Category: Blog

Nominate an artist for the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art – open until July 7th!

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It’s the final week to nominate a deserving artist for the Fulmer Award. Nominations can be submitted up to the end of day July 7. 

The Fulmer Award in First Nations Art celebrates artistic excellence in traditional or contemporary visual arts by First Nations artists. If you are a First Nations Artist who has lived in BC for at least the last three years you could qualify. 

Did you know that you can nominate yourself for this award?

Third party nominations and self-nominations are both eligible. The form is online here and is relatively straightforward. Just make sure you have an Artist Statement, and images of the artwork and contact information ready to upload. A resumé is a bonus, but not required, same goes for reference letters.  

Want some tips on filling out the online form? 

When writing the Artist’s Statement, use the space to tell your story and describe how and why your work should be considered for the award. Expand on what makes your work unique and interesting, how it contributes to the cultural economy of BC, who or what has influenced you, and why the jury should select your submission above the others. You can write about who has influenced you, how your work has the respect of your peers and/or how you’ve mentored others. 

When deciding which ten images to include in your submission, think about this: 

Key advice for the images is to ensure they show your art in the best light possible. No pun intended — the lighting must be good and sharpen your images to show off all the details of your hard work. Even if you work in different mediums, include images that reveal your signature style. And if you have images from earlier in your career add them to show how your work has evolved. Add, titles, dates, and descriptions right in the form. 

Highlighting the artistic skills of First Nations Artists in our communities helps to advance the collective conversation around art in BC, and serves as a platform to share cultural history with fellow British Columbians. 
Be part of it! #nominatenowbc 

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

June is Nominate Now  Month at BC Achievement 

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Photo: 2020 Awardee, Benjamin Kikkert, Amethyst Glasses & Decanter

It’s important to elevate excellence through nominations for award programs – it raises awareness of the good things happening in our communities and inspires innovation, change and leadership. Nominating someone or their business for an award showcases their ongoing initiative, their dedicated commitment to their practice, their tenacity and their excellence in their chosen field. Nominating is a great way to demonstrate respect and gratitude for someone who achieves excellence in their endeavours and whose story can inspire others through this recognition.  

What are the benefits of a successful nomination to an awardee? Most importantly, it helps raise the profile of the awardee and the community they serve. It reinforces that the awardee is on the right path, and it helps validate all the efforts they’ve put into their chosen field as being worthwhile. A successful nomination also helps share experiences with others in the field, creating role models and establishing platforms for change while bringing people together over common interests and passions.  

By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders BC Achievement’s award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work. Recognition serves as a tool that can contribute to growth and development of individuals, communities and organizations throughout the province.  

BC Achievement’s Fall award programs allow incredible people to be recognized by their peers. Do you know someone who fits these categories? Then nominate now and help shine the light on excellence in BC!  

Indigenous Business Award – Elevates excellence within Indigenous-owned businesses. Online nominations for the Indigenous Business Award program are open until June 30, 2021. 

Fulmer Award in First Nations Art – Celebrates artistic excellence in traditional and contemporary visual arts by First Nations artists. The Fulmer Award in First Nations Art nominations are open until July 7, 2021. 

Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design – Honours excellence in functional art and design. The Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design is open until July 14, 2021. 

Be part of it — elevate excellence in BC – and nominate a deserving individual or business for one of these awards!

View details online and #nominatenowbc! 

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

Indigenous People’s Day 2021 – how to
support, learn and celebrate

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Animikii is a digital agency that drives social innovation through Indigenous technology. As a recipient of the 2019 Indigenous Business Award, they have a firm grasp of uniting Indigenous traditions with contemporary practices. 

So, we turn to these experts to share with us what allies can do on Indigenous People’s Day, being celebrated this year on Monday, June 21. At Animikii, they treat National Indigenous Peoples Day like a statutory holiday so that their team can attend community events that honour and celebrate Indigenous Peoples as resilient, vibrant, and diverse members of society. To prepare for this celebration, they’ve compiled a list of activities that you and your family can do from the comfort of your home. 

Research on whose traditional territory your home or work is located, and – if you don’t do it already – make an effort to acknowledge that territory by sharing it on social media. 

Support an Indigenous artist in your area by purchasing or sharing their art. 

Watch films outlining the journey of Indigenous businesses and First Nations artists.

Read the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and think about how you contribute to protecting or denying these rights. 

Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and discuss with your friends and family how you can work towards adhering to all of these Calls. 

Listen to Indigenous podcasts. Some suggestions include: 

Indigenous Innovators
Teachings in the Air 
Media Indigena 
Medicine for the Resistance 
The Red Road 
Warrior Life 
Warrior Kids
Unreserved with Falan Johnson  
Missing & Murdered: Finding Cleo 
The Henceforward
One Dish, One Mic 
Métis in Space 
Coffee With My Ma 
Think Indigenous 
and check out the rest of the Indian and Cowboy network. 

Watch Indigenous Cinema.

Call your local Friendship Centre and ask if they need any volunteers or donations for programs or events. 

Attend virtual events.

Take the #Next150 Challenge – actionable steps to take on your learning journey.

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

Indigenous Business Award
Nominations Open: June 1 – June 30

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Photo: Leigh Joseph – Skwálwen Botanicals

It’s time to #nominatenowBC for the 2021 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program. The award 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 IBA program identifies and recognizes Indigenous entrepreneurs in BC, serving as a catalyst for progress and opportunity. The program allows for collaborative and strategic partnerships to thrive giving voice to Indigenous entrepreneurship while modelling success.  

Indigenous businesses are a driving force in the economy of this province and deserve to be recognized for their effort, skill and courage. Be part of it and share these stories of building resilience in business excellence by nominating worthy Indigenous businesses for the 2021 program. 

If you are an Indigenous business or if you know an individual or business that demonstrates excellence in their entrepreneurial skills and leadership, nominate them for a 2021 Indigenous Business Award.  

Categories are:  
Young Entrepreneur of the Year  
Business of the Year
Community-Owned
Business Partnership of the Year

“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. The more stories of resilience, strength and innovation that are shared from Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs the more we as a society shift the narratives of trauma and deficit that are often at the forefront of news stories amid ongoing anti-Indigenous racism that exists in our country.”

Leigh Joseph, Skwálwen Botanticals, 2020 IBA Awardee

Support Indigenous Business in our communities and inspire achievement throughout BC. Be part of it!  

Nominate now at bcachievement.com now until June 30th.  

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

Fulmer Award in First Nations Art
Nominations Open: June 1 – July 7 

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Photo: Evelyn Vanderhoop – Raven’s Tail Robe 2

Are you an artist, or do you know an artist who demonstrates excellence in traditional, contemporary or media art? Nominate them now for a 2021 Fulmer Award in First Nations Art! Read more!

Be a part of celebrating art and culture, while honouring traditions in carving, beading, weaving, painting, and more! Help recognize First Nations artists throughout our province by nominating them for the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art. 

The Fulmer Award honours excellence and inspires achievement in First Nations Art throughout the province. It celebrates the intersection of art and culture, while honouring First Nations artistic traditions, creating a platform for community engagement, mentorship and storytelling.     

“I have been weaving, teaching, and researching the Northwest Coast textiles for more than 30 years. This is the first award acknowledging my many years in the art of weaving. The Fulmer Award is, at this point in my career, encouraging and validates my efforts in bringing the traditional arts of the textiles forward to future weavers as well as making the textiles more known in the milieu of Indigenous arts.”

Evelyn Vanderhoop, 2020 Award of Distinction

Visit bcachievement.com and #nominatenowBC! Nominations open now until July 7. 

BC Achievement is grateful to The Fulmer Foundation for its generous support of the First Nations Art program.  

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

Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design
Nominations Open: June 1 – July 14 

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Photo: 2020 Awardee, Benjamin Kikkert, Amethyst Glasses & Decanter

June is Nominate Now month and the 2021 Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design is now open for your nomination. Help honour excellence and inspire achievement in Applied Art and Design (AAD) throughout the province. 

Celebrating British Columbians whose work directly contributes to the cultural and economic fabric of the province, the Carter Wosk Award shines a light on functional art which enhances day-to-day life for individuals while enriching our collective experiences.  

This award program is open for self-nominations or third-party nominations of applied artists and designers in BC. Artists and designers whose work has a practical or functional application can be considered for this award. This includes, but not limited to, furniture, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, weaving, glass, fashion, and industrial design. 

Do you know someone whose work is deserving of recognition? Someone whose achievement derives from their dedicated effort, expert skills and undaunted courage? Nominate them for the Carter Wosk Award and help elevate skillful people creating inspiring art. It’s important for the field of applied art and it has a lasting impact on the awardees who are key drivers of BC’s creative economy.  

Concrete jewellery designer Karen Konzuk reflects on the impact of receiving the Carter Wosk Award in 2020. “It was a very exciting moment for me to hear I was recognized for my work, especially knowing this group of awardees was recognized for innovation. I feel this is a key element to my design that helps me to stand out from my competition.” She also feels it is important to acknowledge artistic excellence in applied art and design. “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.”  

Visit bcachievement.com to #nominatenowBC! Nominations are open until July 14. 

BC Achievement is grateful for the generosity of the Yosef Wosk Family Foundation toward the Carter Wosk Award program.  

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

#Shinethelightbc on BC’s Community Awardees: Ignite the spark!

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Photo: 2021 Awardee, Zeba Khan

The 2021 Community Award #shinethelightbc campaign honouring the accomplishments of 25 outstanding community builders is at its midpoint and we are privileged to salute their achievements. As we emerge from the COVID circuit breaker in British Columbia after more than a year of living with the social restrictions and limits to our communal interaction it’s important we pause to reflect on the impact these remarkable individuals have on their respective communities. Their stories are varied and diverse, yet all are innovative change makers who have made a difference to the lives of others – pre-, during- and now, a soon to be post-COVID. They are models and examples of excellence in community service, and we can all learn from their example. 

We encourage you to join this conversation, celebrate the achievements of the 2021 awardees and help amplify their stories of community excellence throughout our province as we all work together for a better BC. Follow us on our social media channels and support this movement. With a mission to honour excellence and inspire achievement – we aim to create a platform where this discourse can be celebrated and acted upon. Awardees have a strong voice within this platform, and we urge you to listen and follow their lead.  

Program alumni contribute to the conversation too and provide a perspective on their own recognition, how it affects them and how it helps drive their work. Here are a few words of wisdom to consider: 

“I think we all have a responsibility to give back as well as to receive services throughout life. It is a kind of stewardship to life itself. If we can get this message out in a convincing form of communication by this important foundation, we have created others who will see community work as a reward.” Mary Ann Cooper (2020 Awardee) 

“We all know there are thousands of people across British Columbia who are also change makers in their communities. I hope we all can continue to ignite the spark within each of us to inspire the generations around us. Thank you to our wonderful nominators for sparing your time to highlight our work… Together, I know we will continue to make British Columbia the most beautiful province to live in.” Sukhmeet Singh Sachal (2019 Awardee) 

“I believe it is true that the celebration of something is also the encouragement of it…but even more grateful than our shared goal — of creating strong, connected, caring, prosperous, healthy, vibrant, and safe communities – is not only being celebrated, but also – and more importantly – being encouraged. Much good will surely come of this!” Mary O’Neill (2018 Awardee) 

Celebrate with us – check out the 2021 changemakers and enjoy the second half of #shinethelightbc on Facebook, Instagram Twitter and LinkedIn through @bcachievement. 

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

2021 Community Awardees: Building legacies for a better BC

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“I hope we each find inspiration in the work that we can do to make British Columbia a better place for future generations.”  Dom Bautista, 2020 Mitchell Award of Distinction Recipient 

From May 10 until June 4, BC Achievement is honoured to celebrate the remarkable 2021 Community Awardees who build better, stronger, more resilient communities and shine as examples of dedication and service. Through our social media #shinethelightbc campaign each of their respective stories will be showcased and shared leading the way for others to follow. 

We invite our followers to amplify these stories of British Columbians giving back in so many unique ways that inspire innovation in our province. Individuals who have dedicated themselves to the well-being of others–expanding hearts and changing lives along the way. While the stories may differ, each recipient has worked to foster strong, vibrant and inclusive communities.  

As community leaders and volunteers, their work serves as testimony to the power of the individual to create remarkable positive change. By shining a light on them, the 2021 Community Award elevates the spirit of engagement that thrives in British Columbia. 

BC Achievement programming creates authentic spaces, celebrations and relationships in which awardees have a voice, and are recognized and honoured. Their stories inspire others to use effort, skill and courage towards a better BC. 

Details on each of the 2021 Community Awardees can be found at bcachievement.com 

Photo: 2021 Awardee, Dr. Jane Jae Kyung Shin

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

Community Award 2021 – Creating impact at home

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This week BC Achievement announced the 25 recipients of the 2021 Community Award. The Award program recognizes and celebrates the contributions of extraordinary British Columbians who build better, stronger, more resilient communities and shine as examples of dedication and service.  

Details on each of the newly minted awardees can be found at bcachievement.com 

These individuals have made contributions through their volunteer or professional work and many of them are unsung heroes who don’t seek the limelight, and who accept the award with utmost humility. They are remarkable British Columbians who have been serving their communities tirelessly, working quietly behind the scenes, or leading initiatives with gusto. Each one of them deserves the Award and we are honoured to shine a light on their accomplishments. 

“This year’s recipients exemplify the spirit of the Community Award. Celebrating their achievements honours the very best of our province and inspires us all to public service and excellence.” Anne Giardini, BC Achievement Board Chair. 

Currently in its 18th year, the Community Award serves to uplift excellence and inspire others to be of service, to lead and to create an impact in this province we call home. Last year’s awardee, Andrea Walsh, put it this way, “Acknowledging community service allows us to demonstrate the many ways that British Columbians work together to strengthen our relationships across diverse cultures, economic predicaments, and geographic regions, in ways that matter to the lives of individuals in our province…such acknowledgement supports work being done in the present, but it also inspires our futures.” 

The recipients of the 2021 Community Award are: 

Amber Anderson C.C.C., Vancouver 
Harbhajan Singh Athwal, New Westminster 
Ann Blaauw, Langley 
Doug Chinnery, Hornby Island 
James Robert (Bob) Coates, Victoria 
Kal Dosanjh, Surrey 
Norah Flaherty, Vancouver 
Dr. Balbir Gurm, Surrey 
Yúya’ainux̌v Anita Hall, Bella Bella 
John & Joyce Henderson, Salmon Arm 
Teresa Kazemir, Port Coquitlam 
Zeba Khan, Vancouver 
Angelika & Peter Langen, Smithers 
Dr. Christine Loock, North Vancouver 
Lil Mack, Williams Lake 
Pulchérie Nketsap Mboussi, Victoria 
Jack McGee, West Vancouver 
Elaine Monds, Victoria 
Marcia Nozick, Vancouver 
Nirmal Parmar, Terrace 
Dr. Jane Jae Kyung Shin, Port Coquitlam 
Lurana Kikuko Tasaka, Vancouver 
Rosemary Thomson, Kelowna 
Linda Williams, Sechelt 
Cheryl Young, Aldergrove 

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

BC Achievement: elevating excellence in reconciliation

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Highlighting excellence has always been about more than the individual. BC Achievement elevates the communities that nurture and benefit from the people we recognize. The effects of their work ripple outward, building momentum and enriching countless lives.   

BC Achievement’s mission is to honour excellence and inspire achievement throughout British Columbia. In doing so, we call others to act to build stronger and more engaged communities.   

The British Columbia Reconciliation Award 

The British Columbia Reconciliation Award represents the apex of our mission and values, underscored by a deep and urgent sense of purpose. In launching the British Columbia Reconciliation Award we are privileged to work in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor under the leadership of the Honourable Janet Austin. 

The Reconciliation Award draws inspiration from the work of the Honourable Steven Point, 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the Award. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, was created as an enduring symbol of reconciliation, recognizing, in his words that “we are all in the same canoe” and must “paddle together” to move forward. 

Celebrating Awardees 

This week, we shine a light on the inaugural recipients of the British Columbia Reconciliation Award, recognizing individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts. We’re honoured to recognize those, who from a place of deep respect and understanding, work to further reconciliation of Indigenous Peoples. This award celebrates the individuals, groups and organizations who have respectfully furthered reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia. They are tenacious leaders and compelling changemakers whose work inspires people across the province. 

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and we recognize that it is an ongoing journey. Recognizing past injustices and healing those wounds will lead us all to a brighter future. 

Lasting and meaningful change will take continued, consistent and committed effort. Recipients of the Reconciliation Award urge us forward. 

We encourage British Columbians from all communities to reflect on the stories of these remarkable people and to learn from their perspectives and to be inspired by their accomplishments.   

It is our honour to ELEVATE their excellence, and SHARE their success so that together, we may INSPIRE change. 

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