Category: Blog

The 2024 British Columbia Reconciliation Award – nominations open until Jan 31

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The 2015 publication of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report defines reconciliation as “establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country.” 

While the term reconciliation is familiar to most, translating it into action takes responsibility, recognition and respect. In keeping with the recommendations of the TRC report, and inspired by the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the BC Reconciliation Award, the BC Achievement Foundation, in partnership with The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, launched the program in 2020.  

Now in its fourth year, this award program recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia or inspire others to continue reconciliation efforts. 

“Reconciliation serves as the foundation for forging meaningful connections and closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Through acknowledging historical injustices and highlighting transformative initiatives, we inspire others to follow a similar path,” said Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, board member of the BC Achievement Foundation. “As we step into the fourth year of the BC Reconciliation Award, we call for submission of nominations for the award program to help share the efforts of individuals and communities.” 

Nominations are open for the 2024 award program at bcachievement.com but only until January 31, 2024. Up to six individuals or organizations will be recognized for their efforts, commitment and impact towards reconciliation. 

“Every year we launch nominations for the BC Reconciliation Award. I grow more and more grateful for the opportunity to witness the exceptional ways in which individuals and organizations in British Columbia advance reconciliation,” said The Honourable Janet Austin, the Lieutenant Governor of BC. “It takes creativity, intelligence, but most importantly it takes courage—courage to acknowledge the injustices of the past and present, and courage to mend those wounds. I look forward to seeing this courage reflected in the 2024 nominations.” 

“Nominating individuals and organizations for the BC Reconciliation Award is a powerful testament to collective pledges to healing, unity, and understanding. My hope is that this recognition continues to inspire positive change and strengthens the bonds of reconciliation in our province.  As a juror and past recipient of the BC Reconciliation Award, I am humbled and honoured to witness and be a part of the transformative power of reconciliation efforts in British Columbia and encourage you to nominate those who are making a difference, change is transformative and we all must do our part,” said Chief/Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, former recipient and 2023 selection committee member. 

The nomination period for the BC Reconciliation Award will be open until January 31, 2024. Online nominations are open on the BC Achievement Foundation website at bcachievement.com. 

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

New to the Community Award Program: The Emerging Leader Designation

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Photo: 2023 Community Award recipient, Stephanie Quon

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the BC Achievement Foundation and its cornerstone program – the Community Award, which highlights the outstanding achievements of remarkable individuals in BC. Each of the awardees has made unique contributions to their communities, whether through volunteering or their daily work—and often both.  

Introduced to the 2024 Community Award program is a new recognition category: The Emerging Leader designation which recognizes and celebrates youth who are making a difference in their communities and striving to make BC a better place. This distinction will acknowledge the incredible dedication and efforts of young leaders. Through this empowerment, a ripple effect will transpire – one that resonates far beyond the initial act of service.  

The Emerging Leader designation will provide a platform for the next generation of leaders to showcase their skills, share their stories, and inspire change. “As we look to the future and the challenges that lie ahead, it is more important than ever to recognize the achievements of youth in our province. They are the ones who will lead us forward, and we need to support and encourage them every step of the way”, said Walter Pela, BC Achievement Board Chair.

The Community Award program has showcased the stories of over 660 British Columbians who have blazed a path forward through their community achievements. Such achievements require strength, courage, and skill, serving as an inspiration for others to follow. Community Award recipients have played a vital role in building stronger and more engaged communities thanks to their exceptional leadership. 

Join the movement by nominating worthy candidates, celebrating our outstanding awardees, and in doing so, build a better British Columbia together. By sharing the stories of inspiring British Columbians, BC Achievement illuminates transformative work, enabling others to follow their examples and create meaningful change in their communities.

Nominations for the Community Award are now open and can be submitted online at bcachievement.com until January 31, 2024. An independent jury panel of community leaders, which includes program alumni, adjudicate the submissions.  

Be part of it #nominatenowbc.  

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

Celebrating the spirit of excellence: bringing continued joy to the season 

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We know very well there are injustices taking place in the world around us and in our very own neighbourhoods. This can often be hard to process and confusing on how to take action. 

Our mission is to elevate excellence and see the good that is happening in BC and we support the work of those who takes action towards justice, hope and love. Our communities thrive when we work together for a common good. 

So keeping love, community and action in mind, we want to continue the joy, adding to the festive season and highlighting a few of this year’s awardees who are doing things to light up and lift up their communities. 

Riley McFerrin of Hinterland design lights up a room! – No pun intended. This hardworking and creative furniture and lighting designer brings life and beauty to functional items. His light Dendera Light Fixture lit up the BC Achievement Applied Art + Design exhibition at The Roundhouse Community Centre last month where guests could see his work up close. And he took the time to share with the audience what drives his artistic passion: 

”People are more important than things. I’ve spent my entire life making objects to the best of my ability but ultimately, it is people that I care about the most. It’s the users of the things that I make, the people that I get to work alongside of – this community of designers and makers here in BC – or the entire rest of the world that is impacted by the materials and processes used.” 

Riley McFerrin, Hinterland Design 

Indigenous Business Award recipient Marcia Turner of Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building is a leader focused on advocating for self-determination and self-government among Indigenous peoples across the province. With a mission that revolves around transformation and systems change at the governance and leadership levels, Marcia works alongside Indigenous communities to amplify their voices, advancing Indigenous rights and title and is inspired by those she aims to serve. 

“A lot of our nations are really doing tremendous work to revitalize our cultural processes and practices. They are doing work in the resurgence of our cultural teachings and languages, and I think that’s really powerful. And it’s what keeps me going in terms of doing this work as I see tremendous innovation and advancement in what communities are doing. I am so honoured and privileged to have visibility to the great work our nations are doing…with the strength of our culture and ancestral traditions to guide us and that’s what makes this so exciting and powerful.”  

Marcia Turner of Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building 

Gerry Nellestijn, Community Award recipient, is a founder and trailblazing force behind the Salmo Watershed Streamkeepers Society an organization that promotes research, awareness and restoration of threatened fish and wildlife and their habitat in the Salmo watershed and beyond. His advocacy has led to several long-term fisheries monitoring projects being funded for over 20 years while protecting the watershed for generations to come. Gerry shared his thoughts on the importance of recognition and how receiving a Community Award creates impact. 

“The Community Award recognition gives us something that is often overlooked, a reward for our efforts. It’s not money or things it’s a form of appreciation. In many cases, and in many places, resilience, collaboration, inclusion and consensus building are often unnoticed even denigrated. The Community Award corrects that and provides honour to our activities. This honour rewards our community as well as the individuals that implement solutions. The Community Award is a milieu for providing a role modelling reward”. 

Gerry Nellestijn, Salmo Watershed Streamkeepers Society 

These awardees and the almost 1000 more that BC Achievement has recognized in its 20 year history, are examples of the impact of one person on the world around them. They elevate excellence and in doing so, inspire change.  

Cheers to those who bring light, love and hope to their communities and carve a path forward for others to follow.  

The future is bright. Thank you to everyone who supports the work we do and helps inspire change. We look forward to working with the people of this province and continuing the celebrations of excellence in 2024. #bepartofit  #nominatenowbc #elevateexcellence

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change

Nominate now for the 4th annual BC Reconciliation Award  

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Now in its fourth year, the BC Reconciliation Award recognizes excellence in the area of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of BC. It aims to showcase leadership in reconciliation so others will follow on the journey forward.  

The BC Reconciliation Award is a partnership program between the BC Achievement Foundation and The Office of the Lieutenant Governor. It draws inspiration form the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the Award. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, currently on display at the BC Legislature buildings, was created as a symbol of reconciliation, with the understanding that “we are all in the same canoe” and must “paddle together” to move forward. 

“Reconciliation serves as the foundation for forging meaningful connections and closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Through acknowledging historical injustices and highlighting transformative initiatives, we inspire others to follow a similar path,” said Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, board member of the BC Achievement Foundation. “As we step into the fourth year of the BC Reconciliation Award, we call for submission of nominations for the award program to help share the efforts of individuals and communities.” 

In honour of this legacy, each years’ recipients receive a print of a canoe paddle designed by  the Polygon Award in First Nations Art Emerging Artist. The following artists have been commissioned by BC Achievement to design the paddle and share their understanding of the reconciliation journey: 

Kwakwaka’wakw artist Cole Speck (2021); 

Dene and Carrier beader Crystal Behn (2022); and,  

Kwakwaka’wakw moccasin maker Jamie Gentry (2023)  

The ongoing series of BC Reconciliation Award paddles will be displayed in Government House. 

Six extraordinary individuals and organizations were recognized in 2022 as recipients of this award. Their exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation, was honoured along with the 2021 recipients at an inaugural ceremony at Government House in Victoria. 

“Nominating individuals and organizations for the BC Reconciliation Award is a powerful testament to collective pledges to healing, unity, and understanding. My hope is that this recognition continues to inspire positive change and strengthens the bonds of reconciliation in our province.  As a juror and past recipient of the BC Reconciliation Award, I am humbled and honoured to witness and be a part of the transformative power of reconciliation efforts in British Columbia and encourage you to nominate those who are making a difference, change is transformative and we all must to our part,” said Chief/Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, former recipient and 2023 Selection Committee member. 

Nominations open November 15, 2023 – January 31, 2024 

Nominations for the BC Reconciliation Award are now open and can be submitted online at bcachievement.com until January 31, 2024. An independent jury panel of Indigenous Elders and leadership, which includes program alumni, adjudicate the submissions.  

Be part of it #nominatenowbc. Share the news! 

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

Nominations are now open for the 21st annual Community Award  

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This month marks the call for nominations for the 21st Community Award. The award program recognizes, celebrates and stewards outstanding British Columbians while elevating their stories of excellence. Individuals are celebrated for their efforts in raising the quality and character of their communities while serving as the ultimate example of dedication and excellence. 

“The Community Award program is a testament to the best of BC. The program has lifted up and told the stories of over 660 British Columbians who have carved a path forward through their community achievement. This requires strength, courage and skill – for others to emulate and, in doing so, builds stronger and more engaged communities,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “Every year, the nominees impress with their desire to be of service to their communities and with their commitment to improve the lives of their neighbours and province.”  

A new designation is included in the launch of the 2024 Call for Nominations. The new Emerging Leader designation will be added to recognize and celebrate young people who are making a difference in their communities and striving to make BC a better place. This distinction will acknowledge the incredible dedication and efforts of young leaders. Through this empowerment, a ripple effect will transpire – one that resonates far beyond the initial act of service.  

“As we look to the future and the challenges that lie ahead, it is more important than ever to recognize the achievements of youth in our province. They are the ones who will lead us forward, and we need to support and encourage them every step of the way”, added Pela. 

“It is an incredible honour and privilege to receive a BC Achievement Community Award. The award has reaffirmed my interests in community service, sustainability, and accessibility and the incredible work of those I am surrounded by. I think it is important to recognize excellence in community service as it helps to increase engagement and foster pride and collaboration in our communities.” Stephanie Quon, 2023 Awardee 

Nominations open December 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024 

Nominations for the Community Award are now open and can be submitted online at bcachievement.com until January 31, 2024. An independent jury panel of community leaders, which includes program alumni, adjudicate the submissions.  

Be part of it #nominatenowbc. Share the news! 

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

Encouraging diversity and a culture of belonging, Community Awardee Jessie Sutherland continues to make an impact 

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Photo: Jessie Sutherland, 2023 Community Award recipient

Community Award recipients demonstrate exceptional commitment to making their communities – and our province – healthier, happier and more hopeful. One such awardee is Jessie Sutherland of Richmond, BC who shares her passion, talent and time in the service of others. In 2023, Jessie was awarded a Community Award for the work she does as an international speaker, trainer, and consultant working with organizations and communities to encourage diversity, build belonging and ignite intercultural collaboration.  

Her approach creates sustainable community change that effectively addresses complex social problems. Jessie’s work has been delivered in over eight languages and has taken her across Canada and around the world to support communities in their efforts to address challenging issues including poverty, homelessness, the overdose crisis, elder abuse, reconciliation, youth engagement and more.  

As founder of the organization Intercultural Strategies, Jessie helps leaders and groups build cultures of belonging to create change in an inclusive and positive way. She is the innovator of the award-winning Belonging Matters Conversations series and capacity-building framework designed to change mindsets, deepen interconnections, impart greater social capital and build stronger communities.  

“A key ingredient for sustaining engagement in any community change initiative is the on-going practice of recognizing and celebrating people, talents and successes along the way. The BC Achievement Community Award models what we all can be doing more of – celebrating and recognizing the talents and contributions of people in our own communities who are doing incredible work. I see BC Achievement Community Award as an invitation for us all to be on the lookout for ways to celebrate each other in small and big ways,” says Jessie. 

Since receiving the award in 2023, Jessie has expanded the reach of her services and is now collaborating with Michael Quinn Patton (former president of the American Evaluation Society), to support organizations in building their teams’ capacity to measure and accelerate belonging in their unique contexts. This includes measuring the impact of their equity and inclusion initiatives so that they can learn what’s working and what needs improving. Jessie and Michael’s new online 6-week program, Measure & Accelerate Belonging, helps create a clear process that gives teams the information they need to access resources and supports to scale their change initiatives across departments and contexts. 

For information about Intercultural Strategies and the work Jessie is doing to support organizations to build genuine cultures of belonging, visit: www.interculturalstrategies.ca . 

Community Award recipients include everyone from ambitious students to established entrepreneurs. “The honourees show us how everyone can have a hand in building a stronger BC. Their stories are sure to inspire British Columbians across the province,” said BC Achievement Board Chair, Walter Pela. 

You can nominate deserving individuals for the Community Award on December 1 at bcachievement.com. Nomination forms are online and BC Achievement staff are available to answer your questions. Deadline to nominate is January 31, 2024. 

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

Kate Metten – Infusing the Ordinary with the Extraordinary 

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Photo: Kate Metten, 2023 Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist

The BC Achievement Applied Art + Design award program honours excellence and inspires achievement throughout the province. By shining a light on the intersection of art and design in our lives, we celebrate the innovative and fearless spirits who create it. More than an award program, it is an investment in the cultural and economic fabric of our province. 

The awardees of the Applied Art + Design program enhance day-to-day life while enriching our collective experiences. Launched in the fall of 2004, the program recognizes up to four BC artists annually, for artistic excellence in functional art. The program includes the Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist designation, named in honour of the late BC-based furniture designer. The award celebrates Judson’s legacy, talents, and entrepreneurial creativity by supporting, mentoring, and highlighting emerging talent within BC’s thriving cultural community of artists and designers. 

A mentor to many aspiring artists and designers, Judson enjoyed sharing his experiences and ideas with students. 

“I tell young people you’re going to have ups and downs…successes and failures, but you just need to learn from it, you just need to keep moving ahead.” 

Kate Metten is the third recipient of the Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist designation since its establishment in 2020. Her pottery is a testament to intuition and muscle memory found within each unique piece. An exceptional commitment and dedication to her craft have made her an emerging artistic force in the world of ceramics. Kate’s journey as a potter is characterized by her one-of-a-kind ceramics that resonate with spirit and soul. Her vessels, masterfully thrown and intricately glazed, are prized by a growing clientele for their exquisite craftsmanship.  

What sets Kate apart is her ability to infuse the ordinary with the extraordinary, transforming everyday objects into iconic art pieces. 

Beyond her artistic prowess, Kate’s contributions to the cultural economy are noteworthy. She runs an atelier bridging the gap between artist and audience. Kate’s impact on the cultural economy extends beyond her own creations. She conducts workshops, mentors students, and curates exhibitions, providing emerging potters and craftspeople with exposure and opportunities. Her success becomes a legacy by which she passes on her knowledge and passion, inspired by the mentors who guided her own journey. 

Kate, along with her fellow 2023 Applied Art + Design award recipients will be celebrated tonight at a ceremony at Vancouver’s Roundhouse. For the first time, the event will be live-streamed thanks to a partnership between BC Achievement and TELUS. 

Join us! Click here to watch the show at 6:30 p.m.

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

Open for Nominations: BC Reconciliation Award program November 15

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Nominate now for the annual BC Reconciliation Award program! 

Now in its fourth year, the BC Reconciliation Award recognizes excellence in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of BC. The Award honours individuals, groups, and organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia or inspire others to continue reconciliation efforts. 

With every story shared, there is the potential for inspiration to spark elsewhere. It’s this potential and these small sparks that allow hope to rise-up within our province. And it is in honouring excellence that BC Achievement hopes to inspire achievement. 

Photo: Sophie Pierre OC, OBC, Patrick Kelly, and David Suzuki, 2021 BC Reconciliation Award recipient

BC Achievement is grateful to work in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia to deliver the program which draws inspiration from the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the award. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, currently on display at the B.C. legislature buildings, was created as a symbol of reconciliation, with the understanding that “we are all in the same canoe” and must “paddle together” to move forward. 

It is time to start considering who is doing this work and tell the stories of reconciliation in action throughout the province and #nominatenowbc! Submissions will be accepted starting November 15, 2023, until January 31, 2024.  

Nominate online at bcachievement.com. All submissions are reviewed by an independent selection committee comprised of representation from Indigenous Elders and leadership. 

Submit your nominations for the BC Reconciliation Award starting November 15, 2023 until January 31, 2024! #nominatenowbc 

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

Shawna Kiesman named Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist – Polygon Award in First Nations Art

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Shawna Kiesman, an emerging artist from Victoria, is a testament to dedication and innovation in her craft. Her heritage includes Ts’msyen, Nisga’a and Haida/German roots and her artistic journey began at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Arts. Shawna continued her education at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and receiving both the Audain Entrance Scholarship and BC Arts Council Scholarship. 

Not bad for someone who never envisioned being an artist. “If you told me when I was in high school that I’m going to win a BC Achievement Award, I would probably think you’re crazy because I never did art. I never thought I would be an artist or even doing anything within my culture so prominently at all.” 

Shawna’s commitment to her artistic development is recognized and elevated in receiving the 2023 Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist designation. The independent jury’s selection denotes that though in the early stages of her professional career, Shawna’s artistic trajectory points her in the direction of advanced artistic development. 

Photo: Shawna Kiesman, 2023 Crabtree McLennan Emerging

As an emerging artist, Shawna’s post-graduation career is thriving, marked by grants and residencies, including the RBC Audain Museum Emerging Artist Program. Permanent collections such as the Nisga’a Museum and Coast Mountain College house and celebrate her work. Each piece is a means of cultural exploration and identity reclamation that delves into her Indigenous heritage. Shawna’s diverse portfolio includes digital art, textiles, drawing, and painting, and is known for its modernized take on everyday items. As a First Nations artist, she seeks to understand her ancestral culture and its complexities while ensuring its continuance and legacy.  

As the recipient of the 2023 Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist, Shawna will be commissioned to design a paddle for the BC Reconciliation Award, another of BC Achievement’s programs – this one in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The symbolism of presenting recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award with a print of the paddle designed by the Crabtree McLennan Emerging artist stems from the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the BC Reconciliation Award. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, currently on display at the BC Legislature buildings, was created as a symbol of reconciliation, with the understanding that “we are all in the same canoe” and must “paddle together” to move forward. 

In honour of this legacy, each year, recipients are presented with a print of a canoe paddle designed by the Emerging Artist recipient of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art. For the 2024 recipients, they will receive a limited edition print of Shawna Kiesman’s designed paddle. Each original paddle hangs in Government House celebrating the awardees and each artists’ interpretation of reconciliation. 

Shawna will be recognized for her artistic accomplishments at the Dinner and Award Presentation on November 15. Purchase tickets for the event at bcachievement.com. 

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

IBA Gala 2023: A vibrant celebration of Indigenous business

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The 15th annual IBA Gala Dinner, hosted last night at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, was a vibrant celebration of the exceptional achievements of eight Indigenous businesses. Chief David Jimmie and Geena Jackson co-hosted the event, joined by over 650 guests, as business excellence was showcased through the premiere of recipient films, sharing their entrepreneurial journeys. 

Cloy-e-iis Judith Sayers, BC Achievement board member, encapsulated the program’s intent, commending the awardees for their unwavering determination, tenacity, viability, and remarkable commitment to excellence. She highlighted the unique dedication of Indigenous businesses to giving back to their communities. 

BC Achievement expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the 2023 IBA sponsorship family for their invaluable support. 

To our readers, we invite you to be part of last night’s challenge and nominate businesses for the 2024 IBA program. The fast track nomination period remains open until Friday at 5:00 pm, and nominators have the exciting chance to win two VIP tickets to the 2024 IBA Gala Presentation Dinner in an upcoming draw. Click here to nominate!  Note that the Call for Nominations will be active in May 2024. 

For those who missed the ceremony, you can catch the recording through this link, and the films featuring the awardees are accessible on BC Achievement’s website and YouTube channel. Join us in sharing and celebrating these exceptional entrepreneurial accomplishments. 

Congratulations again to all the 2023 IBA recipients! 

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