Category: Blog

Watch the films on BC’s First Nations artists  

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Photo: 2022 Award Recipient, Latham Mack

BC Achievement’s First Nations Art Award (FNA) program honours BC artists for excellence in traditional and contemporary First Nations Art. Whether that’s carving, painting, beading, or basket weaving, over 16 years of exceptional First Nations artists have been celebrated for their respective practices. And not just those who have years of experience under their ‘carving’ belt, as the Crabtree McLennan designation has been recognizing emerging First Nations artists since 2016. Emerging and established creators have been celebrated for their skills, many of which have been passed down to the artist from aunties, uncles, grannies and granddads, moms, dads and community elders. That’s what makes this award so unique. The skills, the inspiration and the stories expressed by these artists are an evolution from many generations and it’s through today’s artists that we see these traditional art forms thrive. 

Preserving these stories and these artistic techniques is an important practice for all British Columbians as these stories are part of our province’s collective history. The learnings enrich our culture, strengthen the ties between communities, and increase understanding and reconciliation. 

Photo: 2022 Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist, Jamie Gentry

Collecting these stories of BC’s talented First Nations artists has been BC Achievement’s practice since 2006. For each artist receiving a BC Achievement First Nations Art Award (that’s a total of 95 artists over 16 years!) we have gone to the artist’s home and studio to produce a short film which captures their practice and its influences.  

The film highlights the artist’s inspiration, their style of work, what drives them, their challenges and their successes and their dreams for future generations of artists. No small task to complete in an under-5-minute film! But these stories are worth telling and worth sharing. They serve as a capsule holding immense knowledge, stories and skills of each artist and are valuable not just to preserve history, but as a way to look forward. A way for other artists to look at those who’ve paved the path before them and follow in their footsteps. And these compelling stories inspire young First Nations students to take pride in their traditional artistic practices while teaching non-Indigenous learners a diverse and traditional way of life. 

We have made these films available as part of an online archive library for the public on BC Achievement’s YouTube channel. Please watch and please share.  

Watch the films of the 2022 First Nations Art awardees here: 

Jamie Gentry – Kwakwaka’wakw, Sooke – Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist  

Latham Mack – Nuxalk, Kamloops 

Qwul’thilum Dylan Thomas – Lyackson First Nation, Victoria 

Reg Davidson – Haida, Masset – Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement 

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

Dr. Tracey Thorne: serving the Gabriola Island community with her time, energy and passion

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Photo: 2022 Community Award recipient, Dr. Tracey Thorne

Thanks in large part to Dr. Tracey Thorne, Gabriola Island is supported by: 

  • A community-organized Gabriola Health & Wellness Collaborative;
  • A mental health and substance use nurse and a social worker; and 
  • Access to palliative care programs along with counselling programs for new mothers 

Tracey is an advocate for her community’s health and well-being whose medical practice demonstrates excellence in patient care, while identifying critical needs and seeking concrete solutions. Her outstanding contributions to healthcare on Gabriola Island were recognized with a 2022 BC Achievement Community Award. 

Working in a ferry-dependent community and providing healthcare is of utmost importance to Tracey. Faced with a growing number of patients struggling with mental illness, Tracey has been instrumental in creating a position for a specialized nurse and a social worker – both of whom are now embedded in the community. She started a community organization – the Gabriola Health and Wellness Collaborative and created a palliative care program on the island as well.  

A refuge for many during the pandemic, Tracey has been a strident advocate for the most vulnerable. She led the development of a patient-centered model of healthcare on the island where services are exceptionally well integrated. Her work includes the Youth Wellness Clinic and the Adult Mental Health and Substance Use Spread Network in Nanaimo. Tracey was awarded a grant to develop the Mama Mood program, a facilitated counselling and support group for mothers on Gabriola Island.  

In this last year she has continued her involvement with the Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice as the Co-Chair of the Board, and the Regional Physician Lead for Vancouver Island – supporting rural doctors and health care initiatives in communities across BC. She has also become the Co-Chair of the Interdivisional Strategic Council for Vancouver Island, a collaborative initiative between Divisions of Family Practice, Island Health and the First Nations Health Authority. The work of that collective, over this period, has been focused on mental health and cultural safety. Being this busy, Tracey and Gabriola Health & Wellness Collaborative is looking for another community-minded family physician or general practitioner to join their team to serve the residents of Gabriola. 

Tracey believes that being recognized as the recipient of the Community Award has given her the opportunity to reflect.  

“I have realized that making a difference locally, in a way that is tangible for the people in my community and the patients that I serve, is the most rewarding use of my time, energy and passion. As we all roll into this phase of the pandemic, I am now looking at ways to be more community focused again. I enjoy my work on a provincial and regional level but seeing change in my own community really makes me happy.” 

Dr. Tracey Thorne is one of twenty recipients who received the Community Award in 2022 for extraordinary dedication and community service from throughout the province. Nominations are open for the 2023 award program – so if you know someone who makes a positive difference in your community, a person who works to make your community strong, compassionate, and vibrant, nominate them!  

Nominations are being accepted at bcachievement.com until January 31, 2023 for the 20th annual Community Award program. #nominatenowbc 

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

Creating the foundation for reconciliation to thrive – Nominate for a BC Reconciliation Award today! 

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Photo: 2021 BC Reconciliation Award Recipient, Kwuntiltunaat Kim Baird
Blog updated: Jan 17, 2023

With two days left to nominate for the 2023 BC Reconciliation Award, it’s valuable to look at program alumni and the groundwork created for others to follow. We challenge you to consider those whose efforts on the journey of reconciliation need to be told and nominate them for the 2023 award program! Alumna Kwuntiltunaat Kim Baird’s life work has provided a foundation that will create the opportunity for the process of reconciliation to thrive.  

In partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, BC Achievement is privileged to honour Kim, share her story, and inspire others to nominate those on the reconciliation journey through the BC Reconciliation Award program. Recognized with her fellow 2021 and 2022 award alumni last week at Government House, Kim, the proud mother of three girls, has been leading her community for close to three decades. At the age of 28, Kim was elected Chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN). She held this important position for six terms, from 1999-2012. In that role Kim’s early achievements towards reconciliation took place. On behalf of TFN she negotiated BC’s first urban modern treaty, which came into effect on April 3, 2009. The treaty provided unprecedented benefits and opportunities, and her leadership contributed to TFN being one of the most progressive First Nations in Canada. She says, “true reconciliation” means “no longer being tethered to the Indian Act, and gaining access to financial resources and economic opportunities, and to services and programs for TFN members.”   

Kim is a graduate of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, receiving the Distinguished Alumni award in 2012 and currently serves as the University’s Chancellor. Kim graduated in 1992 with an Arts Diploma and she credits her studies at Kwantlen with awakening her political consciousness: ‘I was working on papers on my community of Tsawwassen. I learned about colonization, land claims process and why there are such poor economic conditions for Aboriginal peoples’. She graduated with a determination to improve the lives of her people and started working for her community in 1990. She hopes that her roles as chancellor will contribute to KPU’s evolving role with Indigenous reconciliation in Canada.   

In the spirit of the BC Reconciliation Award, Kim believes that respect must go beyond Aboriginal rights and title. It needs to be reflected in laws, policies and in the operations of government and the courts. To support this ongoing quest, Kim now runs her own consulting firm and continues to share her expertise on many public and private boards, working tirelessly to serve her community in both official and unofficial capacities. She advises First Nations, governments, businesses and other organizations on Indigenous matters and served two terms as a jury member of the BC Achievement Indigenous Business Award program. 

Nominate a deserving individual, group or organization for the 2023 BC Reconciliation Award at bcachievement.com TODAY! Nomination forms are online and BC Achievement staff is available to answer your questions. Deadline to nominate is January 20, 2023. Help tell the stories like that of Kim Baird and highlight  those working on the path to reconciliation #nominatenowbc. 

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

The inaugural award ceremony for those leading reconciliation efforts in BC 

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Photo: Crystal Behn, 2022 BC Reconciliation Award Paddle

Next week the recipients of the British Columbia Reconciliation Award will gather at Government House in Victoria for a formal award presentation ceremony. The BC Reconciliation Award, one of the first of its kind in Canada, was launched in November 2020 to recognize individuals, groups and organizations who are advancing conversations and action on reconciliation in BC. Over the past two years, the award has attracted province-wide attention with nominations reflecting a range of unique efforts, size, scale and level of impact. 

The awardees from the inaugural offering of the program – the 2021 recipients – as well as the 2022 award recipients were recognized for their accomplishments through a social media campaign upon initial awardee announcements. However, they have not had the chance to meet each other, exchange ideas, share congratulations for their achievements, or be presented their award, until now! 

On January 12, these awardees will be presented with a print of a canoe paddle designed by the Emerging Artist recipient of the First Nations Art Award program. The 2021 paddle was created by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Cole Speck, and the 2022 paddle was created by Dene and Carrier beader Crystal Behn. The ongoing series of BC Reconciliation Award paddles will be displayed in Government House. 

The commitment of these recipients to working toward reconciliation is inspiring and provides hope for stronger relationships and communities. With the mission to elevate excellence, share success and inspire change, BC Achievement, through its continued partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, is honoured to present the third year of the BC Reconciliation Award program. By highlighting those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts, we will all benefit. 

Nominate a deserving individual, group or organization for the 2023 BC Reconciliation Award at bcachievement.com. Nomination forms are online and BC Achievement staff are available to answer your questions. Deadline to nominate is January 20, 2023. 

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

Outstanding dedication builds stronger communities 

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Photo: 2022 Community Award recipient, David He

The 20th anniversary of BC Achievement’s Community Award program gives reason to consider the many people in this province who lift up their communities through commitment and service. For two decades, BC Achievement has been honoured to showcase the accomplishments of over six hundred British Columbians for their skill, strength and courage and tell the story of the province’s community engagement. 

The annual Community Award celebrates the spirit, dedication and outstanding contributions of British Columbians. We encourage everyone to join in us in telling the remarkable stories of the people who inspire others through their actions.  

Take for example David He of Burnaby. As a high school student David founded The Global Spotlight Foundation, an international student initiative that transforms youth into changemakers through stories and mentorship. Since then, David has led numerous community projects, including human libraries, conferences, and town halls.  

Last year, David was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to provide policy advice to the Government of Canada through his Youth Council. As one of its leaders, David successfully advocated for the national conversion therapy ban and for increased funding for marginalized communities in the federal budget. His contributions and his leadership are helping communities throughout the country and are the reason he was nominated and awarded the Community Award in 2022. 

Photo: 2022 Community Award recipient, Charissa Tonnesen

Charissa Tonnesen, also a 2022 Community Award recipient, was recognized for her extensive commitment to her Tumbler Ridge community. As a practicing pharmacist in a rural community, she has shared the challenges and rewards of working in a non-urban setting through her volunteer work as a preceptor for UBC Pharmacy students. Charissa has served on numerous boards, inspired youth as a karate champion, and is involved with the local Arts Council. In addition, she now runs the Flatbed Loops for the Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society. Community activism and youth engagement are two of the numerous reasons Charissa’s nomination stood out to the independent jury who selected her for the award. 

Stories of individuals who work hard and are committed to the betterment of their communities help steward the strength of our province. While these individuals do not seek recognition, it’s important to highlight that the work they do matters, and, in doing so, inspire others to follow their lead. 

You can nominate such a deserving individual for the Community Award at bcachievement.com. Nomination forms are online and BC Achievement staff are available to answer your questions. Deadline to nominate is January 31, 2023. 

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

Ending the year with gratitude 

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Photo: (L-R) Douglas Coupland, Sam Carter & Dr. Gillian Siddall

It is timely that we are ending the year on a note of celebration. This year we were able to bring back live award ceremonies where we gathered to honour awardees from four BC Achievement programs. The most recent of which was a celebration of the Indigenous Business Awardees on November 29 – a room filled with over 650 people to honour eight program recipients. Coming together enabled us to appreciate the energy in a fist pump, the connection in a handshake and the warmth in a hug. It also allowed us to welcome this year’s awardees into the BC Achievement alumni family which boasts over 1000 British Columbians strong! 

Honouring awardees is a role our small and mighty organization embraces and we do it in concert with so many of you. It’s a testament to the support of community partners, sponsors, nominators, leadership and those of you who share our calls for nomination and our stories of the awardees. So, from our hearts, we thank you. It is with gratitude that we close this year and open the new one with promise of stronger relationships, increased nominations and more stories to elevate and inspire achievement.  

If you’re wondering why we do what we do, and the importance of recognizing wonderful people doing incredible things, you just have to ask our former board chair Anne Giardini and our incoming chair Walter Pela about why they choose to represent and support the work of BC Achievement. 

“It is a hallmark of successful organizations and societies that they not only recognize achievements but celebrate them. All of us – if we are lucky – have a memory of giving or receiving recognition for an act of creation, collaboration, inspiration or community building. BC Achievement exists to shine light on those whose actions make this province a better place for us all.” 

Anne Giardini, OC, OBC, KC, Past Chair 

“British Columbia is built by truly remarkable people doing incredible work in varied fields throughout the province. They deserve to be recognized and celebrated, and their achievements amplified, inspiring all of us in our ambitions to make an impact.”

Walter Pela, Chair 

Happy holidays from BC Achievement. Enjoy, stay safe and #nominatenowbc! 

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

Celebrate the season with artwork by award-winning artists

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Photo: 2022 Crabtree McLennan Emergist Artist, Jamie Gentry, moccasins

Now is the perfect time of the year to support a local business or artist and surprise a loved one with a gift made with passion and excellence. Check out the artwork from 2022 BC Achievement award alumni: 

Fulmer Award First Nations Art 

Jamie Gentry – stitches beautiful beadwork on custom moccasins for clients – she’s in demand so book ahead to get a pair 

Latham Mack – his traditional Nuxalk style is infused with a contemporary flair and is found at galleries around the province 

Dylan Thomas – carves wood and stone focusing on Coast Salish sculpture 

Reg Davidson – best known for his traditional ceremonial objects, his work can be found in select BC galleries  

Photo: 2022 Carter Wosk Award Recipient, Louise Perrone, jewellery

Carter Wosk Award Applied Art + Design  

Robert Anderson – creates hand-built instruments worthy of passing down to future generations 

Caine Heintzman – one of three co-founders of ANDlight, a decorative luminaire design studio and manufacturer to light up your spaces 

Louise Perrone – believes special occasions deserve special jewellery like the pieces she builds using recycled textiles 

Cathy Terepocki – produces ceramics that are strongly rooted and reflective of her natural surroundings in Chilliwack 

And there are many more award-winning artists and businesses to check out at bcachievement.com! 

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

What does engagement mean @bcachievement – #bepartofit

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Photo: Paul Larocque, President & CEO, Arts Umbrella & Yuri Fulmer, BC Achievement alumnus

Many of you have asked the question, “What does engagement mean at BC Achievement?” First and foremost, please consider contributing to the work of the foundation in a way that is meaningful for you. Whether that is by:   

  • submitting a nomination (we cannot thank the nominators enough – your efforts underpin the work of the foundation)
  • sharing the call for nominations and expanding our reach (#nominatenowbc for the 2023 Reconciliation and Community award programs);
  • amplifying recipients’ stories through all your communication channels; and, 
  • by donating through BC Achievement’s website (#donatenowbc). 

There’s no shortage of excellence in British Columbia and for close to two decades the foundation has been honouring the best of British Columbia. Every one of these recipients is a conduit for change. The effects of their work rippling outward, building momentum while impacting countless lives.  

Photo: 2022 Fulmer Award in First Nation Art Presentation Ceremony & Combined Exhibition at The Roundhouse

BC Achievement’s partners are vital to the sustainability of its programs. The work we are doing now builds the foundation for future artists, community leaders and entrepreneurs and we are grateful for those who support this vibrant community and celebrate the best of our province. It is a straightforward equation – the more British Columbians who engage with BC Achievement programming the more our programs can share the success of their awardees and inspire real change. 

As an independent, registered not-for-profit, BC Achievement relies upon corporate and philanthropic support for all five of its programs. Every contribution makes a difference, and we invite you to join the movement – #bepartofit and invest in the innovative work of program recipients and, in doing so, inspire achievement.   

If you would like to explore contributing to the work of the foundation, please contact our Executive Director Cathryn Wilson at cathrynwilson@bcachievement.com 

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

BC Achievement Community Award – recognizing service to others #nominatenowbc

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Photo: 2022 Community Award Recipient, Dr. Tracey Thorne

We at BC Achievement believe that our communities are sustained and strengthened by those among us who aspire to excellence. Our vision is to honour and inspire achievement throughout British Columbia. We do this by recognizing, celebrating and supporting outstanding British Columbians and sharing their stories. Every year we are galvanized  by the commitment of program nominees, people from across British Columbia who have taken action, driven by a desire to contribute to their communities.

On December 1st we opened nominations for the Community Award which for the past 20 years has celebrated British Columbians who go above and beyond in their dedication and service to others. It honours individuals who devote their time and energy to making their communities more caring, dynamic, beautiful, healthy and inclusive.  

2022 Community Award Recipients

We are honoured each year to shine a light on individuals who have made their communities more livable, sustaining and inclusive.  Just one example of many is 2022 Mitchell Awardee, Dr. Faisal Khosa. At the Community Award ceremony in May 2022, Dr. Khosa commented on his mission-driven sense of service: 

“All of us have a mission in life, for some of my friends it is changing the world through serving the homeless; for some, it is feeding the hungry and for some, it is giving voice to those traditionally marginalized and underrepresented. My fellow recipients are endowed with both vision and courage which gives me confidence that solutions to hunger, homelessness, and inequality will no longer be an elusive dream.”  

It is this passion and dedication that strengthens communities and deserves recognition. By providing a platform that showcases the excellence that thrives here, the BC Achievement Community Award ignites a movement that captures the best of BC and carves a path forward for others to follow. 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.  

Nominations for the 2023 BC Achievement Community Award are open December 1, 2022 until January 31, 2023  #nominatenowbc 

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

Indigenous Business Award (IBA) Gala 2022 elevates excellence! 

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The fourteenth annual IBA Gala presented by BC Achievement on November 29 was a huge success thanks to the exceptional Indigenous Business Awardees and the invaluable people behind each one of them. We’re grateful for everyone who came together to support and honour the 2022 recipients. 

The Gala celebrated and shared stories of Indigenous business excellence and, in doing so, underlined the theme for the 2022 program: thuyshaynum: preparing the path, directing the feet. “We are all working to correct the understanding of Indigenous history with guests in our territory and mindfully building respectful and meaningful relationships to prepare the path.” Angela Marston, IBA Program Director. 

The evening’s hosts Geena Jackson and award alumna, Carol Anne Hilton, welcomed guests and captured the attention of the sold-out room. DJ O Show, another IBA alumni member, kept the atmosphere electric, ushering awardees to the stage with their selected individual walk-up songs. Thank you to everyone who took to the stage or sent greetings to acknowledge the awardees, including newly minted award alumni! 

We raise our hands to the to the 2022 recipients: Dark Arc Welding, dK Architecture, Culture Shock Life, Warrior Plumbing, M’inuw’ilum DBA Cheanuh Marina, Sasuchan Development Corporation, Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd, and Chief David Jimmie. We’re honoured to celebrate your achievements and hear your inspiring stories of hard work and success. These stories have been captured in short films produced on each awardee – premiered at the IBA Gala and now viewable on BC Achievement’s YouTube channel. 

A huge thanks to all the program sponsors. It was a pleasure having all of you join the awardees and guests at the  #IBAgala, celebrating Indigenous business excellence. 

If you missed the livestream, watch a recording at bcachievement.com or through Telus’ Optik TV Indigenous Channel 126 across BC after November 30. 

Nominations for the 2023 Indigenous Business Award open June 1, 2023. 

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