Category: Blog

Celebrating 15 years of the Indigenous Business Award program – thanks to our sponsorship family 

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: Vancity, IBA program sponsor

Since 2009, the Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program has celebrated over 220 Indigenous businesses, showcasing their courage, skill, and strength that reflect the growing Indigenous economy in British Columbia. 

BC Achievement is honoured to uplift these exceptional entrepreneurial models and set a course for others to follow, made possible by our steadfast and evolving sponsorship family. 

Today, we express our heartfelt appreciation to the numerous supporters and partners of the IBA program. With each passing year, our sponsorship family grows, and we are grateful for their belief in and active support of the program’s goals. Together, we have invested over $2.5 million in Indigenous businesses since the launch of the IBA program. 

The 2023 IBA sponsorship campaign is in full swing, and we extend a big thank you to all those supporting the 15th annual IBA program to date. We eagerly anticipate celebrating the 2023 awardees together at the Gala Presentation Dinner in Vancouver on November 1, 2023. Stay tuned for ticket details! 

The theme for this year’s IBA program is ‘building community’ and our sponsors are leading the way.

We extend our thanks to the following funders to date: 

  • Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation 2023 Program Partner – since the 2009 launch (multi-year funding agreement) 
  • Vancity 2023 Awardee sponsor – since 2009 (multi-year funding agreement) 
  • Teck Resources Limited 2023 Presentation sponsor – since 2010 (multi-year funding agreement) 
  • TD Bank Group 2023 Alumni sponsor – since 2013 
  • Ovintiv Canada 2023 Elders’ & Dancers’ sponsor – since 2010 

IBA program 2023 film sponsors: 

  • New Relationship Trust (2010) 
  • BC Hydro (2009) 
  • BC Transit (2019) 
  • Seaspan (2021) 
  • Simpcw Resources Group (program alumni 2019 and sponsor since 2022) 
  • Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (2020) 
  • West Fraser (2018) 

IBA 2023 supporting sponsor: 

  • Fortis BC (2018) 

IBA 2023 community and media sponsors: 

  • BC Ferries 
  • Bear’s Lair 
  • BIV 
  • CFNR 
  • Frog Radio 
  • GlobalBC 
  • Indigenous World Winery 
  • Miss604 
  • Stir Magazine 
  • TELUS
  • World Trade Centre 

Empowering Indigenous businesses is at the core of the IBA program’s vision. Sponsorship funding and in-kind support enable BC Achievement to amplify Indigenous entrepreneurship excellence which serves as a model of success for aspiring entrepreneurs to follow. 

Join us for the 2023 IBA sponsorship campaign and support Indigenous business excellence in BC. 

To sponsor the Indigenous Business Award program, please contact Angela Marston, IBA Program Director, at indigenousbusiness@bcachievement.com. Let’s create opportunities together! 

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

Kat Hartwig, striving to inspire

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: Kat Hartwig, 2023 Mitchell Award of Distinction designate

Kat Hartwig of Brisco, BC inspires those she leads through an unwavering commitment to freshwater protection. As the founder of Living Lakes Canada, and its Executive Director for two decades, Kat recognizes that global water challenges caused by climate change need to be addressed locally. She’s played an instrumental role in many large-scale, environmental conservation initiatives including the Jumbo Wild campaign and the Columbia Wetlands.  

Her work has positive effects locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. And because of her exceptional commitment to elevating her community while empowering those she leads, Kat received the 2023 Mitchell Award of Distinction designation. Kat delivered the awardee address on behalf of her cohort of 20 awardees at the 2023 Community award ceremony at Government House in Victoria. With Her Honour, the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC presiding over the ceremony, along with the BC Achievement board of directors, friends, family and colleagues the 2023 awardees were honoured and celebrated for their efforts in building stronger and more engaged communities.  

The 2023 Mitchell awardee shared what inspires her work, feeds her passion and gets her up in the morning. 

“It is a distinct privilege to speak on behalf of my fellow award recipients whose stories and achievements are both uplifting and inspiring. It has been heartwarming to learn about the commitment, kindness, and vision embodied in the work of the award recipients.   

It can feel as though this remarkable work is eclipsed by the seemingly insurmountable challenges facing society today — so celebrating our successes through the BC Achievement Community Award helps to bolster our fortitude to carry on. 

My parents emigrated to this country after World War II and I grew up on our family ranch near Invermere where my bond with nature was firmly established.   

I have been privileged enough to find a path of work in environmental and water stewardship. This work has been deeply rewarding despite the overwhelming sense of urgency to address the climate and the biodiversity crises we have put ourselves into.   

Fortunately, we also find ourselves in a long overdue era of applied reconciliation, where we have been given another chance to heal relationships with the original people of this land. Perhaps through this process we will learn how to cultivate more respectful relationships with the land and water that we ultimately all depend on. 

So, in service to our communities and by mentoring applied optimism for our young people, we may rejoice in the collective action we all strive to inspire.   

Today we celebrate work that addresses inclusion, accessibility, equity, health, creativity, for the most vulnerable in our province.  From Masset to Salmo, from Victoria to Lillooet, from Surrey, Richmond, Delta, Vancouver, Burnaby, Bowen Island to Ashcroft and Brisco.  

To quote Tao Yuanming, a Chinese poet born over 1600 years ago: ‘Though I am different from you, we were born involved in one another, not by any means can we escape the intimate sharing of good and ill’. The BC Achievement Community Award program provides the space and the platform for us to gather to share and celebrate the good with our families and friends and inspire achievement.” 

Congratulations once again to each of the 2023 Community Award recipients. You can watch the celebration of the 2023 awardees at this link. If you know someone who deserves recognition for their commitment to their community, nominate them starting December 1, 2023 at bcachievement.com 

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

With gratitude to the nominators of BC Achievement’s art award programs  

Posted on by bcachievement

Thank you to the nominators! Submitting nominations for the Polygon Award in First Nations Art and the Applied Art + Design Award is invaluable and makes a difference. Your commitment and enthusiasm in recognizing outstanding artists and designers supports nominees and the greater community. 

Nominating individuals for recognition holds immense benefits for the nominees and the broader community. Nominators play a pivotal role in shining a light on deserving individuals whose stories need to be told. By taking the time to nominate someone for an award, the nominee’s exceptional skills, creativity, and contributions to their respective fields are being actively acknowledged. Nominations serve as a testament to the artist’s talent and dedication, motivating them to continue pursuing their passions and sharing their story. 

The act of nominating also fosters a supportive and encouraging environment. By highlighting the achievements of individuals through nominations, we collectively share in the celebration of talent and excellence. This, in turn, encourages others to strive for excellence and sets a standard of achievement that can inspire the entire province. Nominations are a powerful tool to create a positive ripple effect, inspiring others to follow a similar path to reach their full potential. 

Receiving a nomination is an uplifting experience for the artist. It validates their hard work and commitment to their craft, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment. Being recognized for their skills boosts self-esteem while signifying a career milestone, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Nominations can act as a catalyst for growth, propelling individuals to further excel in their fields and make even greater contributions. 

The act of acknowledging and appreciating talent creates a ripple effect within the community. It creates a culture of support and collaboration, encouraging individuals to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences. The increased visibility of talented individuals also serves as an inspiration for younger generations, nurturing their aspirations and cultivating a rich artistic and creative heritage. 

BC Achievement is grateful to all the nominators who play such a meaningful role in recognizing and celebrating artists. Your nominations have brought deserving individuals into the spotlight where their stories can be told while empowering them to continue making a difference in their respective fields. By supporting and acknowledging the achievements of others, you have contributed to the growth and vibrancy of the cultural community of our province. 

Watch this space for updates this Fall as the awardees of each program are announced. Thank-you nominators, and best of luck, nominees! 

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

Last Chance to Nominate an Artist: Polygon Award in First Nations Art and Applied Art + Design Award 

Posted on by bcachievement

The Polygon Award in First Nations Art and the Applied Art + Design Award remain open for artist submissions. Time is running out, as June 30 marks the final day for online nominations. We encourage you to submit your nominations this week and be part of this opportunity to celebrate and honour exceptional artists and designers. 

Recognizing First Nations Art 

The Polygon Award in First Nations Art serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of artists from BC’s First Nations communities. This annual award recognizes exceptional talent, creativity, and a deep connection to cultural heritage. By participating in the nomination process, you have the power to uplift and support First Nations artists, showcasing their incredible contributions. 

Applauding Applied Art + Design 

The Applied Art + Design Award aims to recognize the fusion of artistic expression and functionality. This award highlights the work of talented artists and designers across various mediums, including ceramics, jewellery, furniture, textiles, and digital design. Nominating an artist or designer in this category is an opportunity to appreciate their ability to blend aesthetics, innovation, and practicality in their creations. By acknowledging their contributions, we encourage the pursuit of excellence in applied art and design. 

#NominatenowBC

With the nomination deadline just a few days away, it’s time get your submissions in! Your nominations carry immense weight, as they provide artists and designers with well-deserved recognition and exposure. Submissions started before midnight on June 30 will be granted an extension of one week to complete the nomination. So, hurry!

Reach out to fellow art lovers, share the news on social media, and encourage everyone to submit their nominations this week.  

Together, we can honour the remarkable contributions of First Nations artists and Applied Art + Design creators! Let’s make a difference by recognizing and uplifting the artistic endeavours that enrich our cultural landscape and in doing so, tell the story of BC. #nominatenowbc at bcachievement.com 

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

Reconciliation: There is Still Much Work to be Done 

Posted on by bcachievement

Reconciliation in BC is an opportunity for the righting of relationships between settlers and the First Nations peoples who have occupied these lands since time immemorial. Embedded in our family histories, legends, and traditions we have an historical record of time and place that begins with the creation of the earth and is passed down through generations. We have complex systems of government; ecological governance systems that aim to plan for the next seven generations. 

When looking at the intentional and strategic assimilation plan historically employed by the Canadian Government, I am left with questions. Laws that ban the events where we discuss complex territorial self-governance, the burning of cultural regalia that was hundreds of years old, sterilizing generations of women, taking our children, and the ongoing impact of intergenerational abuse and trauma experienced by so many, are some of the wrongs which demand answers. 

Though there have been changes and shifts over the last three generations, there remains much work to do to repair current oppressive relationships that still aim to assimilate First Nations people into mainstream society. Systems that are designed to keep the majority of First Nations people dependent on government support need to be dismantled and redesigned to support the empowerment and prosperity of our people. 

Daily I am still subjected to racial slurs, racially rooted misconceptions of what it means to be First Nations, and so I question how the mindsets of individuals have changed when we are still being exposed to the well-established racism against First Nations people in this province. 

Truth acceptance needs to happen before reconciliation can happen. Settlers need to first recognize how they participate in perpetuating racism, change their mindset and belief systems, and then change their behaviour and language. Reconciliation demands the understanding that there are different ontologies and those committed to righting the relationships must have open minds to the idea that there are different cultures and worldviews that people govern and live by. 

For change to happen some say it is the responsibility of the education system, some say it is an organization’s responsibility and some say the individual home is where we can learn. Organizations are responsible for educating their employees, individuals are responsible for educating themselves – both need to learn and adapt their practices on how to work from an Indigenous trauma-informed lens. 

There is still much work to be done.  

To learn more and take action on reconciliation, visit Animikii, a leader in Indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation. 

By Angela Marston, Program Director, Indigenous Business Award 

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

Two decades of celebrating the spirit of excellence in our province: 1000 British Columbians and counting!  

Posted on by bcachievement

For two decades, the British Columbia Achievement Foundation has celebrated the spirit of excellence in our province, honouring outstanding citizens from across British Columbia. With relationships spanning community leaders, Indigenous businesses, First Nations artists, applied artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and supporting organizations, BC Achievement showcases the best of our province. These individuals contribute to stronger communities through their art practices, business practices, reconciliation efforts and community advocacy. As we commemorate our 20th anniversary, we are privileged to shine a light on our diverse and talented alumni who lead the way. 

Over the years, the foundation has uplifted and shared the stories of over 1,000 alumni who have paved the way forward through their achievements. These achievements embody strength, courage, and skill, inspiring others to follow suit and fostering stronger and more engaged communities. 

Recently, I had the honour of serving as the Director of Ceremonies at the 20th annual Community Award Presentation Ceremony at Government House. In the presence of the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, we celebrated the exceptional 2023 Community Program awardees. Each of these individuals serves as an example of leadership, dedication, and selflessness, forming a constellation of exceptional talents united in brilliance. This year’s ceremony showcased the remarkable contributions of individuals from across our province, aligning with the mission of the BC Achievement Foundation to elevate excellence and inspire achievement among all British Columbians. 

At the ceremony, I was pleased to announce a new category of the Community Award program: The Emerging Leader Award designation, set to launch in 2024. Recognizing the importance of youth achievements in shaping our future, we must support and encourage them every step of the way. The Emerging Leader Award will provide a platform for the next generation of leaders to showcase their skills, share their stories, and inspire change. We are excited to embark on this new initiative. 

Join the movement by nominating worthy candidates, celebrating our outstanding awardees, and in doing so, build a better British Columbia. Together we can strengthen our commitment to elevating stories of excellence and inspiring change by supporting all five of BC Achievement’s programs. 

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. Here’s to the future! 

By Walter Pela, BC Achievement Board Chair 

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

Calling for nominations! Apply now for
BC Achievement’s art award programs – open until June 30

Posted on by bcachievement

BC Achievement’s art award programs allow incredible people to be recognized and elevated by their peers and communities. It is a celebration of the province’s growing and critical creative economy. Nominate now and help shine the light on excellence in BC! 

Beginning June 1 through June 30, nominations for artists are being accepted for the First Nations Art and the Applied Art + Design programs.  

Applying for an award serves as a platform to communicate an artist’s work, vision and creativity. The process invites an opportunity for critical artistic reflection and exposes artists and designers to a wider audience. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged. Recipients receive a cash prize, they participate in an exhibition showcasing their art, a film is produced outlining their artistic journey and their story is celebrated through province-wide recognition. There are so many reasons to nominate! 

The Polygon Award in First Nations Art (FNA), now in its 17th year, recognizes BC First Nations artists for excellence in traditional, contemporary or media art including those who have demonstrated a commitment to their art practice; have accumulated a body of work; and who are recognized in their communities as artists. Up to four artists will be selected to receive the award. 

Nominations are invited from throughout the province from BC First Nations artists who practice traditional or contemporary visual art in fields such as, but not limited to, carving, photography, beading, weaving, jewellery, painting, masks, sculpture, stonework, printmaking, basketry, textiles, and media art. 

“Anytime you can do artwork and put it out there and make the Indigenous presence in these areas known, that could inspire a young Indigenous person to pursue their traditional art and culture.” 

Qwul’thilum Dylan Thomas, 2022 FNA Award Recipient 

The second art program is the Applied Art + Design (AAD) Award which, since 2004, has been celebrating British Columbians who excel in creating functional art. The program recognizes artists who work in mediums such as furniture, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, weaving, glass, fashion, to industrial design. Up to four artists will be selected to receive the award. 

“It is important to draw attention to the work of craftspeople in applied arts and design by honouring them with these kinds of awards for excellence in their field. It is a public endorsement and reminder of the value of handcrafting which celebrates individual achievement over mass manufacturing which dehumanizes it.” 

Robert Anderson, 2022 AAD Award of Distinction Recipient 

Nominations for this year’s award will be accepted through BCAF’s website from June 1-30. Recipients will be announced in October, with an exhibit of their selected works taking place November 15 – 22 at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre in downtown Vancouver. 

For more information about the BC Achievement Foundation and  its award programs, visit bcachievement.com.  

#nominatenowbc

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

Last Chance to Nominate an Indigenous Business for the 2023 IBA Program – Nominate Now! 

Posted on by bcachievement

“The award had a profound impact on our company and community, propelling us to the next level.”
Curtis Thomas, Warrior Plumbing, North Vancouver, 2022 IBA Recipient – Business of the Year (11+ employees) 

When and Where to Nominate? 
Nominations for the 2023 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program close tonight, May 31, 2023, at midnight. Visit the BC Achievement website and scroll down to access the nomination form. 

How to Nominate? 
Nominate easily and conveniently online at bcachievement.com. If you have any questions, reach out to indigenousbusiness@bcachievement.com for assistance.

Who Can Nominate? 
Anyone, including individuals, groups, or organizations, can submit nominations. Business owners also have the option to self-nominate. 

Qualifications: 
To be eligible, businesses must meet the following criteria:
– Indigenous-owned and operated (51%+) 
– Based in BC
– Operational for at least two years 

Categories for Recognition: 
An impartial jury panel, comprising Indigenous business experts across BC, evaluates nominations based on provided documentation. The panel selects recipients in the following categories:
– Young Entrepreneur of the Year 
– Business of the Year – 1-2 employees 
– Business of the Year – 3-10 employees 
– Business of the Year – 11+ employees 
– Community-Owned Business of the Year – one entity 
– Community-Owned Business of the Year – two or more entities 
– Business Partnership of the Year 
– Award of Distinction (non-juried) 

Why Nominate? 
The IBA program fosters innovation and promotes mutually beneficial partnerships. Over the years, the program has acknowledged over 200 successful Indigenous businesses since its inception in 2009. 

Join us in expanding this remarkable alumni network and participate in honoring excellence while celebrating Indigenous businesses across the province. By doing so, you support and sustain Indigenous entrepreneurship and inspire others to strive for the same. 

Save the Date! 
BC Achievement is thrilled to announce the Indigenous Business Award Gala Dinner, where the 2023 recipients will be honored on November 1st in Vancouver! Stay tuned for more details regarding ticket sales and event information. 

Take part in inspiring achievement by nominating a deserving business. Together, we can elevate excellence. Submit your nominations at bcachievement.com before midnight on May 31, 2023. 

Elevate Excellence in BC!  #nominatenowbc #bepartofit #elevateexcellence 

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

Celebrating the 20th Annual Community Award Presentation Ceremony at Government House: Recognizing Extraordinary Leadership in British Columbia 

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: Community Award recipients

On May 10th, Her Honour, The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, delivered a heartfelt address to the 2023 recipients of the Community Award program and to the audience gathered to witness the ceremony.

In her remarks, she called attention to the exceptional leadership witnessed in recent years, both locally in BC and around the world, which aligns with the extraordinary times we live in. Her Honour emphasized that generous and responsible leadership takes various forms, and, in our province, we have firsthand experiences of the profound and transformative impact that each of the recipients can have on our communities. She spoke of the shared motivation among British Columbians to serve others, improve lives, strengthen community well-being, and expand opportunities for all. Her Honour highlighted the incredible strength we possess as a community, emphasizing that our ability to address the complex and interconnected challenges we face depends on each and every one of us, citizens who embrace shared responsibility for one another. In closing, she expressed her heartfelt belief that the recipients give her hope for a better world, truly acknowledging their significant contributions and inspiring leadership. 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the BC Achievement Foundation and its cornerstone program – the Community Award, which highlights the outstanding achievements of remarkable individuals in BC. The program has showcased the stories of over 650 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 throughout BC for the past two decades. 

Each of the awardees has made unique contributions to their communities, whether through volunteering or their daily work—or often both. This year’s recipients surpass expectations in their dedication and service to others, devoting their time and energy to create more caring, dynamic, and distinctive communities. The models of practice they have established within their immediate communities are now expanding, being replicated, and flourishing, thanks to their exceptional leadership.

At BC Achievement, our mission is to elevate excellence and inspire achievement. We aim to recognize and celebrate the strength, courage, and skill of those who are making a difference in their communities, striving to make BC a better place for all. Their efforts ensure others follow their lead. 

To learn more about the awardees and their inspiring stories, please visit this link. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the jury panel members who faced the challenging task of selecting the 2023 awardees: Mayor Sarrah Storey of Fraser Lake, Mayor Maja Tait of Sooke, and esteemed program alumni Kal Dosanjh of Surrey, Julie Fowler of Penticton, and Sqwulutsultun William (Bill) Yoachim of Nanaimo. 

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

Nominations build individual capacity and community 

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: 2022 IBA award recipient, Culture Shock Life, Andrea & Donna Cranmer

There’s no shortage of excellence in British Columbia. Bringing that excellence to the attention of the people of this province is the reason we exist. BC Achievement’s mission includes recognizing the accomplishments of individuals, groups and organizations in the areas of community leadership, applied art + design, First Nations art, Indigenous entrepreneurship and reconciliation.   

Nominators are key to the success of these programs – they are the ones who take the time to submit a nomination for an individual or business in their community. These nominations serve both the individual and the community by recognizing and celebrating the exceptional achievements and contributions made by individuals, motivating them to continue doing good work and inspiring others to follow suit.  

For the individual, being nominated for an award can be a significant source of validation, affirmation, and motivation. Recognition of their hard work and achievements can boost their confidence, leading to increased productivity and a sense of purpose. It can also provide a sense of belonging, as they become part of a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about similar things.   

“We started our business trying to find ways to be self-sustainable. We come from a family that practices our traditional ways. When people come to Culture Shock, they become our friends. I think my gran would be really proud of us. It shows Indigenous women that it can be done.” Andrea and Donna Cranmer, Culture Shock Life, Alert Bay, 2022 IBA recipient. 

In addition to the benefits for the individual or the business, nominating for awards is also important for building a strong and supportive community. This recognition is particularly important in encouraging collaboration and promoting a culture of excellence. When people see their peers being acknowledged for their work, it can inspire them to aim higher and strive for excellence. This, in turn, creates a community of individuals who are motivated to work together towards common goals, promoting a sense of shared purpose. It’s like a ripple in the water, propelled forward by its source. 

By recognizing and celebrating exceptional work and contributions, we create a culture of excellence that inspires individuals to do their best and work towards common goals. The recognition of one awardee affects others, the impact rippling outward, building momentum while impacting countless lives.  

We salute the nominators. Keep on nominating, your work is building up individuals and communities. 

#nominatenowbc 

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