Category: Blog

Looking for a reason to get out, meet some fascinating people and experience something you might not normally come across? We have three. This November, BC Achievement is hosting three very different celebrations, filled with great stories, creative energy, new connections and some truly remarkable people from across the province. Come for the evening, meet the awardees, see their work and discover what makes these celebrations so special. 

Our fall calendar includes the Indigenous Business Award Gala, the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design reception, and the Polygon Award in First Nations Art dinner. Each has its own atmosphere and community, but all three offer the chance to step into a room full of people doing interesting things and to leave knowing a little more about the talent, ideas and passion found across BC. 

Come curious. 

Who is building an innovative Indigenous business in a community you’ve never visited? Who is carrying an artistic practice forward while taking it somewhere completely new? Who is transforming materials, ideas and techniques into work that makes you stop, look again and ask questions? 

The awardees we celebrate have invested years in what they do. Attending an event is a chance to meet some of them, hear their stories and be part of the community gathering around their achievements. 

Pick an evening. Or join us for all three. 

The Indigenous Business Award Gala takes place November 4 at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. It’s a lively evening celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses and community-owned enterprises from across the province, with plenty of opportunities to connect with people from the Indigenous business community and beyond. 

On November 19, we gather at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre for the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design reception. This is a chance to mingle, explore the exhibition and meet some of the artists and designers whose exceptional work brings together creativity, function and craftsmanship. 

Then, on November 24, we return to the Roundhouse for the Polygon Award in First Nations Art dinner, an evening of art, storytelling, conversation and celebration honouring First Nations artists from across British Columbia. 

Three events. Three very different experiences. And three great reasons to put something a little different on your November calendar. 

And there’s more to see, for free. 

You don’t need an event ticket to experience some of this year’s extraordinary work. 

From November 17 to 24, the Roundhouse will host the joint Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design and Polygon Award in First Nations Art exhibition, featuring work by this year’s award recipients. 

The exhibition is free and open to the public. 

Drop in on your lunch break. Bring a friend. Make it part of an afternoon or evening in Yaletown. Spend some time with the work, discover an artist you didn’t know before and, if something catches your attention, tell someone about it. 

That simple act matters. 

Recognition doesn’t end when an award is presented. It grows when people show up, ask questions, visit an exhibition, watch an awardee film, share a story or introduce someone else to the work. 

Come for the celebration. 

Buying a ticket to one of our fall events is also a direct way to support BC Achievement and the award programs that make this recognition possible. But your presence brings something else too: curiosity, conversation and connection. 

You might come because you know an awardee. You might come with colleagues or friends. You might be interested in Indigenous business, art or design. Or you might simply be looking for an interesting night out and the chance to meet people you wouldn’t ordinarily meet. 

All are excellent reasons. 

Get a ticket. Bring someone along. Come curious. Meet remarkable people. And help us make sure their stories are seen, heard and shared. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/52702159663 

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

At BC Achievement, our mission is to honour excellence and inspire achievement throughout British Columbia. Recognition is the starting point. The greater opportunity is what happens when we take the story of an award recipient beyond the award itself and share it with people across the province. 

Sponsorship helps us do that. 

It supports the many pieces that bring an award program to life, from reaching communities during the nomination process to celebrating recipients at our ceremonies and events. Just as importantly, it helps us document and share their stories through film, photography, media, digital content and ongoing storytelling. 

These things matter because there are extraordinary people doing important work in every corner of British Columbia, and much of that work happens without a spotlight. 

A community volunteer may have spent decades quietly helping others. An artist may be carrying knowledge forward while opening new creative possibilities. An Indigenous entrepreneur may be creating jobs and opportunities that extend well beyond their own business. Someone working toward reconciliation may be changing relationships one conversation, project or community at a time. 

When we share those stories, recognition travels further. 

Someone sees what is possible. A young artist discovers a new path. An entrepreneur makes a connection. A community feels pride in one of its own. Someone watching a recipient film recognizes an idea, an experience or a value that resonates with them. 

That ripple effect is at the heart of why BC Achievement exists. Our five award programs recognize excellence in community leadership, reconciliation, Indigenous business, First Nations art, and applied art and design. While the programs are different, they share a common purpose: to shine a light on people doing exceptional work and, through their example, inspire others.  

Our sponsors become part of making that possible. Their support gives us the capacity to reach more people, create meaningful experiences for award recipients, produce high-quality films and storytelling, and keep those stories accessible long after an award has been presented.  

There is, of course, value for sponsors too. Partnership creates opportunities for organizations to connect their own values with the people and communities shaping BC. The strongest partnerships are more than a logo on an event program. They come from a shared belief that recognizing good work encourages more good work. 

There are remarkable stories all around us. Sponsorship helps us find them, celebrate them, and most importantly, share them. 

Because when a story reaches the right person at the right moment, recognition can become inspiration. And inspiration has a way of making ripples beyond its original impact. 

If you’re interested in making sure awardee stories are heard, you can find out more about sponsorship opportunities at https://bcachievement.com/engagement/ 

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

Each year, we travel across British Columbia to meet the people being recognized through our award programs and capture their stories on film. The finished short films may only be a few minutes long, but behind each one are hours of conversation, preparation, filming and careful editing. 

Before filming begins, our team works with each awardee to learn more about their story and determine where and how it can best be told. Whenever possible, we film people in the places that are meaningful to them: their studios, businesses, workshops, offices, communities and other spaces where their work comes to life. 

On shoot day the focus shifts to the person in front of the camera. 

The interview is intentionally conversational. We ask about beginnings and turning points, influences and challenges, the work they are most proud of and the people who have been part of their journey. We also spend time capturing them doing what they do: creating, leading, teaching, building, collaborating and contributing to their communities. 

Our awardees come from different regions, disciplines, industries and experiences, and there is no single way to tell their stories. Our responsibility is to listen closely and create the space for each person to speak in their own voice. We are continually reminded that behind every achievement is a much larger story of persistence, relationships, generosity, courage and purpose. 

When the final films are shared at our award celebrations and with audiences across the province, viewers see the finished story. What they may not see are the conversations between takes, the laughter when something goes off script, the careful adjustments behind the camera, or the moments of reflection that stay with everyone in the room long after filming ends. 

This year, we wanted to share a little more of that side of the experience. 

These behind-the-scenes images offer a glimpse into how the stories of our 2026 awardees are being brought to life. For our team, every shoot is an opportunity to learn, to listen and to better understand the remarkable people and work that exist throughout British Columbia. 

We are honoured to help tell their stories, and we can’t wait to share the finished films with you. 

Join us as we premiere the awardee films: 

November 4, Indigenous Business Award Gala 

November 19, Sam Carter Applied Art + Design Award Reception 

November 24, Polygon First Nations Art Award Dinner 

Tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/52702159663 

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

At BC Achievement, one of the most meaningful ways we celebrate excellence is by sharing the stories of the award recipients through film. These short documentaries capture what recipients have accomplished, and their passions, challenges, values and the impact they have on their communities. 

Since producing its first films in 2006, BC Achievement has created a growing collection of more than 100 award recipient films, each highlighting the remarkable individuals recognized through the Foundation’s award programs, including the Polygon Award in First Nations Art, Indigenous Business Award and Sam Carter Award in Applied Art +Design. 

Together, these films tell a powerful story about the people shaping British Columbia today. 

The filmmaking process begins shortly after recipients are selected by an independent jury. Once awardees are notified, the production team starts learning about each individual or business through conversations and pre-interviews, identifying the people, places and experiences that have shaped their journey. 

Filming takes place where recipients live and work. From artist studios and community gathering spaces to businesses, cultural sites and stunning landscapes throughout British Columbia, every location helps tell a richer, more authentic story. 

Additional footage, archival photographs and meaningful moments are woven together with interviews, music and graphics to create a film that reflects the recipient’s unique voice and contribution. 

While the finished films are only a few minutes long, each represents many hours of thoughtful collaboration between recipients and a talented team of filmmakers dedicated to capturing stories with care and authenticity. 

The films are an important part of BC Achievement’s mission to honour excellence, celebrate success and inspire future generations. 

They introduce audiences to remarkable British Columbians whose work preserves cultural traditions, supports local economies and enriches the social and cultural fabric of our province. 

Our growing collection of award recipient films is available on the BC Achievement YouTube channel, offering an opportunity to meet some of the exceptional individuals whose contributions continue to shape British Columbia. 

Whether you’re discovering BC Achievement for the first time or returning to learn about the latest recipients, we invite you to explore these films, prepare to learn something new and be inspired! 

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

Every community has someone whose dedication, creativity or leadership deserves recognition. 

Whether it’s a volunteer who quietly transforms lives, an artist exhibiting excellence in their work, an Indigenous entrepreneur creating new opportunities, or a community leader building bridges, remarkable people are making a difference across British Columbia every day. 

Now is the perfect time to recognize them. 

With six months until nominations close on February 15, 2027, there’s plenty of time to prepare a thoughtful nomination. Starting early allows you to gather letters of support, collect background information and tell the story of someone whose contributions deserve to be celebrated. 

Five Award Programs. One Purpose. 

BC Achievement is proud to recognize excellence through five provincial award programs that celebrate the people and organizations helping shape British Columbia. 

• Community Award 
• BC Reconciliation Award 
• Indigenous Business Award 
• Polygon Award in First Nations Art 
• Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design 

Together, these awards recognize outstanding achievement in community service, reconciliation, Indigenous business excellence, cultural artistic practice and applied art and design. 

Why Recognition Matters 

Recognition is about far more than receiving an award. 

When someone is nominated, their story is shared. Their work is celebrated. Their impact reaches beyond the people they serve every day and inspires others to contribute to their own communities. 

Award recipients often describe the experience as deeply meaningful; not only because it acknowledges years of dedication, but because it shines a light on causes, cultures and communities that deserve greater visibility. 

For many recipients, recognition also opens new doors, creating opportunities to build partnerships, mentor others and expand the impact of their work. 

Their stories demonstrate that leadership is measured by the difference people make every day. 

Your Nomination Could Change a Life 

Many award recipients say they never expected to be nominated. Often, it is a colleague, friend, community member or family member who takes the time to recognize their contributions. 

That’s why nominations matters. By taking the time to tell someone’s story, you’re helping preserve their legacy, celebrate their achievements and inspire others to make a difference. 

Nominate by February 15, 2027 

Nominations for BC Achievement’s 2027 award programs are open until February 15, 2027. 

Explore our website to learn more about each award program, past recipients and begin your nomination. Our team is available to answer questions and help guide you through the nomination process. 

Together, we can celebrate the remarkable people whose leadership, creativity and generosity make British Columbia a stronger, more vibrant place to live. 

Let’s work together to #RecognizeRemarkable. 

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