Category: Blog

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.

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

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“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 

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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 

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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.

A Spotlight on Carol Lee by Anne Giardini

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Photo: BC Achievement Foundation Board Member, Carol Lee, OBC

Fellow board member Carol Lee is one of the busiest, most successful, kindest and most thoughtful people I know. She has had a long career in business, and in community-building and philanthropy. In all she does, Carol is not only following in the footsteps of her remarkable parents, Lily and the late Bob Lee, but is making her own unique contributions to the life of our province. 

Carol is involved in BC Achievement because of her interest in the contributions and achievements of all British Columbians and her belief that stronger, more inclusive communities across BC are important for the future of our province. 

One of Carol’s projects, the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, is driven by her desire to preserve, enhance, sustain and celebrate Vancouver’s famous Chinatown.  

In 2021, Carol launched the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown. The Storytelling Centre is a showpiece, a lively, interactive and constantly changing place where stories, history and artifacts are brought together to delight, educate and build community understanding.  

Visitors to the Centre learn of the many ways in which members of the Chinese community have participated in building and shaping British Columbia. Their stories amplify the contributions of valued friends and fellow citizens, and also shed light on the experiences we all share – experiences of family, loss, movement, building, culture, society and more. 

Some of stories that are told at the Centre honour the sacrifices made by previous generations. Chinese arrivals to British Columbia, and their descendants, faced barriers, taxes, disenfranchisement, and other forms of discrimination and yet persevered. For many of them, Chinatown was a place of connection and acceptance, a place of belonging in what could be a hostile environment.  

The Centre is also home to a unique gift store, and events that include readings, interviews, music, dance, food, walks and more. Where else can you learn, for example, about the wisdom of Chinese grandmothers, hear the little-known stories of Chinese pilots (including perhaps Canada’s first woman pilot), and enjoy Lunar New Year treats? 

More about the Chinatown Storytelling Centre can be found at https://www.chinatownstorytellingcentre.org/  

More about our own remarkable Carol Lee can be found at bcachievement.com 

By Anne Giardini, Past Board Chair, BC Achievement Foundation

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

IBA: Open for Business 

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The fifteenth annual Indigenous Business Award program is now open for nominations! Do you know a business that demonstrates outstanding achievement? Nominate them now for the 2023 Indigenous Business Award. 

The IBA program recognizes the contributions of extraordinary Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs across BC, while helping to elevate connections between the province’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies. 

“The ambition, tenacity, and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs and their businesses drives them forward, strengthens our economy, and supports Indigenous economic empowerment and a shared prosperity for our province,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “I encourage everyone throughout British Columbia to nominate an outstanding Indigenous entrepreneur or Indigenous-owned business and #nominatenowbc,” he added. 

“Our young people need to be inspired and we have a responsibility to uplift our youth so they know whatever they set their minds to they can achieve.” Chief David Jimmie 2022 IBA Award of Distinction recipient. 

Nominations are invited from throughout the province and aim to showcase business excellence in the following categories: Young Entrepreneur, Business Partnerships, Community-Owned and Business of the Year awards for one-to-two-people, three-to-10-people, and enterprises with 11-or-more people. 

By recognizing outstanding people and businesses, the IBA program highlights Indigenous entrepreneurship while modelling success for others to follow. Now in its 15th year, the program counts over 220 remarkable businesses among its alumni.  

For more information about the BC Achievement Foundation or the IBA program, please visit bcachievement.com. #nominatenowbc 

The IBA program is presented by BC Achievement in partnership with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and is generously supported by Vancity, Enbridge, TD, Teck, BC Hydro, BC Transit, CN, New Relationship Trust, Ovintiv, Pembina, Seaspan, Simpcw Resources Group, TELUS, Port of Vancouver – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Western Indigenous Pipeline Group, All Nations Trust Company, Bennett Jones, Coast Capital, Copper Mountain Mine, Dentons, FortisBC, Ledcor, and West Fraser.

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

Polygon Homes and BC Achievement renew partnership honouring First Nations art in BC

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Photo: James Nexw’Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry, 2021 First Nations Art Award Recipient

“We must continue to inspire the next generation of Indigenous people to pursue their dreams. Showcasing people who took risks and followed their passion will continue to inspire the future generations to do the same.” 

James Nexw’Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry, 2021 First Nations Art Award Recipient 

Highlighting the significance of First Nations art and its place in British Columbia, Polygon Homes Ltd. and the BC Achievement Foundation have renewed their collaboration to deliver the annual BC Achievement Polygon Award in First Nations Art (FNA) program for the next three years. The foundation salutes Polygon Homes for its generous donation with grateful thanks and is excited to embark on this shared endeavour to elevate excellence and inspire change in our province. 

The FNA program will recognize artistic excellence while honouring First Nations traditions that permeate the artists’ work, and in doing so, create a platform for engagement, mentorship and storytelling. Since 2007, BC Achievement has celebrated the FNA recipients through year-long amplification of recipient stories using its online film library, digital campaigns (since 2020), and recipient art exhibitions and presentation ceremonies at The Roundhouse (since 2017). A culture of celebration and storytelling has been developed through the lenses of program recipients and alumni. The BC Achievement and Polygon Homes collaboration aims to provide an authentic space where recipients and their communities are honoured and celebrated with a goal to elevate excellence and inspire change.  

In addition, the FNA program is connected to the BC Reconciliation Award program which is presented by BC Achievement in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of BC. Each year, the FNA emerging artist is commissioned by BC Achievement to design a paddle, emblematic of their understanding of reconciliation. The original paddle is housed at Government House and framed photographs are presented to the recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award program. 

Current award celebrations include an art exhibition which will culminate in a Presentation Ceremony Dinner honouring the recipients of the 2023 Polygon Award in First Nation Art on November 16, 2023 at The Roundhouse, Vancouver. The dinner celebration will include the premiering of films showcasing each of the 2023 awardees’ accomplishments. More details including ticket purchasing options will be available in the early fall. In 2022, the foundation’s two art programs (FNA and Applied Art + Design) combined in a successful joint exhibition – open to the public, and we are pleased to announce that this practice will be repeated for 2023. 

The 2023 Polygon Award in First Nations Art marks the 17th annual offering of the program which stands on the excellence of the 95 recipients who have received this important recognition and the philanthropic community which supports BC Achievement’s programming. For more information visit bcachievement.com 

“I’m honoured to be recognized for the Award of Distinction. I feel it acknowledges and encourages the positive direction in the progression of the art here in the north. It is important to recognize excellence to set standards and inspire the next generation.” 

Stan Bevan, 2021 Award of Distinction, First Nations Art Award 

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

Pushing the Boundaries of Furniture Design: Applied Art + Design Awardee, Sholto Scruton 

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Photo: 2019 Applied Art + Design Award recipient, Sholto Scruton

Sholto Scruton received a BC Achievement Applied Art + Design Award in 2019 for his outstanding talent, dedication to furniture design and public installations, along with his contributions to the arts and culture community in British Columbia.  

As a Vancouver-based furniture designer Sholto has been making a name for himself in the industry for his unique and innovative designs as well as his commitment to promoting the value of locally-sourced products. 

Sholto’s passion for furniture design began at a young age and he pursued his interest by completing a Visual Arts degree from the University of Victoria (Canada) and then a Masters degree in Industrial Design At the Manchester Metropolitan University (UK), where he honed his skills and developed a keen eye for detail for sculpture and industrial design. As he began working in the industry, designing and building first sofas for manufacture, then furniture for clients including Global affairs, his work gained recognition for its unique aesthetic and impeccable craftsmanship.  

Since 2001, Sholto has been dedicated to designing exceptional furniture and public installations. His career includes beautifully detailed wooden furniture, customized metal structures for public spaces, and exciting and engaging pieces for exhibitions. The focus of Sholto’s work is on people and how they use and interact with their environment. 

Photo: Sholto Scruton, Cauldron, digital design

Sholto’s work is characterized by its clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and use of natural materials such as wood. His commitment to social and environmental responsibility is apparent in all his projects, as he uses local crafts people along with regionally sourced natural materials to achieve a beautiful and intended design integration. 

Currently, Scruton is working on a number of new projects, including a line of furniture inspired by the versatility of upcycled materials, particularly materials from the West Coast. He is also exploring new materials and techniques, experimenting with the use of tube laser cutting and welding, 3D printing and other cutting-edge technologies to push the boundaries of what is possible in furniture design. 

In addition to his work as a furniture designer, Sholto is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has taught numerous workshops and courses on furniture design and woodworking and is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with others. He is currently working as a part time Product Design Instructor at the Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen University’s Richmond campus.  

Recently, Sholto was selected to design the cauldron for the 2023 Canada Games, hosted in Prince Edward Island from Feb 19 – March 5. The cauldron held the flame for the duration of the games and was designed not only for its functional purpose, but also for its symbolic value. “The perpetual ring of fire symbolizes the ongoing inspiration that athletes have continually drawn from each other and pass onwards. The black spruce, silver birch, sweetgrass and red cedar span Canada and represent our unity and our diversity.” 

The project is a testament to his dedication to promoting the value of handmade and locally sourced products, and his belief in the power of design to inspire and unite communities. The cauldron was designed in Vancouver and manufactured in Prince Edward Island by Charlottetown Metal Products, less than 10 kilometers from where the first Canada Games were held in 1967, and the place where this cauldron starts its new life. The cauldron will travel to subsequent games for the foreseeable future. 

Sholto’s work is now primarily focused on public spaces and particularly the outdoors and furniture. Collaborating with local companies, creatives and institutions on furniture and accessories for outdoor public spaces. 

Nominations for the Applied Art + Design Award open on June 1, 2023. 

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