2024 Indigenous Business Award recipient.

At BC Achievement Foundation, we celebrate those whose contributions go beyond the ordinary, inspiring us all to reach higher and do more. “In order for the world to be different, people need to know our truths, and truth comes before reconciliation,” said Phyllis Webstad, 2024 BC Reconciliation Award recipient.

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. “To receive an award such as this is a wonderful honour and acknowledgment. I feel awards are like a gift; a way to show that it’s possible to create a career doing something that you love doing,” said Brent Comber, 2024 Sam Carter Applied Art + Design Award of Distinction recipient.

The BC Achievement Foundation is calling on communities, businesses, and individuals to recognize those making extraordinary contributions to British Columbia. Every great achievement deserves to be celebrated. “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 future generations to do the same,” said James Nexw’Kalus’Xwalacktun Harry, 2021 Polygon First Nations Art Award recipient.

Recognize the remarkable and nominate now through February 15, 2025. To learn more and submit a nomination, visit www.bcachievement.com

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About BC Achievement

BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that celebrates the spirit of excellence in our province and serves to honour the best of British Columbia. By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, its award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow. www.bcachievement.com

Media Contacts

Gemma Bishop, Co-Founder
Gather Public Relations T: 604-375-6953
E: gemma@gatherpublicrelations.com

Rup Grewal, Communications Director
BC Achievement Foundation
T: 604-261-9777 (Ext 102)
E: rup@bcachievement.com