Category: Blog

Dom Bautista, 2020 Mitchell Award Laureate

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Dom Bautista, a 2020 Community Awardee, was recognized for devoting his time and expertise to help individuals obtain access to the justice system in Vancouver, Richmond and Surrey. In 2010 Dom launched Amici Curiae Friendship Society (ACFS) to provide legal services to low-income women who would not otherwise receive help due to language or financial barriers. A role model in his community, Dom leads a formidable team of paralegals, lawyers, law students and others, all working on a pro bono basis to deliver access to justice throughout BC communities. 

His unique contributions were further recognized by the Board of BC Achievement which honoured him with the 2020 Mitchell Award of Distinction. It is the fourth annual presentation of the Award which recognizes an individual who, through his or her work and volunteer activities, demonstrates a selfless style empowering others to lead. 

In this role, Dom shared his thoughts on behalf of all the 2020 recipients: 

Having been trained by the Jesuits makes it difficult for me to be in the limelight. It is quite humbling of course to be recognized and so, in accepting the Mitchell Award, I do so on behalf of all British Columbians, especially the underprivileged, underserved and unrepresented in our legal system. It is my hope that the Mitchell Award will shine the light on them.  

I am accepting this recognition on behalf of Amici Curiae Friendship Society. Amici Curiae is Italian for ‘friends of the court’. ACFS’s services are provided on the principle of equal access to justice in response to the challenges that British Columbians face to access legal services.  

Since its inception in 2010, ACFS has been providing equal access to justice by helping individuals fill out their legal forms. This means going beyond the application of a simple financial eligibility test. Equal access to justice includes an assessment of an individual’s capacity to navigate what has become a complex and inaccessible legal system for many British Columbians. And this principle of equal access to justice has become even more relevant as we all deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.  

It is important for Amici Curiae volunteers to strive to work with BC’s Indigenous peoples, and the many challenging legal issues they face. It is Amici Curiae’s way of reconciling Canada’s past with its future. To that end, Amici Curiae will continue to help in whatever ways we can. I hope that we can each contribute toward reconciliation with BC’s Indigenous peoples. 

Being home more these days has provided me with time to reflect. My love affair with Canada began in 1975 when my father invited me to remain in Vancouver to study. My father did his fair share of volunteering, the Mitchell Award is as much his as it is mine. Volunteerism is a layered legacy that runs deep in the Bautista family, it is a most treasured gift that we pass on to the future…to our children, and soon, to our first grandchild, Baby Aroo and future Bautistas.

On behalf of the awardees, I hope we each find inspiration in the work that we can do to make British Columbia a better place for future generations. Giving back, no matter how big or how small, will and can make a profound difference to someone. 

#Nominatenowbc 

The 2021 Community Award is accepting nominations until January 31st. Nominate a deserving individual and help elevate excellence, share success and inspire change. 

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

Guest Blog: Anne Giardini OC, OBC, QC
Chair, BC Achievement Board

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An executive, director and writer, Anne Giardini serves or has served on several boards including CMHC, TransLink, HydroOne, WWF-Canada and Pembina Institute among others. She is the author of two novels and co-editor of a collection of writing advice. Anne has been Chair of the Vancouver Writers Festival, a board member of the Writers Trust of Canada and is a past Chancellor of Simon Fraser University. In 2009, she was appointed Queen’s Council and received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. Anne was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada for her contributions to the forestry sector, higher education and the literary community in 2016 and appointed to the Order of British Columbia in 2018.

This past year, I have spent countless hours walking, masked, with podcasts as company, a way to sustain health and sanity during some challenging months. Two podcasts struck me as relevant to what we do at BC Achievement, where I serve as board chair. 

One was a personal advice show. The advice-seeker was in middle age, in good health, with a job they liked, a partner and children they adored, and no unusual worries or stresses. Why, they asked, why does it feel as though something is missing from my life?  

The host suggested rest, a better diet, exercise, mindfulness, and practising gratitude. All sound counsel, as far is it goes. But I found myself wishing that the host would urge the writer to find something they loved outside of work and family and devote time to doing it. Make art. Learn Arabic. Take up an instrument and form a community orchestra. Build houses for homeless families. Teach a skill at a community centre. The possibilities are endless. We can’t tell others what they should do to make their lives richer, but we can recommend that they find something that feeds them and commit time to it. 

The second podcast was an episode of “99% Invisible” about graffiti. I confess I’ve never been a fan of graffiti. I have seldom found it beautiful or even interesting and I have wondered at what leads people to tag public property, to compel passersby to see the tagger’s name, initials, symbol or statement. 

It turns out that being seen is, at least in part, at the heart of tagging.   

A graffiti artist who had been compelled to stop tagging said this to an interviewer:  “I left the world where I was completely seen, only to re-enter a world where being seen wasn’t guaranteed.” Another speaker said this: “People see walls with graffiti on them and think that the people responsible for the tags are criminal, but it’s hard to know that there’s a whole life behind the spray paint that emerges on the wall. […]? Each piece of graffiti is a window into someone’s life.” 

I was struck by the wisdom of these views and saw some parallels between this form of public art or messaging and what we do at BC Achievement.  When we celebrate and steward outstanding British Columbians and elevate their stories, we help to ensure that we truly see the enormous range of potential and achievements all around us. 

It turns out that many of the activities that help us to live engaged and satisfied lives also improve our communities. BC Achievement’s purpose is to recognize and honour those whose passions and actions make our province better. We recognize, celebrate and connect outstanding British Columbians. We elevate their stories of excellence, stories that inspire others.  

You know people like this. Remarkable people who improve our world. This is the time to nominate them for recognition. This is the time to ensure they are truly seen. 

Nominations for the 2021 Community Award are open for nominations until January 31st. #nominatenowbc 

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

Lifting our communities up:
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award

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Q & A with Sophie Pierre, OC, OBC  

Director, BC Achievement Board and BC Reconciliation Award Organizing Committee Member  

Sophie Pierre is an Indigenous leader and served as Chief of ʔAq̓am near Cranbrook for 26 years. She was the Chief Commissioner for the British Columbia Treaty Commission (2009 – 2015) and was instrumental in the formation of the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Tribal Council in the 1970s and subsequently, served as the administrator for 25 years. Sophie was awarded the 2003 National Aboriginal Achievement Award in Business, which recognized her strong commitment to the economic development of her community. In 2016, she was appointed to the Order of Canada and was named to the Order of British Columbia in 1994. She has received Honorary Doctorates of Law from the University of Canada West, the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. In 2013, Sophie was awarded the BC Aboriginal Business Individual Achievement Award. 

Why is now the time for the British Columbia Reconciliation Award? 

The answer to ‘why now?’ is ‘if not now, then when?’. I firmly believe that when things happen, they happen for a reason – there is a greater plan in place. This type of initiative is happening now when it is most meaningful for all the citizens of British Columbia and when it can have the greatest impact. Now is the time!

What is the significance of the partnership between the award program’s presenting organizations: The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of BC and BC Achievement? 

Recognition based on achievement and good work reflects positive progression. With the Lieutenant Governor representing the Crown in our province, Her Honour’s role in the partnership signals that this program is more than just an award – it goes to the underlying question about the history of the Crown in Canada and specifically in our province. It continues the journey of truth and reconciliation for all citizens of the province. BC Achievement’s mission to elevate excellence and inspire achievement makes it the perfect partner to support the delivery and impact of the BC Reconciliation Award program. 

You’ve stated that the mission of BC Achievement is to elevate excellence and inspire achievement – can you explain a bit further how this applies to the BC Reconciliation Award?

BC Achievement uses recognition as a tool to shine the light on excellence and inspire others to do the same. Communities need to look at their actions and showcase their reconciliation practices. It’s almost like a peer review when communities look within and then lift each other up. There are several representations of reconciliation and the models are out there. Recognizing those who rise to the top will allow others to learn from each other and adopt each other’s best practices. We tend to shy away from recognition, but it is so important as communities learn and see the benefits that come from the good work within their own communities. 

What is the anticipated impact of the program? – How do you see the Honourable Steven Point’s vision actualized through the program? 

As I mentioned in the previous question, communities can learn from each other – all BC citizens can learn from each other. The lessons of reconciliation are there within our own backyard and, as His Honour reminded us, “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.” I feel that the impact will develop organically and have a natural spin off from the recognition process– there will be a life to it. As we learn of all the reconciliation activities taking place and all the possibilities to further the journey – we have the opportunity to make the Honourable Steven Point’s dream a reality. 

What’s your message to British Columbians as to why they should nominate someone for a BC Reconciliation Award? 

First of all, I cannot say enough about how grateful I am to those who do nominate – for all BC Achievement’s programs. And I thank them. We need these champions who take the time to tell these stories of excellence and nominate worthy individuals and organizations for the BC Reconciliation Award. I also think that all British Columbians are pretty damn special – and need to be recognized! It is one of the hardest things to acknowledge when you’ve accomplished something notable, yet it is so important. We need to collectively blow our horns to lift up our communities. The momentum created will then take on a life of its own! #nominatenowbc 

Thank you, Sophie!  

For more information on the British Columbia Reconciliation Award, or to nominate, you can go to bcachievement.com. Nomination deadline is January 15th, 2021. 

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

Coming together: The British Columbia Reconciliation Award

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BC Achievement runs a number of  programs which celebrate excellence to inspire achievement and the most recent addition to its roster is a partnership program. The British Columbia Reconciliation Award is a partnership between BC Achievement and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of BC. Why a partnership? 

The Honourable Janet Austin, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, shared that there are several reasons for this important partnership with BC Achievement to honour and further reconciliation. “The Honourable Stephen Point had originally come up with the idea during his term as Lieutenant Governor but wasn’t able to execute within the short period of time. I certainly had discussions with him about reviving it and we felt it was important to reach out to a partner organization that had considerable experience managing significant awards like this and that also shared the same values and really the same desire to advance reconciliation.” 

In the words of Kekinsuqs Judith Sayers, President of the Nuu chah Nulth Tribal Council and Board member of the BC Achievement Foundation, there is a connection between the two organizations that lends itself to a partnership program. “It is something we wanted to do, and we do have several First Nations people on the board and several awards dealing with First Nations people in business and in art…so it just seemed like a natural fit for the Lieutenant Governor and the BC Achievement Foundation to come together to put this award together, so it was just something exciting, and something that needed to be done.” 

A partnership program is a valuable way to recognize individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province. Not only does this partnership allow greater reach of the program’s mandate, but it also brings awareness to a larger audience, and it helps build a bridge between Indigenous peoples and British Columbia’s history, a move itself that symbolizes a commitment to reconciliation: 

“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.”  The Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC (Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl) 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia (2007-2012) 

For more information on the British Columbia Reconciliation Award, or to nominate you can go to bcachievement.com. Nomination deadline is January 15th, 2021. 

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

A path forward: The British Columbia Reconciliation Award

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Increased efforts aimed at reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, led by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2015 report and BC’s adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (November 2019) are rising to the forefront of our collective conversations and actions.  

It’s important that the work being done around reconciliation in this province be recognized, shared and celebrated in a way that inspires others to do the same. The newly established British Columbia Reconciliation Award launched in November 2020, does just this. The BC Reconciliation Award is a partnership between BC Achievement and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of BC. 

The Honourable Janet Austin, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, along with BC Achievement board member, Kekinsuqs Judith Sayers, President of the Nuu chah Nulth Tribal Council together spoke to Stephen Quinn of CBC about the Award program last month. Her Honour shared Her belief that the partnership is a natural place to house the Award program, “It’s a neutral nonpartisan platform that’s above politics. But I also believe that it’s important and appropriate for me as the representative of the Crown to advance reconciliation as a way to honouring the intent and the spirit of the historic relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples. It’s also one of three themes that I’ve chosen to champion during my mandate and I think of it as an affirmation of the respect and goodwill that we want to encourage and the desire to advance reconciliation.” 

The Award program is open to individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering Truth and Reconciliation in the Province of British Columbia and/or inspired others to do so. There already exists a number of examples of reconciliation in BC, as Kekinusuqs Judith Sayers, can attest. “I think you see any number of initiatives between First Nations and municipalities in building tourism, or business or models of working together. You can see some organizations working with Indigenous peoples to learn about [and] embrace Indigenous peoples to come and talk to them and educate them, and so there’s going to be many varied attempts of on working on reconciliation that we’re going to need to choose from.”  

The Award program is a path forward, an opportunity to recognize the truth of the past and create hope for the future: 

 “I think we need to create a positive atmosphere where we need to showcase those people who are working with Indigenous peoples to bring true reconciliation according to what reconciliation of the Indigenous peoples want…and I think that’s want we want to do here… we want to be innovative and we want to be creative…let’s showcase and show other people it’s possible so that they can do the same thing in their communities.”  Kekinusuqs Judith Sayers

You can nominate now for the 2021 British Columbia Reconciliation Award at bcachievement.com. Nominations are online and open until January 15.

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

Indigenous Business Award of Distinction: Shifting the Narrative

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“When we view Indigenous people as economic powerhouses it shifts the narrative of hundreds of years as a problem and burden to the system to positions of powerful economic strength.”   2020 Laureate, Carol Anne Hilton 

Carol Anne Hilton, MBA is the CEO and Founder of the The Indigenomics Institute and the Global Center of Indigenomics. A dynamic national Indigenous leader and senior advisor, Carol Anne has an international Masters Degree in Business Management (MBA) from the University of Hertfordshire, England. She is of Nuu chah nulth descent from the Hesquiaht Nation on Vancouver Island.  

Advocating for #indigenomics – the building and strengthening of Indigenous economies – Carol Anne is also the author of ‘Indigenomics: Taking A Seat at the Economic Table’. Leading by example, Carol Anne sees business as the pathway to opportunity for Indigenous peoples to see themselves in their future. 

A highly sought-after advisor, strategist, facilitator and speaker. Carol Anne’s work has been recognized with an “Outstanding Business Achievement” Award from BC Achievement in 2013, a ‘Creating Wealth Award’ from the National Indigenous Council of Elders, a ’Business of the Year Award” from the Nuu chah nulth Economic Development Corporation and most recently the national Excellence in Aboriginal Relations Award from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.  

The Award of Distinction is presented to a person who, over his or her career, has made a significant difference in the Indigenous business community through his or her entrepreneurial endeavours and, in doing so, serves as a leader, role model, mentor and inspiration. The individual may be a pioneer in his or her business activities, a successful entrepreneur, or an individual who has been instrumental in supporting or creating Indigenous business activities in British Columbia. 

Carol Anne joins the following IBA Award of Distinction Alumni: 

2009 Dorothy Grant & Angelique Merasty Levac 
2010 Dolly (Watts) McRae and John Harper 
2011 Chief Clarence Louie 
2012 Chief Councillor Garry Reece 
2013 Chief Commissioner Sophie Pierre & Ruth Williams 
2014 Councillor Garry Feschuk 
2015 James Walkus 
2016 Robert Louie
2017 Chief Gibby Jacob 
2018 Chief Gordon Planes 
2019 Paulette Flamond 

All recipients of the 2020 Indigenous Business Award and their award categories can be found at bcachievement.com. 

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

In the words of Lolly Bennett, 2017 Community Award recipient

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Ellen Woodsworth (left), 2019 Mitchell Awardee & Lolly Bennett (right), 2017 Community Awardee and 2019-2020 Jury Member

I have volunteered in my community for approximately 25 years. I didn’t feel compelled to, nor self-pressured to, nor was it a conscious duty, I met a group of energetic and passionate women who promoted education for women and girls. A Foundation recognized women helping women, the fundamental rights of all women. And so my journey began. 

Over the years, I have witnessed, many times, the immediate result of acknowledgement, a type of joy from being recognized, a pleasure so powerful, it lights up a room. Certificates, scrolls, trophies, given to the prominent business person or the eight-year-old in the bowling alley, same joy, same powerful reaction: ‘home town proud’. 

When I received “the” call from BC Achievement Executive Director, Cathryn Wilson, I know exactly where I was and what I was doing. What I am not able to articulate is the range of emotions simultaneously flooding my mind. I was overwhelmed, elated for sure, but overwhelmed and not quite sure where to go with it all. I finally settled down and came to grips, what an honour for me, I felt so proud of myself, but not quite sure what I did to deserve such recognition. 

The award presentation was grand – a pivotal moment. Listening to the accolades describing my fellow recipients, I was astounded at what I didn’t know! The many awardees, past recipients, outstanding accomplishments that profile an unwavering dedication to the improvement and betterment of their communities.  In each case that someone took the time to nominate, they recognized an exceptional effort and lifted them up as examples to others. 

I am now an ambassador, and wholeheartedly believe that my award is a gift that keeps on giving. The BC Achievement Community Award program is open to everyone! Look around you, our communities are abundant with individuals worthy of this prestigious award. Get involved and nominate, I assure you, the resulting joy will be palpable. 

The 2021 Community Award is open for nominations at bcachievement.com  #nominatenowbc 

Lolly Bennett, 2017 Recipient Current Chair: National Congress of Black Women Foundation 

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

Crafted Vancouver

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BC Achievement is a proud event partner of Crafted Vancouver, an annual celebration of craft artists and curated events taking place throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. What makes this partnership exciting is the 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.  

Last year, alumni from the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design and the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art, participated in several unique events. Crafted Vancouver is an opportunity to meet like-minded artists, designers, collectors and crafters and share knowledge and provide inspiration. For some of BC Achievement’s alumni, it’s a chance to speak about their craft, or demonstrate their well-honed skill. 

With the hands-on series of Crafted Vancouver engaging events cancelled this past year, it is encouraging to see their programs are gearing up for a more promising 2021. 

Crafted Vancouver is calling on Event Partners to join them in welcoming craft appreciators and collectors to immerse themselves in exclusive events including:  

Gallery Exhibitions 
Artist Talks & Presentations 
Crafted in the City – Retail Shop & Showroom Events  
Craft Is Everywhere – Window Installations 
Food & Drinks Events 
Hands-On Workshops 
Fashion Runway & Retail Events 
Guided Studio Tours 
Opening Receptions 
Demonstrations 
Reading Salon  
REEL Crafted Film Festival 
Live Podcast 
Webinars 
Product Launches 
Walking Tours & Performances 

If you are interested in taking part in Crafted Vancouver in 2021, you can apply to become an event partner until Jan 3rd. Check out craftedvancouver.com for details. See you there! 

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



Guest blogger: Phil Gray, Fulmer Award in First Nations Art
2014 Awardee and Jury Member

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In my early days as an aspiring artist and carver I would look in awe at pictures of the modern-day masters in catalogues and books, dreaming of one day reaching the level of excellence that they made look so effortless. I never really thought that I could achieve that level of artistry, it always seemed so out of reach to me because I had such an unrealistic view of what made them so exceptional.  

A few years into my journey I actually accepted the idea that there was a ceiling to my development as an artist. I even had a part-time job in mind that was suitable for my level of education, working at a gas station. I never intended on giving up carving, I loved it too much, I just wanted to supplement my income so I could continue with my albeit “limited” artistic career.  

Luckily this mentality didn’t last long, and I continued to work hard towards achieving my dream of having my name mentioned alongside those modern-day masters. This is why receiving the BC Achievement First Nations Art Award was such an honour for me. It felt like a nod of appreciation to the years of sacrifice and hard work that brought me here, and it felt great to be validated by the belief my nominators have in me.   

Of course, this does not mean I am anywhere near complete, my self-critical nature won’t allow me to dwell on this accolade for too long. It was however a welcome reassurance and a chance for me to step back and positively reflect on my artistic career so far. I know that I am on the right path and I will continue my lifelong mission of proving my unknowing eighteen-year-old self wrong.  

Phil Gray, is a Tsimshian artist based in Vancouver BC who works in cedar, alder and boxwood creating masks, sculptures, panels, poles and drums. His work can be found at major galleries in the Pacific Northwest. Watch Phil Gray’s film at bcachievement.com. 

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

Introducing the British Columbia Reconciliation Award

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With great excitement, BC Achievement is honoured to embark on a journey to recognize those who further reconciliation efforts and support endeavours that promote truth and understanding with Indigenous Peoples. 

This new award is launched in partnership with The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, under the leadership of The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.  The concept draws inspiration from the work of the Honourable Steven Point, 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, who is a founder of the Award Program. His Honour’s 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 are all in the same canoe” and must “paddle together” to move forward. 

Her Honour shared her vision and commitment to reconciliation in her blog post found here. 

The online nomination form for the British Columbia Reconciliation Award can be found at bcachievement.com.