Category: Blog

Crystal Behn, Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist for the Fulmer Award

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: 2021 Awardee, Crystal Behn, I Am My Father’s Daughter, moose hide purse

This year’s Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist designation in First Nations Art was presented to Crystal Behn, an artist of Dene and Carrier ancestry, for demonstrating excellence in the early phase of her career.  

Crystal, an artist from Fort Nelson First Nation, learned the art of beading, moccasin making and traditional harvesting as an adult. When her mother passed away, Crystal realized the beading tradition her mother had engaged in had to be carried on, so she took it upon herself to learn the art and her culture from her grandmother. But first she made sure she was addiction-free  so she could start focusing on her art and her culture under her grandmother’s direction. “I was over there as much as I could, absorbing as much culture and tradition as I could. She was always encouraging me and giving me the opportunity to learn.” 

“I learned a lot in a short period of time. I sat with my grandma every day on the couch, beading. It was such an honour to sit there and have that time with my grandma because now she’s gone,” Crystal says in her interview with CBC’s Sheryl MacKay. 

And now, Crystal is passing on her teachings to her own seven-year-old daughter. “Teaching her is one of the most important things to me. Seeing my daughter pick up beads and knowing she’s going to keep it going is the most amazing feeling.” 

2021 Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist – Crystal Behn

Crystal started out with traditional works including moccasins and mukluks and has now expanded to making headbands, purses and clothing, always trying to incorporate new ideas. Crystal uses as many different natural materials as possible including hand smoked moose hide, moose antler, porcupine quills, glass stones, caribou hair, fish scales, birchbark and beads.  

Working with these materials gives Crystal an important connection to the land and reflects her commitment to honouring the process that goes into creating the hide from hunt to finished art piece.  

Whatever she can envision, she makes and that pushes her to keep creating and passing on her traditions. She is now teaching others as the Indigenous Programmer at Two Rivers Gallery in Prince George, where she works on small projects with the community. Crystal is one to watch as she continues her beading journey. See her work on social media at IG: @InherFootstepsdenedesigns or on FB: @InHerFootsteps AuthenticDeneDesigns 

The Crabtree McLennan designation aims to support, mentor and highlight emerging talent. It is named in honour of Emily Carr University Director, Aboriginal Programs, Brenda Crabtree and the UBC Museum of Anthropology’s Curator Emeritus, Bill McLennan. 

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

2022 BC Reconciliation Award nominations open November 15 #nominatenowBC

Posted on by bcachievement

Poised to launch its second year of showcasing individuals and organizations whose work demonstrates a willingness to ‘paddle together’ on the reconciliation journey, the BC Reconciliation Award program is ready to elevate excellence and inspire achievement with nominations opening on November 15, 2021. After a year of acknowledging painful truths, now more than ever, reconciliation efforts need to guide the path forward. 

Rooted and inspired in the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, the program aims to highlight reconciliation success models and inspire change: “we all must paddle in the same canoe”. 

2021 awardee xaȼqanaǂ ʔitkiniǂ (Many Ways of Doing the Same Thing) Research Team, through Dr. Christopher Horsethief, project co-lead and Ktunaxa scholar, shares the impact of receiving the BC Reconciliation Award: 

“The ultimate goal of our project is a parity between Western and Indigenous conceptualizations of health, wellness and resilience. This is reconciliation through the lens of scientific and academic research—Western and Ktunaxa counterparts calibrating themselves in response to each other’s input, enunciating conclusions that are robust in the sense that they describe the phenomenon in valid terms for both sides. The British Columbia Reconciliation Award has shone a light on a project that will not preference Western research over Ktunaxa research, or vice versa, thus supporting the idea that both are valid.” 

When it came to developing a community-driven and culturally informed approach to decolonizing relationships between health systems and Indigenous Nations, the xaȼqanaǂ ʔitkiniǂ (Many Ways of Doing the Same Thing) Research Team recognized early on that commitment to respectful engagement and co-learning would be crucial to success.  

The result is a truly reciprocal partnership between the Ktunaxa Nation Council, Interior Health, the University of Victoria and later the University of British Columbia founded on mutual goals of understanding and implementing what reconciliation means and looks like for community health in the Ktunaxa Nation.  

For their innovative contributions to reconciliation xaȼqanaǂ ʔitkiniǂ Research Team was awarded the inaugural British Columbia Reconciliation Award in April 2021. A partnership between BC Achievement and The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, the award program recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts. 

“Reconciliation builds relationships and bridges the gap between two worlds through the efforts of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. By recognizing the truths of past wrongs and showcasing examples of how to make things right, others will be inspired to follow,” said BC Achievement Foundation board member Judith Sayers. “The British Columbia Reconciliation Award celebrates innovative and empowering ways to embark on this journey, designed and decided by Indigenous peoples, allowing them to thrive while making the world a better place.”  

Nominations for the 2022 BC Reconciliation Award open November 15, 2021 until January 15, 2022 at bcachievement.com #nominatenowbc 

Photo: Hands of Elders and team members holding a bucket of bitterroot, a visual embodiment of Reconciliation in coming together, exchanging cultural knowledge, and connecting through a shared activity.

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

Sisters Sage IBA Awardee: Lynn-Marie Angus leading with authenticity and integrity

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: 2021 Awardee, Lynn-Marie Angus, Sisters Sage

Lynn-Marie Angus along with her sister, Melissa-Rae Angus, are co-owners of Sisters Sage the 2021 Indigenous Business (IBA) of the Year in the one-to-two-person category!  

Resolute about collaboration and her company’s embrace of the quadruple bottom line, Lynn-Marie espouses a mantra that Sisters Sage inspire other Indigenous women to be financially independent. This has been a core value of the company since its inception.  Launched with the goal of being their own bosses, Sisters Sage is cutting a path forward for other Indigenous women to follow with four clear goals: 

1. Financial Independence
2. Inspire and motivate other Indigenous women and youth to define their own financial futures through business
3. Showcase Indigenous people and culture in a positive way
4. Environmentally and socially conscious enterprise

Clarity in her purpose as a role model guides Lynn-Marie in advising others to lead with authenticity and integrity. In a recent interview on the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast with Sunshine Tedesco, Lynn-Maire boldly states that she chooses collaboration over competition and encourages others to hoard community not money.

Community is a key factor for Indigenous businesses and the 2021 IBA awardee cohort each demonstrate this commitment to giving back and it is an important consideration in the nomination and selection process. Lynn-Marie shares that community is inculcated into her DNA, influenced by the pot latch culture and she has woven these concepts into her business model as part of a shared value system. She states that it is super powerful to be a part of inspiring other entrepreneurs. Her ambition is to give back by sharing her expertise and taking the time to provide tips, and to be generous while honestly documenting hard lessons, both the good and the bad.

Photo: Sisters Sage soap bars – all products are vegan or vegetarian

Lynn-Marie attributes her focus and strengths to the inspiration she gains from her own role models pursing their entrepreneurial dreams. She actively participates in a peer-to-peer group The Lift Circle which is part of the Indigenous Lift Collective founded and led by Teara Fraser, owner of Iskwew Air, featured as Wonder Woman in the DC Comics “Wonderful Women of History” graphic novel, IBA alumni and an entrepreneurial force. The weekly zoom calls are a constant in Lynn-Marie’s life as she leads Sisters Sage into its next phase.

Congratulations to Sisters Sage on their IBA recognition!! Lynn Marie’s words of wisdom encouraging all aspiring entrepreneurs “to be that authentic person – who is not just a tokenized version of ourselves because we are looking for role models, people the younger generation can look up to” are imbued in her own entrepreneurial journey and serve as a proven and valuable message.

When Sisters Sage started, Lynn-Marie was given some helpful advice: “always keep talking about your business allowing it to evolve organically and the value proposition will be apparent.”

Keep talking Lynn-Marie! It all rings true, and we can’t wait to hear what Sisters Sage will do next!

Join us NOVEMBER 4 at 10:00 a.m. for the release of the Sisters Sage film as part of the premiere of the 2021 IBA Awardee recognition films on bcachievement.com. Follow Sisters Sage on their social media at IG: @sisters_sage; FB: @indigenousbathproducts; TW: @SistersSage3; or LinkedIn Lynn-Marie Angus

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

Judson Beaumont: his impact, his legacy and its future – Elen Danielle the inaugural Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist #judsonbeaumont

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: Judson Beaumont (1959 – 2020) “My rule is: if you can draw and design it, you can build it.”  

Paying tribute to Judson Beaumont’s legacy, talents and entrepreneurial creativity, BC Achievement is honoured to introduce the inaugural Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist designation as part of the annual Applied Art + Design award program. Known for his enthusiasm, kindness and generosity, Judson exemplified the meaning of excellence, and continues to shine as a model of success and inspire other applied artists and designers in British Columbia and beyond. 

An insatiable drive for excellence fuelled Judson’s ability to commit 110 per cent to every task he undertook. He distinguished himself as a leader in his field by combining his talent and skills with passion, determination, and commitment.

For more than 30 years, Judson created whimsical, imaginative and masterful furniture pieces. Inspired by kids and their liberal acceptance of the bizarre, Judson’s work was renowned for its bold, colourful, expressive, functional design. A graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Judson founded Straight Line Designs Inc. at 1000 Parker St. His company completed unique design projects and installations throughout North America and around the world including pieces for children’s hospitals, airports, museums, libraries, Disney Cruise ships and various exhibitions. 

In 2009 Judson received the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design and, five years later, was recognized as the 2014 Award of Distinction Laureate for his extraordinary and sustained accomplishments in Applied Art + Design. In 2015, Judson was a key part of the Canada House exhibition- Design in Canada: Outstanding achievement from British Columbia, which celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Carter Wosk program and its awardees. The exhibition was part of the September 2015 London Design week.

A long-time friend of BC Achievement, Judson served as a jury member for the 2018 Carter Wosk Award program and as a moderator at the 2019 BC Achievement Artist Talk on ‘The Intersection of Applied Art and Design: Functional Art and BC’s Creative Economy’.  

It was at that 2019 Artist Talk that Judson shared his artistic passion and what aspect of his work makes him get up each morning:

“For me, I’m a nut because I can’t wait to work in the morning. I just absolutely love it – I’m nuts for it.  I’m up before my alarm at 5:00am, go for a quick run then I’m back down at my studio, I’m drawing, I’m sketching and planning the day. Planning for my clients and what they’re expecting and then my staff come in and I get them set up. I love that time from 6:00am – 7:30am when I have time to be by myself – where I have time to be creative – I just love it – it’s been like that for 30 years!”

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

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

When asked what receiving the award from BC Achievement had meant to him, Judson stated, “(awards) give you confidence…they’re just little points to say ‘stick with it, keep doing it, good or bad’…we all have bad days and we all have good days in the art world…you just don’t stop, you can’t stop…the awards are just like icing on the cake, it’s a little extra thing that makes us special.” 

The Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist designation recognizes that a thriving cultural community includes artists and designers who choose to build their careers in BC. The intent of the award is to bring recognition and awareness to artists who demonstrate excellence in the early phase of their careers.

The 2021 inaugural Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist is Elen Danielle. Danielle is a textile artist and designer with over fifteen years of experience creating clothing, accessories, and other soft treasures. Each of Danielle’s handmade pieces is one-of-a-kind, feather-light, and has a timeless look consistent with her “slow living” design principle.

Danielle shares that her art practice relies on traditional methods, but she is rebelling in a way as she is using those methods in an unconventional way. She adds that receiving the Carter Wosk award is an affirmation of her hard work and being recognized as the inaugural Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist “is very humbling and means a lot to me and makes me feel that I have really big shoes to fill…I strive to make things people have never seen before and I think I will always push myself”.

Congratulations to Elen Danielle, the 2021 Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist! Check out the 2021 Carter Wosk awardee film – here and please share this tribute to Judson and help amplify his legacy #judsonbeaumont

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

2021 Fulmer Award in First Nations Art recipients to be named

Posted on by bcachievement

After a summer receiving and processing outstanding submissions to the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art (FNA) Award program, it is time to share the achievement of these artists with all of BC. On October 12, the awardees of the FNA program will be named including the recipient of the Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist Award as well as the distinguished Award of Distinction for lifetime achievement.

Since 2006, the FNA program has celebrated the intersection of art and culture, while honouring First Nations artistic traditions. The program recognizes artistic excellence in traditional or contemporary visual arts by First Nations artists and aims to create an authentic space for community engagement, mentorship and storytelling. In this space traditions are passed onto younger generations and shared with a BC-wide audience. So far, the program has shone a light on 85 outstanding artists.

“Holding up artists that have worked for years to become standard bearers is important in the perpetuation of excellence in the traditional arts. New upcoming artists can see in the award honouree’s art and life work what standards to strive for. This can only help in upholding artistic excellence for the cultural practice of the arts in British Columbia and beyond.” Evelyn Vanderhoop, 2020 Award of Distinction

Highlighting the artistic skills of First Nations artists helps to advance the collective conversation around art in this province and serves as a platform to share cultural history with fellow citizens.

“It’s important that our generation continues to put them (poles) up…these things bring us forward and makes a statement that we are still here.”  Jaalen Edenshaw, 2020 Awardee

BC Achievement will be shining a light on the 2021 FNA Awardees through a digital campaign and films celebrating each of the recipients. We would like to express our gratitude to The Fulmer Foundation for its generous support of the First Nations Art program.

Watch for the announcement of the 2021 First Nations Art Awardees on October 12 on BC Achievement’s website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn channels!

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

Award recipients of the 2021 Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design to be announced

Posted on by bcachievement

October 18 marks the day the 2021 awardees of the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art and Design (AAD) program will be announced. The AAD program is unique in that it celebrates an often-ignored field of design. Applied artists and designers create works that have a practical or functional application while offering so much more through their design aesthetic.

“The world of art and design is extremely saturated and at times, it is hard to stand out. With social media and everything being digital there are a lot of copycats. To be recognized for the dedication we put into original design, attention to detail, and innovation brings us to the forefront and gives credibility to the work we have achieved.” Karen Konzuk, 2020 Awardee

These details and originality in the nominations for the 2021 Award did not go unnoticed by this year’s independent jury. Jurors noted the beauty of the work presented, the technical skill required to execute the piece, the diversity of pieces and the artistry and handwork that goes into the work.

Supporting artists, designers and makers, the AAD award program works in partnership with organizations such as Crafted Vancouver, in advancing craftsmanship and creativity. The partnership also serves as an opportunity to share the works of BC Achievement art awardees with a new audience while collectively elevating the province as a hub for craft and those who practice it.

The AAD program shines a light on functional art which enhances day-to-day life for individuals while enriching our collective experiences. It also celebrates British Columbians whose work directly contributes to the cultural and economic fabric of the province and drives innovation in functional art.

BC Achievement will be shining a light on the 2021 AAD awardees through a digital campaign and films celebrating the recipients. Join us and watch for the announcement of the 2021 Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design on October 18 on BC Achievement’s website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn channels!

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

2021 Indigenous Business Award program Awardee announcement coming soon

Posted on by bcachievement

While we celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurship every day, October is the time of the year that we collectively raise our hands to these business leaders. The 2021 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program will be announcing its awardees selected on October 25. Submissions received during the nomination process in June and July were reviewed by an independent jury in late summer. Now BC Achievement is getting ready to shine a light on the awardees later this month with a digital campaign and the launch of a film on each awardee.

The IBA program creates space for Indigenous entrepreneurs to share their dreams, their hard lessons and, give a new definition to what success means in their world. The program recognizes businesses that are generating economic development opportunities, helping to create partnerships with industry, and shaping communities to build a prosperous economic future.

“It is crucial to acknowledge excellence and increase Indigenous representation in the business and entrepreneurship space. Representation matters. The more Indigenous businesses that are successful, the more inspiration there will be for up and coming Indigenous entrepreneurs to pursue their entrepreneurial path.” Leigh Joseph, Sḵwálwen Botanicals, 2020 Awardee

Over the past 12 years, the Indigenous Business Award program has showcased 43 community-owned enterprises; 95 small, medium and large businesses; 25 successful young entrepreneurs and 28 partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses!

“Success breeds success and recognizing Indigenous organizations builds awareness of Indigenous leadership, models a path for others, and inspires further success.” Carol Anne Hilton, 2020 Award of Distinction.

Watch for the announcement of the 2021 IBA Awardees on October 25 on BC Achievement’s website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn channels!

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

Orange Shirt Day | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Posted on by bcachievement

September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is designated as an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the tragic legacy of residential schools. It is a time for conversations about reconciliation and an exploration of opportunities to do better for generations of children to come. 

It is in the spirit of reconciliation that BC Achievement in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of BC launched the British Columbia Reconciliation Award in 2020. Through educational opportunities, shared projects and a desire to do more towards understanding, the recipients of this award demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation. BC Achievement Foundation board member Judith Sayers noted, “We can live together and achieve great things if there are willing people working towards a vision of reconciliation.”   

The British Columbia Reconciliation Award draws inspiration from the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the Award. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, currently on display at the BC Legislature buildings, was created as a symbol of reconciliation, with the understanding that “We need to create a better understanding amongst all people that we are in the same canoe. No matter where you are from, we all need to paddle together.” 

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. 

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. Orange Shirt Day was started in 2013 by Chief Fred Robbins, a former student of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. On Phyllis’ first day at residential school at age six, she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt from her grandmother, which was then taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture and identity experienced by Indigenous children over generations. Wearing an orange shirt on September 30 signifies that #everychildmatters and must be recognized and valued. 

How you can participate on September 30

On September 30, all Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to raise awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools and to honour the thousands of Survivors. 

Listen and watch for opportunities for learning. CBC is marking the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a full day of programming and content showcasing First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives across their radio, television and online channels.

Have a look at the list of virtual and live events you can participate in, shared through BC Museums Association.  

The Vancouver Art Gallery, Xweýene:msta:m ?əkwəsqwel, seýeḿ is hosting an in-person performance to honour Orange Shirt Day. 

The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Nation, where more than 200 unmarked graves were found at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, has shared a video to help people learn the Secwépemc Honour Song to drum and sing at 2:15 p.m. PST on September 30.  

Participate virtually, post pictures, share your story #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters 

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

Vancouver General Hospital raises house posts by First Nations artists

Posted on by bcachievement

A house post carved by First Nations artist and Fulmer Award recipient, Xwalacktun, is on site at Vancouver General Hospital’s (VGH) Diamond Family Courtyard.  

As one of three house posts, meant to represent the three Nations on which VGH is based, Xwalacktun designed and created the symbol to represent the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation. Local carvers Brent Sparrow Jr. of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Band, and Zac George of the Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation carved the other two house posts on display.  

Meant to commemorate the strong ties the First Nations have to the lands, and to represent an important step of VGH’s larger journey towards reconciliation, Vivian Eliopoulos, CEO at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), said the house posts would be an “everyday reminder of VCH’s deep commitment to improving the care and health experiences of all Indigenous people in the region.” 

Each of the three posts express messages of health and well-being with the Squamish Nation house post telling the story of Xwech’taal, a Squamish hero who slew a serpent and earned the ability to heal others. “I create native art with a connection to the past, present and future like our ancestors did,” says Xwalacktun. 

Squamish Chief Ian Campbell who serves on the VGH’s Foundation’s Board of Directors recognizes the house post project as “a visible reminder that First Nations have strong ties to these lands and have been here for thousands of years. It’s time to celebrate that our history is your history and we can stand together in strength today.” 

The eye-catching art is one step forward in creating more accessible and culturally-sensitive health care services for all British Columbians. 

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

Iskwew Air takes off

Posted on by bcachievement

Business owner Teara Fraser is really taking off with her latest venture, Iskwew Air. 

Iskwew Air recently began its first regularly scheduled service flying passengers between Qualicum Beach Airport and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The inaugural scheduled flight from Qualicum was welcomed with traditional blessings upon touch down at YVR on August 17. 

Teara Fraser is the first Indigenous woman to start her own airline, offering charter services to remote Indigenous communities in BC and maintenance services in addition to regularly scheduled flights.  

She chose the name Iskwew which means “woman” in her ancestral Cree Language to celebrate lifting women. It was chosen as an act of reclamation of womanhood, matriarchal leadership and language. 

Iskwew Air isn’t Teara’s first venture in the airline industry. As a pilot, Teara founded an aerial survey company in 2010 called Kisik, which provided specialized aerial image acquisition services and earned her an Indigenous Business Award in 2012.  

Since those early days, Teara has been dedicated to encouraging Indigenous women to advance in aviation, science and technology. She’s encouraged Indigenous women entrepreneurs to support and lift each other up and initiated the Indigenous Lift Collective, to amplify and celebrate Indigenous female led businesses and create network opportunities for these entrepreneurs. 

Driven by leadership and community, during COVID-19 Teara used her airline to help deliver essential goods to Indigenous communities affected by COVID-19. 

She’s also been recognized as one of Business in Vancouver’s 500 most influential business leaders in BC in 2021 and received the WXN Award in 2019 as one of Canada’s Top 100 influential women who are first in their fields and have made a great contribution to Canadian Society. 

Given her impact, it’s no wonder Teara has also been called a real-world Wonder Woman. Teara will soon be featured as a character in an upcoming DC Comics’ graphic novel, titled Wonderful Women of History, sharing stories of real heroes who change the world. 

For more information and to book your next flight within BC, have a look at offerings by Iskwew Air. 

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