Photo: Recipients of the 2025 BC Reconciliation Award
On January 29, BC Achievement Foundation and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia gathered at Government House to honour the recipients of the 2025 British Columbia Reconciliation Award—remarkable individuals and organizations whose work embodies the principle of putting truth before reconciliation.
Now in its fifth year, the BC Reconciliation Award recognizes leadership that reflects truth before reconciliation while strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across the province. The 2025 recipients reflect the many ways reconciliation lives in action: through housing and community development, cultural revitalization, youth leadership, advocacy, and the steady, often unseen work of building trust and understanding over time.
This year’s individual recipients—Charlene Belleau (Eaglestar Woman), Kevin Borserio (Luu G̱aahlandaay), Deanna Duncan (H̀búkvs λamalayu), and Dwight Ballantyne, the inaugural recipient of the Phyllis Webstad Emerging Leader—were celebrated alongside organizational recipients Aboriginal Housing Management Association, Honouring Our Elders Legacy Project Coordinating Team, and syíyaya Reconciliation Movement. Together, they represent diverse communities and approaches, united by a shared commitment to reconciliation grounded in truth, accountability, and care.
Photo: Patrick Kelly and Sarika Cullis-Suzuki
As BC Achievement Foundation Board Member and honorary award advisor Judith Sayers (Cloy-e-iis) reflected during the ceremony that, reconciliation requires listening deeply, acting with integrity, and standing together in ways that create real and lasting change. The Reconciliation Award shines a light on work that transforms systems, restores trust, and opens new pathways forward.
The Honourable Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, also acknowledged the recipients’ accomplishments as being rooted in sharing knowledge, supporting community, and uplifting culture, language, and tradition—demonstrating what it truly means to weave truth with reconciliation.
A Living Legacy
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award draws inspiration from the late Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], whose hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, symbolizes the understanding that “we are all in the same canoe” and must paddle together to move forward. At last week’s award ceremony, Steven Point inspired the attendees with his closing words, saying “Let’s stay the course on reconciliation. Let’s stand together as Canadians and begin to tell a new story for future generations.”
In honour of this legacy, each 2025 recipient received a commemorative paddle print designed by Stephanie Anderson, 2024 Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist recipient of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art. Anderson’s paddle joins others installed at Government House, forming a growing and visible testament to reconciliation in action—one that continues to expand with each year’s recipients.
Recognize Remarkable
The January ceremony offered a moment not only to celebrate, but to reflect. Across British Columbia, reconciliation is being advanced every day—often quietly—by individuals and organizations committed to truth, relationship-building, and systemic change.
BC Achievement’s programs begin with a simple but powerful act: someone choosing to recognize remarkable work in their community. The BC Reconciliation Award, alongside programs such as the Indigenous Business Award and the First Nations Art Award, exists because people take the time to lift up leadership that deserves wider recognition.
Nominations for 2026 Are Open
As we honour the 2025 recipients, we invite you to look ahead. Nominations for BC Achievement’s 2026 award programs are now open. If you know someone whose work strengthens community, advances reconciliation, or inspires others through leadership, creativity, or service, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
By recognizing remarkable individuals and organizations today, you help shape a more just, inclusive, and connected future for British Columbia.
Learn more about the BC Reconciliation Award and nomination opportunities at bcachievement.com.
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