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.
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.
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.
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.
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.