The BC Reconciliation Award honours efforts to address the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization while honouring those implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. By celebrating the exceptional leadership of individuals, groups, and organizations dedicated to reconciliation, this recognition inspires others to engage in dialogue, build collaboration, and support healing within communities.
The award reflects the essence of ‘putting truth before reconciliation’ and how the process of reconciliation can strengthen connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It takes inspiration from the Honourable Steven Point (Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl), former Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and award co-founder. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, symbolizes the need to “paddle together” toward reconciliation. Currently displayed at the BC Legislature, the canoe reminds us that progress requires collective effort and shared purpose.
“Reconciliation is about listening deeply, acting with integrity, and standing together in ways that create real and lasting change.”
– Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, BC Achievement Board Member
AWARD PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award (REC) program recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering the Calls to Action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s report; and/or inspired others to do so.
WHY NOMINATE
This award provides an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the work of those individuals, groups and organizations committed to furthering the principles of reconciliation in British Columbia.
DATES TO REMEMBER – 2026 Award Program
DATES TO REMEMBER – 2027 Award Program
CHECKLIST – BEFORE YOU START
*If submitting a written statement presents a barrier, please contact BC Achievement staff for assistance.
NOMINATOR ELIGIBLITY
Any person, group or organization may submit nominations for the award with exceptions noted below:
NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY
An eligible nominee must:
An eligible nominee may be:
Note: A person may receive the award posthumously only if the Selection Committee has recommended the nomination to the Lieutenant Governor before the nominee’s passing.
The following are ineligible to receive the Award:
Note: Nominations of any individual under the age of 19 must be accompanied by a letter of permission from the nominee’s parent or guardian stating that they are aware of the nomination.
*Visit BC Achievement’s Awardees webpage to see if your nominee is a past recipient of the award.
Emerging Leader Designation – The Emerging Leader designation recognizes an individual 35 years and under (by February 15, 2027) who demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to reconciliation through dialogue, collaboration, and action advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Please indicate eligibility in the online form.
HOW AWARDEES ARE SELECTED & RECOGNIZED
An independent Selection Committee of community leaders reviews the nominations and selects recipients based on the evaluation criteria. The Committee’s decision is final. Nominees are only contacted if selected. The nominee is encouraged to let their nominator know they’ve been selected to receive the award.
Awardees are celebrated at a formal ceremony at Government House hosted by the Lieutenant Governor. Each awardee receives a commemorative plaque certificate, a medallion and lapel pin designed by renowned artist Robert Davidson, OC, OBC, and artwork created by the Polygon Award in First Nations Art – Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist recipient
Rescission of an Awardee’s Recognition
PRIVACY POLICY
BC Achievement is committed to protecting the privacy of people through responsible management of information received. Nominations are kept confidential between the nominator and BC Achievement. Photographs and information about the award recipients may be used for the promotion of the BC Reconciliation Award program and other promotional activities on BC Achievement’s website, social media channels etc.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: kristin@bcachievement.com
REVIEW THE REC NOMINATION GUIDE FOR TIPS ON WRITING A STRONG NOMINATION
To submit a complete nomination, you must provide:
Tip: If you need more time, use ‘Save and Continue Later’ at the bottom of the online form—you’ll receive a link to complete your nomination before the deadline.
If submitting a written nominator statement presents a barrier, please contact BC Achievement staff for assistance—alternate formats such as a video or audio recording are welcome.
WRITING A STRONG NOMINATION
Nominees will be evaluated based on the following three criteria. When preparing your nomination, consider how the nominee demonstrates each area using clear examples, specific details and outcomes wherever possible.
IMPORTANT TIPS
NOMINATOR STATEMENT (MAX 3000 CHARACTERS INCLUDING SPACES | ~500 WORDS):
Use the full word count for the nominator statement to provide a thorough, well-rounded, and engaging description of the nominee’s achievements.
SUPPORT LETTERS (MAX 3000 CHARACTERS INCLUDING SPACES | ~500 WORDS):
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS (OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED):
Note: The nominator may upload one word or PDF document with up to five links in the ‘Additional Materials’ section. *Each web link counts as one Additional Material.
UPDATING A PREVIOUS NOMINATION
Nominations are valid for three years. To update:
Need help? We can send you your previous submission—email kristin@bcachievement.com.
All nominations are confidential. Nominators will be notified by email once the selection process is complete. Nominations remain active for three years and are reconsidered in subsequent selection cycles. We encourage nominators to share updates, as the Selection Committee values receiving current information that reflects the nominee’s ongoing contributions and impact.
THANK YOU!
1. Can information be saved on the nomination form and completed at a later date? Click “Save and Continue Later” at the bottom of the online form. Enter your email to receive a link that allows you to return and complete your nomination before the deadline.
2. Is a nomination considered for more than one year? Nominations begin a three-year program and may be reviewed by up to three selection committees. Nominators are given the opportunity to update their nomination each year.
3. Should the nominator tell the nominee about the nomination? Generally, the nominee is not told of the nomination though in some cases it happens when the nominator requires biographical information, for example, from the nominee.
4. To whom should the support letters be addressed? Support letters should be addressed to the ‘Selection Committee’. All support letters must include the writer’s full name and contact information.
5. What should be stated in the support letter? The support letter should indicate the relationship between the writer and the nominee; the length of the relationship; provide details about the writer’s knowledge of the nominee’s contributions; address how they are furthering reconciliation in BC and the direct impact on their community; and be specifically written for the BC Reconciliation Award program.
6. Can more than two support letters be submitted? Yes. Additional letters may be included and uploaded to the ‘additional materials’ section on the nomination form.
7. Are congratulatory letters from others accepted in the nomination? Other congratulatory letters may be included as ‘additional materials’ but they may not serve as support letters.
8. Are contributions that occur outside of British Columbia recognized? The BC Reconciliation Award is designed for contributions made in British Columbia. The nominator should focus on the nominee’s work in the province.
9. When are awardees notified and where are the names of the awardees published? Awardees are typically notified in late November. Their names are published on the website and social media channels of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and BC Achievement when the press release is issued in January.
Supporting the BC Reconciliation Award program amplifies the voices and actions of those advancing meaningful reconciliation, fostering understanding, respect, and stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across the province.
