Category: Blog

Scott McIntyre, CM, OBC, LLD (Hon.)
Past Board Chair, BC Achievement Board

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As I began to reflect on how to approach this post, I revisited the Foundation’s website. It reminded me of what a government initiative can achieve, how citizens coming together can make a difference, and how far we have come since BC Achievement was set up in 2003. 

The original imperative was simple: find a way to honour British Columbians who have achieved success in their chosen fields and have given back to their communities. 

BC Achievement was established by a personal initiative of then Premier Gordon Campbell.  He not only found the money; he insisted that it be structured in such a way as to be independent of government, fully arms length from political intrusion. The Premier and three other sitting MLA’s can be named to the Board, but their role is to lend community gravitas; never to intrude on judgements. 

During the intervening years, that mandate has been fulfilled. To my knowledge, BC Achievement is unique in North America, governed by a citizen Board, its endowment secure, free from constraint, dedicated entirely to honouring citizen achievement.   

Our cornerstone is the Community Award, of which some 25 are awarded each year to people from every part of the province, nominated by their own communities. These are presented by the Lieutenant Governor in Government House in Victoria. It is a very special day for the awardees and their families: the pride in the room is palpable. 

From the beginning, honouring Indigenous communities has also been central. Whether it is the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art, the Indigenous Business Award, or the newly launched British Columbia Reconciliation Award, a joint undertaking between BC Achievement and the Lieutenant Governor, the province’s Indigenous legacy has a place of honour. 

The words ‘make us better’ once greeted newcomers to Canada. BC Achievement extends that invitation to all British Columbians. I am enormously proud of the role I have played since the beginning in helping to fulfill that mandate. 

Scott McIntyre is best-known for his role as co-founder, publisher and CEO of the pre-eminent Canadian publishing house Douglas & McIntyre. His many Board positions have included the Writer’s Trust of Canada, the BC Arts Council, the Canadian Coalition for Cultural Diversity, the Bill Reid Foundation, the UBC School of Journalism, and the Association of Canadian Publishers. Scott is a Member of the Order of British Columbia, and a Member of the Order of Canada and holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws from SFU. 

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

The importance of the Young Entrepreneur
Indigenous Business Award

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“Longhouse was honoured to be nominated and to receive the recognition and award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year. There is a huge amount of talent in BC right now, and to be chosen as a leader in the Indigenous Business community is humbling. This award will drive us to keep being better so that we can live up to the role model that businesses that have won before have created.” 
Keenan Beavis, 2020 Young Entrepreneur of the Year 

The Indigenous Business Award (IBA) annually celebrates excellence in Indigenous Business in British Columbia. The IBA program offers awardees and their supporters an authentic space to showcase their achievements, build bridges between BC’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies, while celebrating success, diversity and inclusion. 

Up to eight awardees are chosen from within one of four distinct categories: Young Entrepreneur, Business of the Year, Community-Owned Business of the Year and Business Partnership of the Year. The awardees represent a wide range of business sizes, fields and cover the geographical make-up of the province. The category that generates much excitement and inspiration every year is the Young Entrepreneur offered to a nominee 35 years of age or younger. The award is presented to a business that best exemplifies excellence in entrepreneurship including effective leadership, innovation, potential for growth, and a commitment to their community.  

Recognition is a tool that demonstrates to leaders and other entrepreneurs, the importance of young people’s role in generating economic growth in the province. The IBA program serves to inspire others by elevating models of success that will encourage them to take action and build a business that serves a need, a community or a passion. 

“When we raise each other up, everyone benefits. Business is an opportunity for everyone to provide value to the community in the way that they know best. The more we can encourage entrepreneurship, the bigger benefit to everyone in our local communities, province and country.” 
Keenan Beavis 

Longhouse Media of Langley reflects these qualities and was named the 2020 recipient of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Indigenous Business. As a media company, Longhouse provides digital solutions to clients including video production, digital advertising, web design, and Google rankings to effectively and efficiently promote their clients’ businesses. They’ve most recently been working with some publicly traded companies within the mining industry!  Check out the Award Film on Longhouse Media at bcachievement.com.

BC Achievement is grateful to New Relationship Trust which has supported the IBA program since 2010, continuing its commitment to a future that supports Indigenous entrepreneurs and capacity development. 

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

Nathan Wilson 2020 Awardee Fulmer Award in First Nations Art

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Nathan Wilson is a fifth generation Haisla artist, who is inspired by his family history to continue to keep a long line of carving traditions alive. “There was a time when First Nations People couldn’t practice this art form and now we’re trying to catch up. I feel that is a huge driving factor in keeping me grounded to the arts but also trying to evolve with the arts at the same time.” 

Nathan’s practice includes both painting and carving, where he creates masks, sculptures and relief carved panels for various galleries, as well as taking on private commissions with various collectors. His carvings are inspired by events and understanding the natural world. From encounters with grizzly and black bears, mountain goats and whales, to attending feasts and totem pole raising ceremonies, Nathan finds these are all important milestones in finding a deeper meaning to becoming a First Nations Artist. 

Having worked closely with mentors like Stan Bevan, Ken McNeil and Dempsey Bob, Nathan is keen to pass along his skills, traditions and passion to the next generations. As an instructor, he teaches students at the Freda Diesing School, the very same place he first refined his art skills.  

As well he and his partner Nakkita Trimble have introduced their young children to their craft, hoping to pass on their passion and traditions. “In this day and age, it gets more important than ever that we continuously pass along our knowledge. My two little girls, they’re always really interested in what I’m working on. It’s really rewarding when my three-year-old tells me that ‘it’s looking really beautiful Papa’. That’s where I want to pass my knowledge onto, to my little ones so they can be artists if they choose but they also have a good solid grounding in their culture and what their parents do.” 

Community building and creating a sense of belonging are important to Nathan. He was recently commissioned by Mount Elizabeth Secondary School to carve an eight-foot totem pole, where students could observe, participate and carve onto the pole under Nathan’s supervision at the beginning stages. He has also joined the communities of Kitamaat Village and District of Kitimat to help raise the “Palaa-Gwa-La” pole in the main entrance of another school. This was the first totem pole to be raised for either community in several decades. “I’m giving my community the identity that we’ve always had and I’m just shining it for everybody to see.” 

“I liken my journey as an artist to being in a canoe. The wake that I left behind has led me to where I am today. All the projects I’ve done, all the homework, all the study that has all brought me to receiving the BC Achievement Award, to being a teacher at the Freda Diesing School and to doing community work that I have been doing.” The journey for this Fulmer Award in First Nations Art recipient will continue for a long time and we look forward to his impact on First Nations culture, art and community. 

To learn more about Nathan check out this film at bcachievement com 

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

Em̓út | Being Home: An Exhibition of Northwest Coast Indigenous Art March 10 to May 1, 2021

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“This exhibition is part of a process of rewriting the historic narratives of governments and institutions while expressing an Indigenous perspective and an Indigenous truth. It is also an expression of Northwest Coast Indigenous artists understanding of Em̓út – of being home.” Ray Hartley and Sheila Hall, curators. 

BC Achievement is honoured to be part of a new exhibition of Northwest Coast Indigenous Art called Em̓út | Being Home, in collaboration with the Libby Leshgold Gallery at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and in conjunction with guest curators Ray Hartley and Sheila Hall from the Aboriginal Gathering Collective.  

Starting today, visits can be scheduled to view new work and films featuring First Nations artists:  Primrose Adams, Sonny Assu, Dempsey Bob, David A. Boxley, Corey Bulpitt, Brenda Crabtree, Ben Davidson, Robert Davidson, Aggie Davis, Shawn Hunt, Lena Jumbo, Isabel Rorick, Evelyn Vanderhoop, and Xwalacktun.  

The majority of the featured artists are recipients of the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art spanning the program’s thirteen years of celebrating artistic excellence. The exhibition includes a variety of mediums including painting, printmaking, wood carving, textiles, basket weaving, and sculpture. As well it gives the visitor the opportunity to view short films, produced in conjunction with the Fulmer Award recognition, which give intimate portraits of the artists at work in their homes and studios.   

Em̓út | Being Home celebrates the artistic contributions of First Nations artists whose practice represents excellence in traditional and contemporary art, and who have been recognized in their communities as mentors and teachers in their field. 

The exhibition is dedicated to the memory of artist, Ben Davidson. An exceptional artist and loved father, son, husband and friend, who passed away unexpectedly in August 2020 at age 44. 

The Exhibition runs from March 10 until May 1, from 12 – 5pm Tuesday – Saturday. Contact libby@ecuad.ca to schedule your visit in keeping with COVID safety plans. 

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

Applied Art and Design – optimism through proactive engagement

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“I’ve never been one to put too much value in an award but this feels different to me as I feel a great sense of pride to be honoured with the Carter Wosk Award.” Jeff Martin, awardee

As a 2020 Awardee of the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art and Design, Jeff Martin and his studio, Jeff Martin Joinery, explore research-based design, creating furniture that is beautiful, interesting and high-quality.  His work demonstrates the unique place Carter Wosk alumni hold in the province’s creative economy and the importance of shining a light on their contributions to all that is BC. 

Jeff finds inspiration in the materials themselves: “I really love to dive into very often disparate materials and how they react together. When I first started, I had this grandiose idea that I would have my own bronze foundry and my own glass blowing studio and you kind of realize that there is no way that if I were to engage in all those things by myself, I’d become an expert in any of them. A lot of my creative process is achieved by discussion and curiosity with people who are experts with that specific material.” 

It’s this desire to research, know more, and explore, that has led Jeff to expand his experience and therefore, his impact on design. He has grown his practice to include experimental glass blowing, focusing on cork molded, mouth blown collectible glass vessels.  

Jeff has also created space to highlight other artists and designers. Last year, at the beginning of COVID, Jeff moved his studio to a large production facility. The new location serves as a showroom while making space for other designers to help promote their work.  “We started Alpenglow Projects to give designers and artists a low-cost physical gallery space to sell their work in lieu of a lack of shows or meaningful presentations. We’ve made the best out of the situation.” 

Creating pieces that have longevity while reducing their impact on the environment is a key part of Jeff’s art practice. “I think everything we do pushes toward the idea that we’re making stuff that people will hopefully own for a long time. And the goal is that they are multi-generational pieces and that they are engineerable enough and that they’re culturally significant enough that people would want to own them for more than one generation.” 

Last year, Jeff Martin Joinery took its environmental responsibility one step further by planting 300 trees (1/3 of an acre) in BC for every piece of furniture sold. As well, almost all of the lumber Jeff’s practice uses is responsibly sourced from trees which are sick or standing dead. The rest comes from Forest Stewardship Council managed forests.  

“We are trying to do more because we believe being engaged, proactive and optimistic about our world, may in fact help it.” 

You can visit Jeff Martin’s showroom at alpenglowprojects.com to purchase work of featured artists, or reach out directly at info@jeffmartinjoinery.ca for details.   

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

BC Achievement salutes Nicole McLaren Owner of Raven Reads Books: “Amplifying Indigenous stories to a broader audience”

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Elevate Excellence: The Business 

Raven Reads is an Indigenous owned and operated subscription box service featuring Indigenous books and wholesale gift line. A recipient of a 2020 Indigenous Business Award, Raven Reads more recently was nominated for a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Business Reinvention Award 2021 and a Small Business BC Award. 

Owner and founder, Nicole McLaren, provides both an informative and enjoyable experience for her customers. “We feature adult and children’s subscription boxes where we curate books and giftware from other Indigenous authors and entrepreneurs. Every three months we send over 800 boxes to subscribers around the world.”  

Share Success: The Story 

Nicole started Raven Reads after a desire to make an impact on reconciliation in her own way. “I was working for a company where I was helping them come up with their Reconciliation Action Plan. And I wanted to do something myself for reconciliation, so I started a book club where we focused exclusively on books by Indigenous authors. And when I saw how well the books helped people understand the impact of intergenerational trauma, I thought what a great opportunity to share these books.” From there Nicole started Raven Reads designed as a safe space to learn about Indigenous cultures, history and enjoy Indigenous-made products from around the world. 

During the pandemic, Raven Reads struggled getting their goods on time and therefore getting their product to customers on time. However, they’ve turned these challenges into opportunities for growth. “As people switch to more online shopping, and they’re looking for alternatives to get their books, we’ve also taken advantage of that to add new products.” 

Inspire change: The Impact 

“The most rewarding thing with Raven Reads is knowing we are amplifying Indigenous stories to a broader audience of Canadians and North Americans. And the amazing feedback we get from people is how they did not know about our collective histories in Canada.” 

“I think Indigenous people are inherently amazing entrepreneurs and business owners. We come from generations of trade and entrepreneurism and our involvement in the establishment of Canada. We are well versed in taking adversity and taking moments of difficulty and flipping those into opportunity.” 

To learn more about Nicole’s business check out her film at bcachievement.com and have a look at the Raven Reads website. 

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

Lou-ann Neel, First Nations artist and community arts’ advocate

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“Visual art forms and practices are an integral part of our living cultures”. 

Lou-ann Neel descends from a rich history of artists on both sides of her family and has been practicing various forms of  Kwakwaka’wakw design for over forty years. “I started off painting and drawing, and then onto textiles, jewellery and I’ve been experimenting with digital design and other modern materials. Using technology was always of real interest to me so I enrolled in Emily Carr University and had a chance to really learn about how your artistic practice can come true in any way you want to, and that technology is just another tool.” 

In addition to her artistic practice, Lou-ann is a community arts’ advocate – always seeking to build solutions that will enable Indigenous artists to balance their respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with new, contemporary expressions of their work. 

Lou-ann was recognized for artistic excellence in traditional, contemporary and media art, and received the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art from the BC Achievement Foundation in 2020. “I feel incredibly honoured to have been recognized with Indigenous artists that I respect and admire for their work in keeping our traditions alive while also making meaning of the important histories and artistic practice of each of our respective Nations.” 

For artists like Lou-ann, it’s important to acknowledge artistic excellence. “I think it is vitally important to acknowledge both traditional and contemporary First Nations visual art forms and practices because all forms and practices are an integral part of our living cultures. I believe that there is still a great deal of wisdom and knowledge that we can draw from our traditional art forms, which is why I believe our Elders and mentors continue to teach the interconnectedness of creative and artistic practice to language, culture, and the natural world.” 

To learn more about Lou-ann Neel’s artistic practice and her achievement visit bcachievement.com  

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

Karen Konzuk, artist and designer of concrete jewellery and objects

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Through a studied use of clean lines and an unwavering commitment to a minimalist aesthetic, Karen Konzuk has developed a renowned modern line of handcrafted concrete jewellery for the contemporary design lover.  

Her jewellery is artfully constructed from the meaningful use of industrial materials. “I find my inspiration in architecture and from the material itself that I choose to work with.” Karen’s original inspiration for using concrete in jewellery was a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Montreal where she was struck by the beauty of a wall that was concrete and lined with stainless steel. 

A resident of Garden Bay, BC, Karen is continually influenced by her surroundings. “Being able to live and work on the Sunshine Coast influences my creativity as I am constantly surrounded by an ever-changing landscape. The beautiful blue days of summer are equally inspiring as the grey landscape of winter.” When COVID-19 hit, it affected Karen’s shop as much as it did other artists and entrepreneurs, so she decided to add to her product line. In addition to her jewellery practice, Karen has added household designs that are functional yet works of art as well. “I am finding with the pandemic that people are more interested in beautifying their homes as they continue to isolate and work from home. I am planning to introduce quite a few new designs in the HouseHold collection as a result.”  

Karen reflects on the impact of receiving the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design 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.” 

In addition to the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art and Design, Karen has garnered international attention including being invited in 2019 to develop an official jewellery collection by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation on Wright’s works. Karen Konzuk’s concrete jewellery, objects and wearable architecture is sold locally in BC in several locations: the Vancouver Art Gallery, Provide, the Polygon Art Gallery, the Audain Art Museum, and on her website, www.konzukshop.com  

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

Small Business BC Awards: strengthening our province

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BC Achievement is pleased to support the Small Business BC Awards (SBBC Awards) as a Community Partner. These important annual awards celebrate small business owners throughout British Columbia.  

Between now and March  8, you can nominate a small business you’ve worked with, or just your favourite small business in BC. This year, the SSBC Awards will honour entrepreneurs who were creative, determined and most of all, supported their communities in a challenging year. Nominate a business you love for an SBBC Award 2021 at sbbc.co/nominate 

Why should you get involved in making a nomination? Here are just a few reasons: 

  • The small business owners feel the support of their community 
  • Putting together a nomination will allow the business owner to see how far they have come in their business and help them plan for future success 
  • Nominees receive media attention for their business 
  • Impact of being an awardee helps elevate the business 

As a Community Partner, BC Achievement recognizes that supporting each other builds stronger relationships, expands awareness, and strengthens our province. Let’s celebrate those small businesses that make your community stronger! 

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

Champions who Nominate: Thank you for leading the way

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Recently, two of BC Achievement’s award programs closed their respective call for nominations with outstanding participation from nominators throughout the province. The British Columbia Reconciliation Award closed its call for nominations on January 15th and the Community Award followed two weeks later on January 31st. Without the hard work of champions who take the time to put forth a nomination, complete the online form, request and gather letters of support, these important community narratives would not be told, shared or celebrated. So firstly, a huge thank you to nominators who help fuel the inspiration to build stronger communities!   

It’s important to elevate excellence through nominations for award programs – it raises awareness of the powerful things happening in our communities and sets the path for innovation, change and leadership. Nominating an individual, artists, organizations or businesses for an award, showcases their creative 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, community leaders, youth and volunteers, 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. 

Thank you to the nominators, the champions, who put in the time  to support the work of the leaders, volunteers, makers, organizers, and doers. This province is a better place to live because of your efforts and we thank you for leading the way! 

To learn more about the programs BC Achievement offers, check out bcachievement.com 

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