Day: June 3, 2025

Partnerships Honouring First Nations Art Achievement with Thanks to Polygon Homes & KPMG

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: 2024 First Nations Art Award Recipients (left to right), Kelly Cannell, James Hart, 71DANsuu & Stephanie Anderson

For more than two decades, BC Achievement has been dedicated to recognizing and elevating achievement across British Columbia, and its work has always extended beyond individual accolades. By celebrating individuals and communities that inspire positive change, the organization helps spark waves of transformation that ripple outward, enriching lives and building a more just and inclusive society. 

A key part of this mission has been BC Achievement’s commitment to forging meaningful partnerships that reflect an evolving focus on achievement. One such partnership is with Polygon Homes, whose past support, along with its 2022 transformational three-year gift, has been instrumental in celebrating achievements in First Nations art through the Polygon Award.  

Photo: 2024 Award of Distinction Recipient, James Hart, 71DANsuu

The 2025 Polygon Award in First Nations Art marks the 19th annual offering of the program which stands on the excellence of the 103 recipients who have received this important recognition and, the philanthropic community which supports BC Achievement’s programming. For more than a decade, Polygon Homes has contributed to honouring the achievements of First Nations artists in this province helping to create a legacy of artistic accomplishment for others to follow. 

Photo: 2024 Crabtree-McLennan Emerging Artist, Stephanie Anderson

The First Nations Art (FNA) program is closely linked with the BC Reconciliation Award, presented by BC Achievement in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. Each year, the Crabtree-McLennan Emerging Artist—part of the FNA program—is commissioned to design a paddle symbolizing their personal interpretation of reconciliation. These original paddles are housed at Government House, with framed photographs presented annually to the BC Reconciliation Award recipients. Four paddles, representing the years 2021 to 2024, are currently on public display at Government House. 

Photo: 2024 Award Recipient, Kelly Cannell

Inspired by the excellence of Polygon Award recipients, KPMG partnered with BC Achievement to support FNA alumni through two meaningful, paid commissions. The first engaged alumni in a fundraising auction, generating substantial proceeds matched and donated by KPMG back into the program. The second is an annual commission that acquires the emerging artist’s work for KPMG’s permanent collection, proudly featured in their downtown Vancouver offices. 

Photo: 2024 FNA Exhibit & Award Ceremony guests taken at The Roundhouse

BC Achievement extends its heartfelt gratitude to Polygon Homes for its ongoing transformational support of the FNA program and its dedication to the foundation’s mission. We are equally thankful for our collaboration with KPMG, whose engagement with FNA alumni helps sustain the program while reinforcing our message to awardees that recognition from BC Achievement is just the beginning of their journey with us.  

If you are interested in supporting the Polygon Award in First Nations Art program through a sponsorship or donation please connect with program director, Rup Grewal – rup@bcachievement.com – who is happy to help. 

Nominations for the 2026 Polygon Award are currently open with the deadline of February 15, 2026 – Recognize remarkable and nominate a First Nations Artist today! 

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

The Phyllis Webstad Emerging Leader Designation – Carving the Path and Leading the Way 

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Photo: Phyllis Webstad, 2024 BC Reconciliation Award Recipient

BC Reconciliation Award 2024 recipient, Phyllis Webstad, speaking for all the awardees at the January ceremony earlier this year, shared her truth in telling her residential school experience. T’esóts’en, Patrick Kelly, who serves as an advisor to the Reconciliation program and was a member of its originating committee, announced at the ceremony that in recognition of Phyllis’ tenacity, courage and loving nature – in sharing her story of survival and incredible strength – the BC Reconciliation Award program will have a new category moving forward: The Phyllis Webstad Emerging Leader Designation.  

“In our children, in our young people, we have hope. They are the ones who will lead us forward, and we need to support and encourage them every step of the way.”  Phyllis Webstad 

The BC Reconciliation Award program’s 27 alumni serve as inspiring examples of what is possible when individuals and organizations commit to reconciliation in meaningful ways. Their efforts honour the past and help create a more inclusive and just future for all British Columbians.  

The BC Reconciliation Award draws inspiration from the work of Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], the 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. 

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey—one that requires listening, learning, and action. By celebrating these achievements, we recognize the power of truth and the enduring strength of Indigenous communities in shaping a more united and respectful society for all British Columbians. As we look to the future and the challenges that lie ahead, it is more important than ever to recognize the achievements of emerging leaders in our province. 

Nominations for the 2026 BC Reconciliation Award program are open until February 15, 2026.
Visit this link to nominate now.

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

Announcing Kúkwpi7 Willie Sellars and Tsetasiya Geena Jackson at the 2025 IBA Gala

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Tsetasiya Geena Jackson and Kúkwpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars will be the Co-Directors of Ceremonies for the 2025 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) Gala! The 17th annual IBA Gala is taking place on Wednesday, November 5, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. This highly anticipated event is the place to be for anyone interested in Indigenous business in BC. 

Meet Tsetasiya Geena Jackson 

Geena Jackson returns for her fourth year as Co-Director of the IBA Gala, bringing her experience and passion for celebrating Indigenous business excellence. As a devoted advocate for Indigenous rights, self-determination, and economic development, Geena has over 25 years of experience serving First Nation communities and the industry at large. A proud member of the Shishalh Nation (Sechelt), she is deeply committed to strengthening Indigenous communities through strategic partnerships with industry experts and government bodies. 

Geena has been instrumental in helping over 800 Indigenous entrepreneurs grow their businesses and social enterprises. Her commitment to Indigenous economic growth is further exemplified by her creation of the Bears’ Lair TV show on APTN, where she serves as a core judge. This unique platform supports Indigenous entrepreneurs on a national scale, offering exposure, guidance, and opportunities to scale their ventures. 

Additionally, Geena has created the Bears’ Lair Youth Dream Camps, teaching Indigenous youth aged 11-18 across Canada about entrepreneurship, life skills, and creating tools for future success. She has offered over 65 camps and is well on her way to facilitating additional camps in 2025, educating, elevating, and inspiring over 1,000 Indigenous youth nationwide. 

Meet Kúkwpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars 

Joining Geena this year is Kúkwpi7 Willie Sellars whose Nation is a recipient of the 2022 IBA for its business Sugar Cane Archaeology and Kúkwpi7 Sellars is also an alumnus of the 2023 BC Reconciliation Award program. Kúkwpi7 Willie was born and raised in Williams Lake, BC and is a member of the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) of the Secwepemc Nation. Elected to WLFN Council at the age of 24 in 2008, Willie was one of the youngest elected Councillors in WLFN history. After serving ten years on Council, he was elected as the Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation in 2018. In his previous work experience, Kúkwpi7 Willie worked as a Wildland Firefighter for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations before returning to his community to assume the position of Special Project Coordinator in the WLFN Economic Development Department. During this time, he was responsible for new business initiatives flowing from Impact Benefit Agreements, engagement with proponents in the traditional territory, and community consultation for major WLFN projects. 

Kúkwpi7 Willie is also a published author of “Dipnetting with Dad,” which won a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award. He enjoys his family time with his five kids, playing hockey, pow wow dancing, attending community events at WLFN, dipnetting, and playing fastball. 

A Night to Celebrate Indigenous Entrepreneurial Achievement 

The 2025 Indigenous Business Award Gala is set to be an extraordinary evening of celebrating achievement in the Indigenous economy. This event is an opportunity to honor outstanding accomplishments, network with industry leaders, and be part of a vibrant community that supports and uplifts Indigenous businesses. 

Don’t miss out on this incredible event. Save the date and watch for early bird tickets beginning August 15, 2025. Sponsorship opportunities remain available.  

Contact Angela Marston, IBA Program Director angela@bcachievement.com and join the IBA sponsorship family today! 

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