Category: Blog

Photo: Cathryn Wilson, Executive Director, BC Achievement Foundation

As a non-profit, BC Achievement Foundation is proud to celebrate and support the amazing organizations building stronger, more resilient communities across BC. From advancing arts and culture to environmental and social progress, non-profits are driving real change and positive impact across our province.  

if you’re interested in what it looks like to grow a foundation and stay connected to the community you serve, you’re going to love this conversation on the Discovery Pod podcast episode featuring our very own Cathryn Wilson, BC Achievement’s Executive Director! 

Interviewer Doug Nelson (President and Manager, The Discovery Group) starts by noting that BC Achievement Foundation is an unique organization both in its purpose and its structure and there’s a lot that people can learn from how Cathryn and her colleagues do their work and serve their purpose. 

Cathryn shares her insights into the foundation’s journey and the importance of storytelling. “The foundation was started over two decades ago so we’re just entering our 21st year. Our job is to serve the people of British Columbia and to tell their stories – we’re in the business the storytelling. We lift people up, we shine a light on the work that they are doing, and we do so with the intent to inspire others. It goes beyond just telling the stories of excellence; it’s so that others can see themselves in these stories and follow these leads of these remarkable British Columbians.” 

From discussing how leadership plays a pivotal role in uplifting communities, to growing a team, to fostering inclusion and recognition, this conversation delves into the strategies that have helped BC Achievement drive impactful change and inspire excellence while strengthening communities across the province. 

To hear more about BC Achievement’s work and mission through the words of Cathryn Wilson, listen to https://thediscoverygroup.ca/the-discovery-pod-podcast/ 

BC Achievement is honouring BC’s community heroes and building a legacy of excellence. Here’s to the non-profits shaping a brighter future for us all. #BCNonprofits #NonProfitDay  

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

A public art exhibition is a space for shared knowledge, dialogue, and community connection. Starting on Monday, November 18, BC Achievement is honoured to host an exhibition showcasing the remarkable works of the 2024 recipients of its two annual art programs: the Polygon Award in First Nations Art and the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design. 

Since its inception in 2006, the Polygon Award in First Nations Art has honoured the intersection of art, culture, and tradition within First Nations communities. The award recognizes artistic excellence in both traditional and contemporary visual arts by First Nations artists, fostering an authentic space for community engagement, mentorship, and storytelling. This program ensures that rich traditions are passed on to younger generations and shared with a broader audience throughout British Columbia. To date, the award has recognized the incredible work of 99 outstanding First Nations artists. 

Similarly, the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design (formerly the Carter Wosk Award) has highlighted the exceptional work of artists and designers whose functional art enhances daily life while enriching the province’s cultural and economic landscape. The award celebrates British Columbians whose innovative contributions to applied art and design make a meaningful impact on how we live and interact with our world. So far, this program has honored over 87 talented artists and designers, each contributing to the cultural fabric of BC. 

This exhibition offers a powerful platform to showcase the artistic talent of these awardees and elevate the conversation around art, culture, and innovation in British Columbia.  

We invite you to experience the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art and Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design awardees’ works at a public exhibition held at The Roundhouse in Vancouver. The exhibition will run from Monday, November 18 to Sunday, November 24, open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, with special hours on Tuesday and Thursday, when it will close at 12 pm. 

Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement of the awardees later this month on BC Achievement’s website and social media channels. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and creativity of BC’s artists! 

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

September 30, 2024, marks the continuation of a significant tradition for Canada—the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed in conjunction with Orange Shirt Day. Both initiatives are dedicated to recognizing and reflecting on the painful legacy of residential schools and committing to building a future rooted in understanding, reconciliation, and respect for Indigenous peoples. 

Since its official designation in 2021, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation has provided an important opportunity to acknowledge the tragic legacy of Canada’s residential school system. It is a day for honouring survivors, the children who never made it home, and the ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma. Importantly, it is a day for dialogue—a chance to engage in conversations about how Canadians can collectively move forward towards healing and understanding. 

In support of these efforts, the British Columbia Reconciliation Award continues to recognize exceptional leadership in advancing reconciliation. First launched in 2020 by BC Achievement, in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of BC, this award is given to those who have demonstrated integrity, respect, and a commitment to reconciliation through their work. Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, a member of the BC Achievement Foundation board, emphasized that reconciliation is possible “if there are willing people working towards a vision of reconciliation.” 

The award takes inspiration from the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], the 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. His iconic carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, displayed at the BC Legislature, symbolizes the collective journey towards reconciliation. His words resonate as strongly today as when he spoke to them: “We need to create a better understanding amongst all people that we are in the same canoe. No matter where you are from, we all need to paddle together.” 

Alongside the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots movement initiated in 2013 by Chief Fred Robbins, a former student of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, BC. The day draws its meaning from the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day of residential school. It has since become a powerful symbol of the loss of culture, identity, and dignity suffered by Indigenous children who attended these schools. Wearing orange on September 30 serves as a visible commitment to remembering the children, and the phrase #EveryChildMatters continues to call attention to the importance of recognizing each child’s value, identity, and rights. 

By recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, we take a step forward on the path toward reconciliation. This day is not only for remembrance but for learning, reflecting, and renewing our commitment to a more just and inclusive future. Let’s continue to paddle together—towards understanding, healing, and unity. 

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

Exciting news! Nominations for all five BC Achievement award programs are now open year-round! This change means you can recognize and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of BC’s entrepreneurs, community leaders, and artists at any time throughout the year. Whether it’s acknowledging innovative Indigenous business leaders or honouring community-driven achievements, this is your opportunity to highlight remarkable people from across the province whenever you see fit. 

Nominate Anytime 

No longer confined to a short nomination window, you now have the flexibility to submit nominations 24/7, all year long! This continuous timeline allows you to nominate when it’s most relevant and convenient for you, ensuring that no extraordinary achievement goes unnoticed. 

Important Deadlines 

For the current year’s award programs, any nominations submitted before February 15, 2025 will be considered by the jury panel. If your nomination is completed after this deadline, it will automatically roll over to the following year’s consideration. To make sure your nominee is in the running for the upcoming awards, keep an eye out for reminders during our Call for Nominations campaign from January 1 to February 15 each year. Nominating is straightforward and fully online at bcachievement.com. 

Helpful Tips for Nominating 

To help make your nomination process smooth and successful, we provide a range of resources. These include advice on crafting a strong nominator statement, selecting impactful images, and using YouTube videos or news articles to strengthen your nominee’s case. And if you ever need assistance, the BC Achievement team is just a click away! 

Award Programs to Recognize Remarkable British Columbians 

Nominations are accepted across all five of BC Achievement’s annual programs, each highlighting the accomplishments of individuals, groups, and organizations in various fields: 

• Indigenous Business Award – Celebrates excellence in Indigenous-owned businesses, with categories including Business of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Community-owned Business, and Business Partnership of the Year. 

• Polygon Award in First Nations Art – Recognizes artistic excellence in both traditional and contemporary visual arts by First Nations artists. 

• Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design – Honours outstanding achievements in functional art and design. 

• Community Award – Celebrates excellence and inspiring contributions in community service and leadership. 

• BC Reconciliation Award – Recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations advancing the principles of reconciliation. 

If you know someone whose work deserves recognition, don’t miss the February 15, 2025 deadline to have them considered for next year’s award programs. 

Join Us in Celebrating Remarkable People 

Nominations are open year-round at bcachievement.com. Get involved, celebrate excellence in BC, and nominate!  

Don’t wait—celebrate excellence today! 

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