Category: Blog

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.

“Serving future generations” First Nations Artist and Award of Distinction Laureate, Marianne Nicolson

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Marianne Nicolson, ‘Tayagila’ogwa, the 2019 Award of Distinction Laureate is celebrated for her extraordinary and sustained accomplishment in First Nations Art. Thirteen years ago, Marianne received recognition from BC Achievement with the Award in First Nations Art. Her practice is well-known for utilizing painting, photography, mixed-media, sculpture, and installation to create modern depictions of traditional  Kwakwaka’wakw concepts. 

As an artist of Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw First Nations descent from Kingcome Inlet, Marianne has exhibited widely in Canada and throughout the world since 1992 and has been vocal on issues of Indigenous histories and politics arising from a passionate involvement in cultural revitalization and sustainability. 

Marianne’s training encompassed both traditional Kwakwaka’wakw forms and culture and Western European based art practice. She was trained by a master carver in traditional Kwakwaka’wakw design and followed this with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Emily Carr University of Art and Design, a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Victoria, along with a Masters in Linguistics and Anthropology, and a PhD in Linguistics, Anthropology and Art History. 

Marianne credits her success to the richness of her community’s history. At the presentation ceremony of the 2019 Fulmer Award in First Nations Art, she spoke of her gratitude. “I’m really grateful to be honoured as an individual, but I feel really that any kind of accolades that come my way really belong to my community, and the ideas and the history that they’ve brought forward, because it was such a rich place to come from and many spectacular people have come from Kingcome Inlet. I feel really honoured that I’ve been able to walk the path that they laid out before me.” 

Marianne also recognized that her contributions would serve future generations “I’m hopeful that myself, in turn, am helping to create a path that others can then also follow behind me.” 

The BC Achievement First Nations Art program was launched in 2007 to honour excellence in First Nations Art and has recognized over 85 talented artists within its alumni. BC Achievement is grateful to The Fulmer Foundation for its generous support of the program.

Applied Art + Design: Enhancing the quality of life

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BC Achievement is honoured to celebrate the 2020 awardees of the Carter Wosk Applied Art + Design program announced earlier this week and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments in the weeks and months ahead. It is a good time to consider how design impacts our life especially during these challenging times and we are reminded of Dr. Yosef Wosk’s reflections: 

“Applied design balances function, aesthetics and often economic success. It enhances not just the use of objects but the quality of life”. 

His remarks to the 2019 awardees address the discussion around what distinguishes art from design and how the Carter Wosk program unites them both: 

“The artist, the fine artist, the free artist, the pure artist operates more perhaps as a shaman, as a revolutionary, as a transformer and as a lover. Whereas the applied artists’ work is more often thought of as domesticated, as tamed, as practical, as ritualized. Perhaps the greatest champion and master of applied art and design was Willam Morris, the author, the designer, the printer and the seller of this book from the Kelmscott Press 130 years ago. One of his most famous statements, ‘If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it, have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful’. There are two different things he’s brought together as we have brought together tonight art and design. ‘Know’ means to understand; it’s a rational idea, it’s logic, it’s most often related to practical design. And ‘believe’ is more transcendent, intuitive, the pure art. Those who we celebrate this evening are among the few, the rare, the best who are both artists and designers, mystics and manufacturers. You are the hybrid few who bridge both worlds and allow the rest of us to cross between otherwise unreachable dimensions.”   

Congratulations again to the 2020 Awardees! We look forward to sharing your stories of excellence to inspire achievement. 

BC Achievement is grateful for the generosity and ongoing support of the Yosef Wosk Family Foundation. The Carter Wosk Award is named in honour of BC philanthropist, academic and visionary Yosef Wosk, Ph.D., OBC and Sam Carter, BC educator, designer and curator. 

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

Evelyn Vanderhoop – Award of Distinction Laureate 2020

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The Fulmer Award celebrates the intersection of art and culture, while honouring First Nations artistic traditions from throughout the province. Amongst the 80 individuals who have been honoured as awardees of this program since its inception, there is one each year who is recognized for their lifetime of artistic achievement through the Award of Distinction. This acknowledgement is presented for extraordinary and sustained accomplishment in First Nations Art in BC.  

The Award of Distinction is also a commemorative reflection on how these artistic leaders contribute to their communities, how they respect tradition, how they mentor the next generation, and how they transform reality. They ensure that BC is a place filled with astonishing craft, with unique and immensely expressive power, and continuous wonder.  

In keeping with all those who have been recognized as remarkable artists with this designation, BC Achievement is privileged to honour Evelyn Vanderhoop of Masset as the 2020 Award of Distinction laureate. Evelyn is a respected Haida traditional textile weaver in the Naaxiin (more commonly called Chilkat) tradition. Coming from a family of weavers, Evelyn delved into the origin of this technique by reading journals of the early explorers, learning from the stories of her ancestors and studying the old robes in museums around the world. Evelyn has shared her knowledge through her contributions to books on Northwest Coast Art, and lectures at universities and museums. She is now teaching others how to weave in this tradition, and has been making and posting weaving demonstration videos online to make it accessible to all. Parallel careers as a weaver and watercolour artist have marked Evelyn’s success in BC and internationally. 

Past recipients of the Award of Distinction in First Nations Art are:  

2007 Robert Davidson & Dempsey Bob  
2008 Mary Michell  
2009 Earl Muldon  
2010 Rena Point Bolton  
2011 Primrose Adams  
2012 Norman Tait  
2013 Mandy Brown  
2014 Alvin Mack  
2015 Joe David  
2016 Susan Point  
2017 Delores Purdaby
2018 Henry (Hank) Speck Jr.  
2019 Marianne Nicolson  

Alternative spaces for artists

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Across the world people are practicing self-isolation and shifting how they interact with others. Thankfully artists are accustomed to being creative and finding unique ways to share their art with diverse audiences. 

More and more we see artists showcasing their work online through virtual exhibits and digital gatherings. They’re relying on social media platforms to help them sell their art exclusively online, shipping it to clients directly and therefore, maintaining physical distancing. 

There’s no substitute for the experience of a real-time live art show which allows intimate access to the fine lines of the brushstroke, the smell of a cedar carving, or the texture of a custom fabric. However, until we can gather together again, the remarkable tools of social media and online viewing will direct the art lover’s experience.

There are lots of local artist talks and online galleries available to peruse while you’re at home https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada–vancouver/art-exhibit/ 

Give your local artist some love and like and share their work.