Category: Blog

Showcasing BC Achievement Awardees – #shoplocalbc

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Photo: Janaki Larsen, pink plates tableware

One of the many perks of honouring the province’s innovative businesses and artists, is the opportunity to see the work they create. From the Indigenous Business Award to the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design to the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art, there are a number of inspiring businesses that leave us wanting more! 

And 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 these gift ideas from 2021 BC Achievement award alumni: 

Carter Wosk Award Applied Art + Design 

Janaki Larsen – creates graceful bowls, plates and vases that reconnect users with the physicality of their world 

Nick Purcell – makes bespoke furniture that focuses on good design for discerning clients 

Elen Danielle – uses old-world techniques and her interpretation of goldwork embroidery to create wearable works of art 

Photo: Dean Hunt, silver H’lulu (Butterfly) & Skull bracelet

Fulmer Award First Nations Art 

Crystal Behn – Dene & Carrier bead artist who uses her art to create accessories and Mukluks

Dean Hunt – a multi-talented Heiltsuk carver, jewellery designer and painter. A storyteller, Dean often depicts narrative scenes on his jewellery
 
Shawn Karpes – ‘Namgis First Nations carver from Alert Bay who sells limited pieces throughout galleries in BC
 
Stan Bevan – an established carver of Tahltan-Tlingit and Tsimshian ancestry, Stan’s carvings and woodcut prints are found in major collections and available at select galleries

Photo: Sisters Sage, soap bars

Indigenous Business Award 

Sisters Sage – soaps, bath bombs, salves, and smokeless smudge sprays pay homage to their ancestral teachings and combine traditional with non-traditional scents  

Indigenous Corporate Training – offers training for workplaces to work effectively with Indigenous peoples. 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act is the essential guide to understanding the legal document and its repercussions on generations of Indigenous Peoples, authored by ICT owner Bob Joseph – buy it today and check out the sequel Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tips & Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality 

Thunderbird RV Park & Cottage Resort – book a stay at one of the 95 fully serviced RV sites or the one four cozy cottages and enjoy amazing views  

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

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

Communities where we care for each other

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Photo: 2021 Awardee, Jane Jae Kyung Shin

This province is home to incredibly generous people who take the time to be dedicated volunteers, or who lead community programs that serve others, or who step up during times of emergency.

We’ve all seen recent examples of these heroes and helpers during BC’s recent floods and mudslides that trapped people on inaccessible highways or forced them to evacuate entire cities and reserves. The people that stepped in to make meals and hired helicopters to deliver it to the occupants of the trapped cars on the highway showed incredible compassion. There were volunteer pilots who delivered relief supplies to flood-ravaged communities. There were friends, families and strangers who opened up their homes to provide shelter to those escaping the flood. And there were emergency service personnel who went beyond their duties to help people to safety. In such times of need is when we see so many helpers and we are in awe of the mobilization of good will.

Photo: 2021 Awardee, Kal Dosanjh

But it’s also in times of stability that we see the efforts of those outstanding citizens who spend years supporting their local organizations, showing up to volunteer time and again. Who lead fundraising efforts for their local hospital foundation, who tirelessly advocate for the underserved, who dream of and execute social justice campaigns, who lead beach clean-up crews. There are so many everyday heroes who go unrecognized because we get used to them continuously being there and always leading the charge. It’s time to recognize them for their community achievement and inspire the next generation!

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 for the 2022 Community Award. Now in its 19th year, BC Achievement’s annual Community Award program celebrates the spirit, dedication and outstanding contributions of British Columbians. Join us in telling the remarkable stories of our great province and its peoples, and inspire others.

Nominations open at bcachievement.com December 1 – January 31 #nominatenowbc

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

How IBA entrepreneurs are helping build economic strength & cultural resurgence

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The Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program serves as a platform elevating and fostering Indigenous entrepreneurship. The program plays a key role showcasing Indigenous businesses success which helps to empower youth and generate cultural resurgence while building significant socio-economic opportunities across the province.  

“Winning this award highlights the vision and gives an avenue for young people – they can be successful at anything they want to do.  Keep working at it, having the vision and, at the same time, looking after Mother Earth and making it healthier.” Ken Cameron, 2021 Award of Distinction laureate, Indigenous Business Award. 

Since its launch in 2008, the IBA program has honoured and shared the impact of over 200 businesses all part of a strong alumni of mentors and ambassadors throughout the province. The program continues to support and nurture a growing economy of Indigenous entrepreneurs as reflected in the 2021 IBA program recipients. Awardee films can be viewed here to get a sense of the innovation and success of these businesses. 

As IBA Award of Distinction laureate, 2020 Carol Anne Hilton stated: 

“[The IBA] awardees reflect the achievements of Indigenous Business in BC. Their efforts are accelerating the Indigenous economy. In doing so they are improving lives, fueling economic growth, furthering reconciliation, and providing a growing young workforce with opportunity. Success breeds success and recognizing Indigenous organizations builds awareness of Indigenous leadership, models a path for others, and inspires further success.  This is Indigenomics in action. This leadership contributes to the possibility that a 100 billion-dollar Indigenous annual economy can happen by 2024.”

The 2021 Indigenous Business Awardees serve as examples of resilience and innovation during a tumultuous year and each entrepreneur delivers a message of hope and optimism for the future. With their tenacity and hard work, Indigenous businesses will continue to be a driving force in British Columbia. Join BC Achievement in sharing these models of success and inspiring change. The awardees are: 

Young Entrepreneur of the Year:  
Elijah Mack-Stirling – Kekuli Cafe Merritt 
Kekuli Cafe Merritt is listed as one of the best places to eat in town, providing a traditional Indigenous ambience while reflecting the owners’ passion for cooking and creating a space where all are welcomed and acknowledged. 

Business of the Year – one-to-two person enterprise:  
Sisters Sage, Vancouver
Sisters Sage is an Indigenous brand that handcrafts wellness and self-care products inspired by the owners’ culture and traditions.  

Business of the Year – three-to-ten person enterprise:  
Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., Port Coquitlam 
Indigenous Corporate Training helps thousands of people and organizations every year build informed, effective, and respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities. 

Business of the Year – 11+ person enterprise:  
Tsawwassen Shuttles Inc., Tsawwassen 
Tsawwassen Shuttles Inc. first started offering marine services for environmental and fisheries research. The business has since evolved to meet the growing demands of the market providing a wide range of land and marine charters. 

Community-Owned Business of the Year – one entity:  
Thunderbird RV Park & Cottage Resort, Campbell River 
Thunderbird RV Park and Cottage Resort, operated by Wei Wai Kum Nation at for over 40 years, provides year-round accommodations with 95 fully serviced RV sites and four beautifully appointed cottages. 

Community-Owned Business of the Year – two or more entities:
Gitmaxmak’ay Nisga’a Economic Development Corporation, Prince Rupert 
The Gitmaxmak‘ay Nisga’a Economic Development Corporation (GNEDC) is a non-profit organization responsible for delivering language and culture revitalization programs for the approximately 1600 Nisga’a citizens living in Prince Rupert.  

Business Partnership of the Year:  
Salish Seas LP, North Vancouver
Salish Seas LP focuses on the management of commercial fishing licenses and the marketing of high-quality seafood products operating both in and for the three partnering Nations:  the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Tla’amin Nations. 

Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement: 
Ken Cameron, Moberly Lake 
Ken Cameron is the former Chief of the Saulteau First Nations.  From the beginning of his entrepreneurial ventures, to his role as Chief, Ken has led important initiatives in business, clean energy, wildlife preservation, government regulatory policies and community health. 

Congratulations to the 2021 Indigenous Business Awardees! Watch their short films at bcachievement.com 

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

Crystal Behn, Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist for the Fulmer Award

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.