Category: Blog

First Nations Art Award recipient profile – Latham Mack, Nuxalk carver 

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Photo: Latham Mack, 2022 First Nations Art Award recipient

As a 2022 First Nations Art Award recipient, Latham Mack’s artistic journey is documented in a short film produced by BC Achievement. With an intent to preserve and share Latham’s Nuxalk culture while serving as inspiration for other emerging artists and students, the film tells a beautiful story. 

Leading the film’s narrative, Latham re-tells the tale of four brothers and how thunder came to be. “They went hunting mountain goats [when] it got dark on them on the ledge of a cliff, so they set up camp. During the night they woke to the sound of thunder. When they looked up to the sky [they saw] the thunder and in its hands, it held a crystal ball and every time the thunder shook the crystal ball lightning would flash. The youngest brother cut a hole in his blanket, and he watched the thunder dance on the mountain top. He returned to our community, shared the story with one of the carpenters, and they carved a mask. And that is how the Thunder came [to be].” 

Storytelling and tradition are an integral part of Latham’s upbringing, and their influence is evident in his carvings. Equally as influential was growing up in Bella Coola surrounded by artistic family members and attending Acwsalcta School, which exposed him to culture and art at a very young age.  

Latham learned carving from his late grandfather, hereditary chief Lawrence Mack. 

“My grandfather was carving masks for his up-and-coming potlatch and I’d go down after school every day and I’d watch him carve and see him removing this wood and see this figure coming to life. Then one day he finally said, ‘you come here every day you might as well start carving’ so he gave me a block of wood and I carved my first mask at the age of 13.”  

Latham’s dedication and commitment to his art training continued through his studies at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art followed by an apprenticeship under Bob Dempsey. “He took me under his wing and started teaching me. He’s like a father figure to me.”  

And now, with years of carving experience to back him, up Latham is keen to keep the tradition alive. “Our ancestors never carved our masks to hang on the wall. Keeping the tradition alive I got my own kids now that I’m looking forward to passing down that knowledge for them to carry forward.” 

Watch the short films on each of the First Nations Art recipients on our YouTube channel and prepare to be inspired. 

The recipients of the 2023 Polygon Award in First Nations Art will be announced in October at bcachievement.com and shared across all of our social media channels.

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

Louise Perrone, Jeweller: “using unconventional materials in an interesting way”

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Photo: Louise Perrone, 2022 Applied Art + Design Award recipient

Louise Perrone designs jewellery that lives beyond adornment and speaks to innovation, re-purposing, and thoughtfulness. Recipient of the 2022 Applied Art + Design Award (AAD), this jeweller never planned to pursue this path. Despite that, she has left a significant mark in the world of fashion, design, and applied art, more than two decades after immigrating to Canada from her native UK. 

BC Achievement, in preparation for the 2022 AAD awardees’ recognition, interviewed Louise for a short film highlighting her creative process, inspiration and vision for the future of her art. “I’m really interested in making things with my hands and using unconventional materials in an interesting way. One of the things about my work that I found is when I’m wearing it around other jewellers, from a distance they’re like ‘what is that made of’ and they want to come close and can’t figure out whether it’s metal or what it is.” 

Louise’s textile jewellery explores issues of gender, labour, and sustainability by combining goldsmithing traditions with hand-sewing. Using materials derived from domestic and industrial textile and plastic waste, Louise’s work involves altering plastic objects and enveloping them in fabric, inviting a consideration of what jewellery can conceal and reveal about the maker, the wearer, and ourselves. 

“I was making things from found objects like gloves that I picked up in the street, fabric, textiles all kinds of different materials. I was interested and I still am interested in how jewellery is a way of communicating ideas or meaning without having to.”

Her work is a representation of her sense of social responsibility to the world around her. “I’m not interested in making things that already exist or adding to the enormous pile of waste that is already there I’d rather take from that pile of waste and reduce it a little bit and actually draw attention to that pile of waste.” 

Louise’s pieces have been shown in numerous local, national, and international exhibitions, including solo and two-person shows at the Craft Council of BC, and group exhibitions featured in New York City Jewelry Week, JOYA Barcelona, and Athens Jewellery Week. 

This designer is passionate about teaching her skills to others and works as an instructor in the jewellery programs at LaSalle College Vancouver and Vancouver Community College.  

She’s also motivated to create opportunities for artists to thrive and has given back to her community by serving in leadership positions with various artist and craft organizations. “For me my practice is not about selling product, but it is about contributing to ideas about what jewellery can be; about adornment about the value of materials and the value of labour of peoples’ work which is so undervalued.” 

Louise’s plans for the future of her art practice involve going back to her roots. “The way I put things together is very informed by my previous life as a jeweller and metalsmith so now I’m going back in the opposite direction and I’m going to be using those textile techniques in metal, so I’m really excited about that.” 

Watch the short film on the 2022 Applied Art + Design Award recipients on our YouTube channel and prepare to be inspired. 

The recipients of the 2023 Applied Art + Design Award will be announced in October at bcachievement.com and shared across all of our social media channels. 

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

The practice of applied art + design in British Columbia 

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Photo: footwear by John Fluevog, 2008 Award of Distinction recipient

In British Columbia, we have exceptional applied artists and designers who lead their fields with distinction, innovation, and creativity. Recognized recipients of the BC Achievement Applied Art + Design (AAD) award program include Martha Sturdy, Omar Arbel, John Fluevog, and Arc’teryx, among others. 

This program celebrates British Columbians who excel in creating functional art, enhancing day-to-day life while contributing to the province’s cultural and economic fabric. 

Applied art refers to the application of design and aesthetics to everyday objects, such as furniture, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and clothing. It combines functionality and artistic elements, creating beautiful objects that enrich daily life. The creative process often involves collaboration with manufacturers and craftsmen to ensure usability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. 

The AAD program, launched in 2006, has honoured 83 alumni, with 19 receiving the Award of Distinction designation. This award recognizes established artists for their extraordinary and sustained accomplishments in applied art + design, inspiring their community and province. 

Past Award of Distinction recipients include: 

The 2023 AAD award program recipients will be celebrated at an art exhibition from November 15 to 22, followed by a presentation ceremony on November 22 at The Roundhouse in Vancouver. Save the dates and stay tuned for ticket details at bcachievement.com  

Join us in honouring the best of BC’s creative economy and the visionaries who redefine possibilities in functional design. 

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

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

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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

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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  

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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 

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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 

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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!  

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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

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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.