Month: October 2026

Twenty Years of Extraordinary First Nations Art 

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: 2026 Award Recipient, Gigaemi Kukwits (Frank Baker)

Join us for the 2026 Polygon Award in First Nations Art Ceremony and Dinner 

Art has the power to tell stories, carry knowledge, challenge perspectives and connect generations. For 20 years, the Polygon Award in First Nations Art has celebrated artists whose creativity and cultural expression enrich British Columbia and beyond. 

This November, we’re marking that milestone in the best way possible: by celebrating four remarkable First Nations artists whose work reflects the depth, diversity and vitality of artistic practice in BC. 

On November 24, join BC Achievement at The Roundhouse in Vancouver for an evening of art, storytelling, community and celebration. 

Meet the 2026 recipients: 

Gigaemi Kukwits  (Frank Baker) | Award Recipient 

With a remarkable artistic career spanning seven decades, Gigaemi Kukwits brings together his Capilano, Kwakwaka’wakw and Tlingit heritage with a lifetime of creative exploration. His vibrant paintings blend Northwest Coast design traditions with bold colour, expressive movement and contemporary influences. Inspired by travels around the world and apprenticeships with Indigenous artists, Gigaemi pushes artistic boundaries, creating work that is both deeply rooted in culture and refreshingly original. 

Marika Swan | Award Recipient 

Tla-o-qui-aht artist Marika Swan brings a powerful contemporary voice to traditional Northwest Coast art through her distinctive woodblock prints. Drawing on Nuu-chah-nulth teachings, motherhood and ancestral knowledge, her richly layered works explore identity, healing and the strength of women. Beyond her art, she is a passionate advocate for cultural revitalization, helping preserve and share Nuu-chah-nulth knowledge for future generations. 

Sheldon Pierre Louis | Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist 

Syilx artist Sheldon Pierre Louis receives this year’s emerging artist designation, recognizing his creative accomplishments and potential for continued artistic growth. Sheldon brings Indigenous storytelling into contemporary spaces through vibrant murals, paintings, digital art and traditional practices. From his beginnings as a youth muralist in Vernon to creative collaborations with Disney, his work celebrates cultural identity, community and connection. 

Lyle Wilson | Award of Distinction 

A highly respected Haisla artist, Lyle Wilson has made an extraordinary contribution to First Nations art over a distinguished career. His distinctive practice spans the carving of wood, ivory and bone; gold, silver copper and platinum metal engraving, painting, drawing, printmaking and writing – earning him recognition for work that is both deeply rooted in Haisla traditions and unmistakably contemporary. This year’s Award of Distinction celebrates Lyle’s enduring legacy. 

Coming Together 

At the Polygon Award ceremony, guests will have an opportunity to view the recipients’ work, hear their stories through specially produced films and join in recognizing their achievements. 

The evening brings together First Nations artists, cultural leaders, collectors, galleries, arts professionals, community members and supporters for a celebration that is as much about connection as it is about recognition. 

And with the award program celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year’s event offers a special opportunity to reflect on two decades of extraordinary artistic achievement and the many artists whose work has helped shape BC’s cultural landscape. 

Whether you’re a longtime supporter of First Nations art or discovering these artists for the first time, this is an opportunity to experience their work in a meaningful and memorable setting. 

When you attend, you’re joining a community of people who value First Nations art and the artists who continue to shape its future. 

Your participation also supports BC Achievement’s work in bringing these stories to audiences across the province. 

Join us for an evening of exceptional art and inspiring stories. Twenty years of celebrating First Nations artistic excellence is something worth recognizing. 

Tuesday, November 24, 2026 | 5:30–9:00 PM 

The Roundhouse Exhibition Hall, Vancouver 

Tickets: $150 per person, including a seated dinner. 

Purchase Tickets Here 

The public can also enjoy the free combined exhibition featuring recipients of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art and Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design, November 17–24 at The Roundhouse. 

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

Beyond the Ordinary: Join Us for the 2026 Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design Reception 

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: 2026 Award Recipient, Mona Lisa Ali

Think about the objects that surround you every day. The chair you sit in, the ceramics on your table, the lighting that transforms a room. Behind great design is someone who saw an opportunity to create something extraordinary. 

On November 19, BC Achievement invites you to celebrate four exceptional artists and designers who are reimagining what’s possible when creativity, craftsmanship and function come together. 

The Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design celebrates artists whose work enriches our lives, challenges convention and contributes to BC’s vibrant creative economy. 

And this year’s recipients give us plenty to talk about. 

Meet the 2026 recipients we’re celebrating: 

Corrina Hammond | Award Recipient 

Artist, educator and weaver Corrina Hammond breathes new life into traditional weaving techniques, transforming everything from reclaimed fabrics to natural fibres into beautiful, functional pieces. Through her weaving studio, workshops and community collaborations, Corrina is keeping traditional skills alive and inspiring a new appreciation for the craft of weaving. 

Alan Hung | Award Recipient 

An internationally recognized furniture and product designer, Alan Hung brings together innovation, ergonomics and thoughtful craftsmanship. His designs explore how everyday objects can be both beautiful and useful, combining traditional techniques with advanced digital fabrication. His work has received international recognition, including the prestigious Red Dot Best of the Best Award. 

Mona Lisa Ali | Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist 

For ceramic artist Mona Lisa Ali, the materials themselves tell a story. Working with locally collected clay, silt and stone, she creates wood-fired vessels that explore connections between land, history and human experience. Her artistic journey began with a 420-kilometre walk across Jordan, where she collected clay samples and discovered a fascination with the stories held within the earth. 

Omer Arbel | Award of Distinction 

Internationally acclaimed artist and designer Omer Arbel is recognized for his extraordinary contributions to contemporary design. Known for his experimental approach to materials, lighting and form, his work crosses the boundaries between art, design and architecture. His achievements have helped bring international attention to BC’s creative talent. 

An evening designed to inspire 

Imagine spending an evening surrounded by remarkable objects and the people who imagined, designed and made them. 

The Sam Carter Award reception at The Roundhouse is an opportunity to do exactly that. 

Guests will experience an exhibition featuring the work of this year’s recipients, watch the premiere of short films revealing the stories behind their creative journeys, and connect with artists, designers, collectors, galleries and others who appreciate exceptional craftsmanship. 

It’s an opportunity to discover new talent, meet established creative leaders and experience firsthand the imagination and skill that make BC’s design community so exciting. 

Whether you’re a designer, an art enthusiast, a collector, a student or simply someone who appreciates beautiful and thoughtfully made objects, you’ll find something to spark your curiosity. 

Support the people who make BC creative 

Recognition matters. For artists and designers, being celebrated creates opportunities for their work to reach new audiences, encourages meaningful connections and helps elevate the value of applied art in our communities. 

By purchasing a ticket, you’re helping celebrate the achievements of four exceptional individuals and supporting the visibility of BC’s creative sector. 

Businesses and organizations can also become sponsors, helping BC Achievement showcase creative excellence and bring these stories to a wider audience. 

Bring a friend, invite a colleague or make it an evening out with people who share your curiosity about art and design. 

Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 5:30–8:00 PM 

The Roundhouse Exhibition Hall, Vancouver 

Tickets: $55 per person, including hors d’oeuvres and refreshments 

Purchase Tickets Here

Get your tickets today and be part of the community honouring applied art and design excellence. 

Can’t make the reception? The combined Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design and Polygon Award in First Nations Art exhibition is free to visit at The Roundhouse from November 17–24. 

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

A Remarkable Evening: Join Us at the 2026 Indigenous Business Award Gala 

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: 2026 Award Recipient, Okimawa Services Inc.

On November 4, we’re bringing some of BC’s most inspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses and leaders together for an evening worth celebrating. 

The 18th annual Indigenous Business Award Gala welcomes those who believe in the power of Indigenous entrepreneurship to create opportunity, strengthen communities and shape the future of BC’s economy. 

This year’s eight award recipients show just how diverse and dynamic Indigenous business has become. 

You’ll have the opportunity to meet the incredible recipients: 

West Coast Wildflowers | Young Entrepreneur of the Year 

Founded by Wet’suwet’en entrepreneur Alissa Assu in Campbell River, West Coast Wildflowers began as a small holiday pop-up and has grown into a thriving business. Alissa has since expanded her entrepreneurial reach into several other brands, creating opportunities for Indigenous makers and demonstrating how business can build community. 

Okimawa Services Inc. | Business of the Year, One to Two Person Enterprise 

Founded by Courtnall Apsassin of Blueberry River First Nations, Okimawa is an Indigenous-owned electrical contracting company serving Northern BC. Alongside providing essential electrical services, the company is creating pathways into skilled trades through employment and apprenticeship opportunities. 

Skwálwen Botanicals | Business of the Year, Three to Ten Person Enterprise 

Skwálwen Botanicals brings Indigenous botanical knowledge and contemporary skincare together, creating products rooted in relationships with plants, land and culture. Owner Leigh ….. demonstrates how entrepreneurship can celebrate Indigenous knowledge. 

Cedar Brush Site Services & Janitorial | Business of the Year, 11+ Person Enterprise 

Established in 2021, this Indigenous-owned company has expanded from janitorial services into workforce solutions, site maintenance and culturally informed home care. Its success is creating meaningful employment and skills development opportunities across BC. 

Skeetchestn Dodeca-Homes | Community-Owned Business of the Year, One Entity 

Drawing inspiration from Secwépemc building traditions, Skeetchestn Dodeca-Homes combines Indigenous knowledge with innovative construction techniques to develop sustainable, culturally appropriate housing. Its work is helping First Nations communities build housing capacity and advance self-determination. 

Petroglyph Development Group | Community-Owned Business of the Year, Two or More Entities 

The economic development arm of Snuneymuxw First Nation has grown into a diversified enterprise spanning hospitality, gaming, forestry, tourism and more. With approximately 1,800 employees across its businesses, Petroglyph demonstrates the scale and potential of Indigenous-led economic development. 

700 Spland Road Limited Partnership | Business Partnership of the Year 

A partnership between Ntityix Development Corporation and Hungerford Properties, this initiative is creating quality rental housing on Westbank First Nation reserve lands. It demonstrates how shared values, collaboration and Indigenous-led development can deliver lasting community benefits. 

Wendy Grant-John (taχʷtəna) | Award of Distinction 

A respected Musqueam leader, Wendy Grant-John has dedicated more than four decades to Indigenous governance, economic development and cultural revitalization. A former Chief of Musqueam First Nation and advocate for Indigenous leadership, her contributions have helped create opportunities for generations. 

Why you should be in the room 

There’s something special about hearing the stories behind successful businesses, particularly when those stories involve overcoming challenges, building partnerships and creating opportunities for others. 

At the IBA Gala, guests will experience the premiere of short films highlighting this year’s recipients, enjoy a seated dinner, and connect with Indigenous entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, community representatives and others committed to Indigenous economic success. 

Co-Directors of Ceremonies Tsetasiya Geena Jackson and Kúkwpi7 Chief Willie Sellars will guide the evening, with music from DJ O Show. 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, a business leader interested in building relationships, or someone who wants to support Indigenous success, this is an evening that brings people together around shared possibilities. 

Bring colleagues, invite business partners, or gather a table of people who would appreciate an evening of meaningful connections and celebration. 

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 5:30–10:00 PM 

Hyatt Regency Vancouver 

Tickets: $300 per person, including dinner 

Purchase Tickets Here 

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

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