Month: May 2026

Polygon Homes and BC Achievement renew partnership honouring First Nations art in BC 

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Photo: Rebecca Baker Grenier, 2025 recipient, First Nations Art Award 

The 2026 Polygon Award in First Nations Art marks the 20th anniversary of the program. Highlighted by the renewed collaboration between Polygon Homes Ltd. and the BC Achievement Foundation, this partnership will deliver the annual BC Achievement Polygon Award in First Nations Art program for the next three years. The foundation salutes Polygon Homes for its generous donation with grateful thanks and is excited to continue this shared endeavour to elevate excellence and inspire change in our province. 

BC Achievement’s 12-year partnership with Polygon Homes has recognized, supported, and celebrated more than 50 First Nations artists. This enduring legacy continues to uplift communities and inspire new generations, highlighting the significance of First Nations art and its place in British Columbia, 

The First Nations Art program recognizes artistic excellence and honours First Nations traditions that permeate the artists’ work, and in doing so, create a platform for engagement, mentorship and storytelling. Since 2007, BC Achievement has celebrated the FNA recipients through year-long amplification of recipient stories using its online film library, digital campaigns (since 2020), and recipient art exhibitions and presentation ceremonies at The Roundhouse. A culture of celebration and storytelling has been developed through the lenses of program recipients and alumni.  

The BC Achievement and Polygon Homes Ltd. collaboration aims to provide an authentic space where recipients and their communities are honoured and celebrated with a goal to elevate excellence and inspire change.  

Polygon’s support helps shine a brighter light on outstanding First Nations artists—from established cultural leaders to emerging voices. Each recipient contributes to the preservation, innovation, and vitality of First Nations art in British Columbia. 

Current award celebrations include an art exhibition which will culminate in a Presentation Ceremony Dinner honouring the recipients of the 2026 Polygon Award in First Nation Art on November 24, 2026 at The Roundhouse, Vancouver. The dinner celebration will feature the premiere of short films highlighting the accomplishments of each 2026 awardee. More details including ticket purchasing options will be available in the weeks ahead.  

Come celebrate excellence with us. 

For more information visit bcachievement.com. 

“It has been such an incredible honour that is still sinking in. A big part of the process is seeing my work the way others see it, to be recognized and validated within this community has been deeply meaningful. There is a high level of respect that BC Achievement upholds within the art space, it is remarkable.” 

Rebecca Baker Grenier, 2025 recipient, First Nations Art Award 

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

Meet the 2026 BC Achievement Community Award Recipients

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Across BC, people are making a difference in ways both visible and unseen. They mentor, organize, advocate, and lead with lasting impact. 

In a time when challenges can feel overwhelming, these people remind us that positive change is already happening, in communities all around us, led by people who care deeply and act generously. 

This year, the BC Achievement Foundation is proud to recognize 24 of these change makers as recipients of the 23rd annual Community Award. Announced on April 14, 2026, the award celebrates those whose leadership, generosity, and dedication are shaping communities across the province. 

From grassroots initiatives to province-wide impact, this year’s recipients reflect the depth and diversity of leadership in British Columbia. Their work spans education, cultural revitalization, youth mentorship, environmental stewardship, and social advocacy. 

As Premier David Eby shared in the announcement, these individuals demonstrate what is possible when people come together with purpose and compassion. Their efforts are impactful while deeply inspiring, reminding us that meaningful change begins at the community level. 

The 2026 recipients represent communities both large and small, from Vancouver to Nakusp, from the Okanagan to Vancouver Island. Each has made a unique contribution, yet all share a commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. 

This year’s awardees include: 

Damineh Akhavan (West Vancouver), Kit Ashenhurst (Kaslo), John Kehinde Atoyebi (Vancouver), Anita Atwal, K.C. (Surrey), Simon Baker (Squamish Nation), Varun Banthia (Vancouver), Mariel (c̓ʕ̓n̓ c̓ʕ̓an̓) Belanger (Okanagan Indian Band / Syilx Nation), Don Blakely (Armstrong), Andrea Castro (Langley), Carl Cavanagh (Victoria), Cecilia Ching Yee Leung (Vancouver), Jacquelyn Cragg (Vancouver), Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh (Delta), Beatrice Frank (Victoria), Rosaline Glynn (Port Hardy), Kobe Li (Vancouver), Shelley Magwood (Cache Creek), Jacki McPherson (Penticton Indian Band), Rochelle Prasad (Surrey), Haley Regan Syilxwa Spuʔus (Okanagan Nation), Chief Willie Sellars (Williams Lake First Nation), Chyanne Trenholm (Campbell River), Crystal White (Tumbler Ridge), and Dan & Sandi Wiebe (Nakusp). 

Recipients are selected by an independent selection committee composed of community leaders and past awardees, ensuring the program reflects the diversity and authenticity of community life. 

The 2026 Community Award recipients will be formally recognized at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria on May 6, 2026, in the presence of the His Honour Sergio Cocchia, Vice Regal Consort of British Columbia. The event will also be live-streamed, allowing people across the province to join in celebrating these outstanding individuals. 

Why These Stories Matter 

At its heart, the Community Award is about storytelling. It is about lifting up examples of excellence so that others may be inspired to contribute in their own ways. 

Their stories are a call to action and a celebration of what it means to belong, to contribute, and to lead. 

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

BC Achievement Announces Leadership Transition and Appointment of Executive Director

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Photo: Cathryn Wilson (left) and Rup Grewal (right)

xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ, (Tsleil-Waututh) / Vancouver, BC May 1, 2026

BC Achievement Foundation today announced a leadership transition as Cathryn Wilson concludes her tenure as Chief Executive Officer at the end of May, and Rup Grewal steps into the role of Executive Director effective May 1, 2026.

This transition marks an important moment of continuity and momentum for the Foundation, which remains strongly positioned to advance its mission of recognizing and celebrating outstanding British Columbians across the province.

Cathryn Wilson has been at the heart of BC Achievement, helping shape it into the respected and impactful organization it is today. Over more than a decade as its leader, she has guided its growth with deep commitment and dedication to its purpose. Her stewardship has been instrumental in strengthening BC Achievement’s programs, elevating its profile, and building a solid organizational foundation that will support its continued evolution.

“Cathryn has given extraordinary service to BC Achievement over many years, and her contribution to the Foundation has been profound,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the Board of Directors. “She has helped shape this organization in enduring ways, and the Board is deeply grateful for her leadership, judgment, care, and unwavering commitment to the Foundation and its mission. We are equally pleased to see Rup step into this role from such a strong foundation.”

As BC Achievement marks this transition, the Board is pleased to appoint Rup Grewal as Executive Director. Rup brings deep knowledge of the Foundation, strategic communications expertise, and strong relationships across BC Achievement’s community of partners, supporters, and alumni. Her appointment reflects a commitment to stability in program delivery, ongoing organizational development, and expanded engagement across the province.

“It is an honour to step into the role of Executive Director,” said Rup Grewal. “I am deeply grateful to Cathryn for her leadership and to the exceptional BC Achievement team whose care, talent, and dedication have built such a strong foundation. BC Achievement’s work is rooted in community, and I look forward to working alongside our Board, team, and partners to continue celebrating the individuals who make this province extraordinary.”

Cathryn said celebrating and learning from so many remarkable people with such generosity of spirit has been inspiring and quietly transformative.

“I am proud of what the Foundation has built, both during my tenure and through the dedicated leadership of its early years. I leave knowing the organization is in strong hands, well positioned for what comes next and I am grateful to all those I have been lucky to work alongside. Rup brings such heart, insight and connection to the organization’s work. I am confident BC Achievement will thrive under her leadership.“

As BC Achievement enters its next phase, the Foundation remains focused on continuity of program excellence, strengthening organizational capacity, expanding partnerships with supporters and sponsors, and continuing to recognize and celebrate outstanding British Columbians across the province.

About BC Achievement Foundation

BC Achievement recognizes, celebrates, and stewards outstanding British Columbians while elevating their stories of excellence. Through its programs, the Foundation honours achievement and inspires stronger, more engaged communities throughout the province.

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For more information about the BC Achievement Foundation, please visit www.bcachievement.com.

Contact
Walter Pela
Board Chair, BC Achievement Foundation
E: wpela@kpmg.ca