Photo: Angela Marston (Statu Stsuhwum), IBA Program Director
Since 2008, the Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program has been celebrating and recognizing Indigenous business excellence in BC. Right now, the program is in full flight with nominations secured and the jury busy evaluating each submission – we caught up with IBA Program Director Angela Marston to see what the program’s focus is during the current selection phase and how she’s engaging with community.
Q: Hi Angela, It’s good to have another update chat with you – and learn about what’s new with IBA as you come up to your third year anniversary as program director!
Angela: It’s been an excellent year so far for IBA outreach and I am excited to see the program growing and expanding – it’s been one of my key goals since beginning my role. With BC Achievement’s combined #recognizeremarkable call for nominations campaign at the start of 2025 – we saw new and diverse submissions coming in. With this expansion comes an increased interest from FN communities, capital corporations and individual Indigenous entrepreneurs from throughout BC. AND, we will be announcing the 2025 recipients in June!
We are also excited that program nominations are now open all year. This allows nominators to take action in the moment and not wait for an annual nomination period. Nominations for 2026 are open now until February 15, 2026. If you know an Indigenous owned business that is impacting change and creating innovative systems, nominate them NOW for next year.
Q: Last month you hosted the inaugural IBA alumni social and we’ve heard great things from the participants – can you share some of their feedback and how that helps direct your programming?
Angela: It was fantastic to gather with IBA alumni last month at Danny Chase’s (2009 alumnus) offices in Yaletown and connect with past awardees. And a big shout out to Danny for hosting us. The vibe in the room was electric and we all appreciated the chance to gather in person, share stories and NETWORK.
Ruth Williams, one of the members of the IBA original planning committee, a past jury member and Award of Distinction recipient (2013) knocked it out of the park with her meaningful keynote sharing memories from her childhood and inspiring everyone present: “if a little girl who came from humble beginnings can do it, so can you”.
The gathering solidified our plan to develop more channels for program alumni to engage with each other as mentors, ambassadors and advisors. Curtis Thomas (2022 alumnus) “Gathering as business owners gives us the chance to connect and help problem solve without having to reinvent the wheel.”
Meaningful conversations were sparked by the gathering with those engaged with the IBA sponsorship family. Our partners are keen to see the impact of the IBA in Indigenous communities throughout the province. We are in the thick of the Sponsorship campaign for the 2025 IBA program right now. As always, we are grateful to work in partnership with so many organizations who help us tell the stories of business excellence to inspire and achieve.
Q: Why should organizations consider partnering with BC Achievement and supporting the IBA program?
Angela: Sponsoring the IBA is a powerful way to support economic reconciliation while recognizing the contributions of Indigenous entrepreneurs. By aligning your organization with IBA and its awardees (and alumni), you’re supporting inclusive prosperity while promoting Indigenous-led leadership across many industries. IBA alumni are driving growth, creating employment, and preserving cultural values and Indigenous ways of knowing through their unique, community-based approaches to entrepreneurship.
Sponsors share with me that they value the IBA recipients’ stories of impact, and want to be part of the movement to inspire future generations while strengthening business networks between Indigenous and non-Indigenous sectors.
I see our IBA partnerships as opportunities to strengthen relationships, expand visibility among community leaders, connect with government representatives, while participating in a meaningful program that honours success and collaboration. It’s more than a sponsorship—it’s an investment in equity and a culturally diverse future.
The conversations I’m having right now with our sponsorship family and those who are considering joining it are inspired! Together, we are changing narratives and creating opportunity!
Q: No doubt you are gearing up for the 2025 IBA Gala – always a must attend event every fall in Vancouver – can you give us a behind the scenes sneak peek?
Angela: Well, it will be amazing as every year it just gets better!! In just a few weeks we will announce this year’s emcees along with the confirmed date of the gala dinner. The 2025 gala promises to be another unique celebration of achievement, culture, and connection. There is already a buzz out there – people are excited!
Q: How many years has the IBA program been celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurship?
Angela: This year marks the 17th IBA program where we’ll celebrate eight awardees! Short films showcasing each recipient’s journey are debuted in front of 700 attendees: all supporting the Indigenous business economy. Awardees will receive their recognition directly from program alumni – “passing the feather and completing the circle” – it’s a night of inspired stories and achievements. I am so looking forward to welcoming everyone!
Q: How do organizations get in touch with you to discuss supporting the IBA program and learning more about this year’s gala?
Angela: Call me, email me – let’s chat! And check out our engagement opportunities on our website: Click here Angela: 1.250.709.5299 | angela@bcachievement.com
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.