Category: Blog

Paying It Forward: A Thank You to Our BC Achievement Alumni Community 

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: BC Reconciliation Award Alumni

At BC Achievement, we have the privilege of witnessing excellence in its many forms—artistic mastery, entrepreneurial vision, cultural leadership, community service, and innovation that shapes the future of British Columbia. But one of the most extraordinary parts of this work isn’t just the moment of recognition. It’s what happens afterward. 

Again and again, alumni from across all our programs have shared how receiving a BC Achievement Award became a catalyst in their journey. They tell us about the exhibitions that followed, the collaborations that blossomed, the opportunities that opened, and the confidence that deepened as they stepped more fully into their role as leaders within their disciplines. Recognition doesn’t just celebrate excellence—it propels it. 

This is the heart of our mission. Yes, we strive to Recognize Remarkable. But just as importantly, we work to build a thriving, interconnected community—one where past recipients continue to lift one another up and inspire the next generation. 

Across years and programs, alumni consistently pay it forward in ways that strengthen BC’s cultural, social and economic fabric. They do this by: 

  • Mentoring emerging artists and entrepreneurs, sharing hard-won lessons and nurturing the creative courage of others. 
  • Presenting awards, offering encouragement at pivotal moments in someone else’s story. 
  • Serving on juries, bringing their expertise, integrity, and lived experience to the selection of new cohorts. 
  • Returning to support events and programs, helping shape the recognition ecosystem that once supported them. 
  • Sharing opportunities and networks, ensuring that excellence circulates and that more voices are elevated. 

This generous spirit—this willingness to extend a hand, to open a door, to uplift someone else—is what makes the BC Achievement community truly remarkable. It is also what ensures that the impact of recognition does not end when the ceremony lights dim, but continues to grow through mentorship, collaboration, and shared leadership. 

Photo: Riley McFerrin, 2023 Applied Art + Design Award Alumnus (left), Mario Pao, 2025 Applied Art + Design Award Recipient, Mario Pao (right)

To our alumni community: thank you. Thank you for embodying excellence not only in your work, but in your generosity. Thank you for uplifting your peers, for inspiring future generations, and for contributing to a province where the pursuit of excellence is supported, celebrated, and shared. 

Your commitment to paying it forward shapes the future of British Columbia. We are honoured to celebrate you, and even more honoured to witness the incredible ways you continue to make a difference. 

Together, we build a legacy of excellence. Together, we #RecognizeRemarkable. 

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

Finding Inspiration in the Communities that Hold Us 

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: 2025 Community Award Volunteers

As the festive season approaches, many of us begin to reflect on the people and places that give our lives meaning. At BC Achievement, we are reminded daily that community is not limited by geography or tradition—it is built through connection, shared purpose, and the simple act of showing up for one another. Community can be your extended family, your neighbourhood, the people in your exercise class, your fellow volunteers, or the close friends who have become your chosen family. However, you define it, community shapes us, strengthens us, and inspires us. 

Some communities are built intentionally. Think of the weekly fitness class where laughter and encouragement become just as important as movement. Others grow from shared values: the volunteers who rise early to set up or offer a warm smile that reminds someone why they showed up in the first place. 

Photo: 2025 Community Award recipient, Chantelle Krish (far right)

Some communities are rooted in heritage and tradition. Families—both biological and blended—carry stories forward, weaving old wisdom with new memories. For many, this season is a chance to return to those roots, reconnect, and honour the people who shaped them.  

And then there are the communities we step into when the world needs us. The neighbours who shovel one another’s driveways, deliver soup during a difficult week, or gather together during moments of crisis or celebration. These acts, small and spontaneous, reflect the true spirit of the season: generosity without expectation, kindness without condition. 

What unites all these forms of community is the way they help us see beyond ourselves. They open our hearts, broaden our perspectives, and remind us that our lives are intertwined with others in meaningful ways. In a time of year that invites gratitude and reflection, our communities show us where we find joy, purpose, and connection. 

As we look ahead to the celebrations and gatherings of the coming weeks, may we take a moment to appreciate the many communities we belong to—and the ways they enrich our lives. This festive season, let’s find inspiration in the people who surround us, uplift us, and walk beside us. Because when we recognize the value of community, we strengthen it and create more connected future for all. 

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

A Season of Celebration 

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: 2025 AAD awardee, Mario Pao and friends

Last month, BC Achievement had the privilege of hosting three dazzling award ceremonies, each one honouring a distinct and inspiring facet of British Columbia’s creative and entrepreneurial landscape. From powerful stories of Indigenous businesses to the talent of First Nations artists, to the innovation of applied art and design practitioners, these celebrations reminded us once again of the extraordinary talent and leadership that thrive across the province. 

The season began with the Indigenous Business Award (IBA) Gala, where entrepreneurs, and business leaders were recognized for building opportunities rooted in hard work, vision and cultural values. The evening was filled with pride and purpose as recipients shared how their work uplifts communities, generates sustainability, and shapes future prosperity for people across BC. 

Photo: 2025 IBA Gala hosts, Tsetasiya Geena Jackson (left) and Kúkwpi7 (Chief) Willie Sayers (right)

We then gathered for the Polygon Award in First Nations Art, (FNA) a ceremony that honoured accomplished artists and emerging talents whose creative brilliance keeps cultural practices alive. The event showcased powerful storytelling in the form of short films on each awardee, moving remarks and an exhibition of breathtaking artistry—carving, painting metalwork and jewellery. It was a powerful reminder of art’s enduring role in storytelling, teaching, and connection. 

Photo: Klatle-bhi, 2023 FNA awardee (left), Rebecca Baker-Grenier, 2025 FNA awardee (center), Lisa Hageman Yahgujaanas, 2010 FNA awardee (right)

Rounding out the month was the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design, (AAD) where innovators in craft, design, and functional art were recognized for pushing boundaries and enriching the creative fabric of British Columbia. From textiles to ceramics to contemporary design, the awardees demonstrated how craft and innovation intersect to shape the objects and environments of our everyday lives. The short films, premiered at the event, highlighted the personal journeys of the awardees. 

These celebrations shine brightly because of the many hands and hearts that make them possible. 

To our exceptional suppliers: thank you for bringing each ceremony to life with artistry, professionalism, and care. From stunning staging and catering to film production and technical support, your work ensures that every awardee feels honoured in a meaningful and memorable way. 

To our generous sponsors: your commitment to elevating excellence strengthens the award programs. Your support amplifies the voices of artists, entrepreneurs, and designers whose contributions enrich British Columbia’s cultural and economic landscape. 

To our board leadership: your vision and stewardship guide these programs with integrity and purpose. Your dedication ensures that recognition remains a powerful catalyst for community, creativity, and positive change. 

Most importantly, to our nominators: thank you. You are the heart of every awards cycle. Your belief in the people around you—and your willingness to put their names forward—makes recognition possible. You ensure that excellence does not go unnoticed. 

As we reflect on a remarkable month of celebration, we extend our deepest gratitude. Together, we continue to #RecognizeRemarkable across British Columbia.  

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

Recognize Remarkable: Nominate by February 15, 2026 

Posted on by bcachievement

Each year, BC Achievement celebrates the people who make British Columbia stronger, more creative, and more connected. We’re excited to launch the 2026 Recognize Remarkable campaign—a province-wide call for nominations across all five of our award programs. 

Whether they are artists shaping our evolving culture, entrepreneurs driving innovation, or leaders lifting others through service and mentorship, remarkable British Columbians are all around us. Now’s the time to help them shine. 

Why Nominate? 

A nomination is an act of recognition, the effect of which ripples widely across the province. 
By nominating someone for a BC Achievement award, you: 

  • Elevate excellence in your community and strengthen the connections that make BC vibrant. 
  • Inspire change by example, driving others to strive, create, and lead with purpose. 
  • Share success and amplify positive stories of impact. 

Every nomination tells a story of dedication, creativity, and leadership. When shared, those stories motivate others to do the same—creating a ripple effect of excellence. 

The Awards : The Recognize Remarkable campaign includes nominations for all five BC Achievement award programs: 

  • Indigenous Business Award 
  • Polygon Award in First Nations Art 
  • Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design 
  • Community Award 
  • BC Reconciliation Award 

Each program honours distinct forms of achievement, yet together they celebrate one shared spirit—the power of excellence to uplift us all. Easy. Meaningful. Impactful. 

The nomination process is designed to be simple and accessible. With clear online forms, straightforward instructions and staff support available, it’s easy to take part. 
You don’t need to be an expert—just someone who’s seen the impact of another’s work and wants to see it recognized. 

Join the Movement – Help us Recognize Remarkable. 
Visit bcachievement.com/nominate to start your nomination today. 
Deadline: February 15, 2026. Be part of it. 

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

Russell Hackney: Carrying Forward a Legacy in Porcelain 

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: Russell Hackney, 2025 Award of Distinction, Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design

For over four decades, Russell Hackney has shaped porcelain with precision, patience, and poetry. A third-generation ceramic artist based on Bowen Island, he continues a lineage rooted in the famed pottery traditions of Stoke-on-Trent, England, while infusing his work with the quiet reflection and natural beauty of British Columbia’s coast. His refined slip-cast and relief-modelled forms stand as both technical marvels and meditations on what it means to make by hand in an increasingly mechanized world. 

From Stoke-on-Trent to Bowen Island 

Russell’s artistic journey began in the heartland of fine ceramics. Growing up in the “Potteries,” where his father and grandfather worked before him, he absorbed the craft from an early age. At 16, he joined the family workshop, learning the fundamentals of slip-casting, mould-making, and the disciplined rhythm of production pottery. But even amid traditional forms, he sought a personal language—one that questioned convention. Early experiments using car parts and unexpected borders hinted at the contemporary sensibility that would later define his practice. 

After earning a degree in 3D Design and apprenticing under his father, Russell emigrated to Canada in 2002. Settling on Bowen Island, he established a studio that has become both a workspace and a teaching ground, where he continues to mentor emerging artists in the technical and aesthetic possibilities of clay. 

Defining Confidence and Mastery 

A defining moment in Russell’s early career came through a daunting commission: creating an elaborate porcelain clock to commemorate a factory’s 200th anniversary and a royal visit. The piece—symbolizing arts, science, and mathematics—demanded meticulous detail and absolute precision under intense deadlines. The process, he recalls, was both isolating and transcendent, revealing to him the meditative power of making and the serenity found in total creative focus. That project instilled the confidence that continues to guide his work today. 

Art in a Technological Age 

Today, the Bowen Island studio is where Russell contemplates the shifting intersections of nature, humanity, and technology. He often speaks of walking through what he calls the “Thought Corridor,” a wooded path that fuels his creative thinking. Recently, those walks have been charged by reflections on artificial intelligence and its potential to distance us from imagination. His response has been to reassert the human touch—literally and symbolically—through pieces that celebrate the sacredness of ordinary life. Some of his latest explorations include attaching halos to common figures or adding subtle colour to elevate the everyday into the divine. 

Mentorship and Meaning 

As both maker and mentor, Russell Hackney embodies the living continuity of craftsmanship. His influence extends beyond his own studio, supporting artists throughout BC who work in slip-casting and mould-making. Reflecting on his path, he admits wishing he had pursued more personal, expressive works earlier—but he takes profound satisfaction in the evolution of his practice. His advice to emerging artists is simple yet powerful: create the work that truly excites you, pursue beauty with intent, and find fulfilment in the making itself. 

Through his artistry and teaching, Russell continues to shape not only porcelain, but also the creative spirit of BC’s design community—one thoughtful impression at a time. 

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

Harold Calla: Building a Framework for Economic Reconciliation 

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: Harold Calla, 2025 IBA Award of Distinction

Harold Calla, member of the Squamish Nation, has spent a lifetime transforming how Indigenous governments across Canada build prosperity. As Executive Chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board, he has helped more than 370 First Nations strengthen their financial systems and access capital markets—laying the foundation for a new era of Indigenous economic self-determination. 

A Vision Rooted in Service 

After years in international business, Harold stepped into leadership roles that on Squamish Council where he helped advance economic opportunities and strengthen governance frameworks. His work extended nation-wide, influencing some of the most significant Indigenous-led legislative reforms in Canadian history. 

A driving force behind the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, the First Nations Land Management Act, and the First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act, Harold helped craft pathways for communities to move beyond the restrictions of the Indian Act. These tools empower Nations to manage their own lands and resources, borrow at competitive rates, and reinvest directly in their people. He also helped found the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, ensuring that Indigenous communities have an active voice and equitable role in major resource projects. 

A Legacy of Leadership 

Colleagues describe Harold as a listener, bridge-builder, and visionary. “He would listen, he always listened,” one longtime collaborator reflected. “He never came across as domineering or paternalistic—he came even to them, and what he heard he brought to the federal government and built the legislation that built the organization.” 

That approach has led to tangible outcomes: through the work of the First Nations Finance Authority, more than $3.3 billion in financing has been issued to support community projects—from roads and schools to green-energy developments. These investments have not only created infrastructure but have also restored economic agency to Nations that were, as Harold often reminds audiences, “legislated out of the economy.” 

Global Impact and Recognition 

Harold’s leadership has earned respect well beyond Canada’s borders. He has led delegations to Australia, spoken twice at the United Nations, and served on the boards of Trans Mountain Corporation, BC Ferries, and previously Fortis BC and CMHC. In 2024, he was inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to financial governance and Indigenous economic empowerment. 

A Lasting Message 

Those who have worked alongside Harold say his impact cannot be measured solely by the policies he’s shaped, but by the confidence and capacity he has instilled in others. “I would follow Harold into any room,” one colleague shared. “His vision for economic reconciliation is so powerful.” 

For Harold, the work remains deeply personal: “We needed systemic change,” he has said, “so that communities could realize their economic potential and take care of themselves.” 

The Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement acknowledges an individual whose leadership has redefined what economic reconciliation looks like in practice. Through vision, persistence, and quiet determination, Harold Calla has helped ensure that Indigenous communities across Canada can participate fully—and proudly—in the nation’s economy once again. 

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

PacifiCan’s Support Sparks Indigenous Entrepreneurship  

Posted on by bcachievement

Multi-year funding is a game-changer for the Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program and Gala Dinner. In 2024, BC Achievement welcomed PacifiCan as a two-year partner, helping ensure stability, thoughtful planning, and strong engagement. Now in the second year of this commitment, we remain deeply grateful for PacifiCan’s investment, which strengthens our ability to honour Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, and leaders across British Columbia.  

Together, we are elevating Indigenous businesses that create jobs, generate opportunity, and collectively employ hundreds across the province. PacifiCan’s support also enriches the Gala by engaging Indigenous entrepreneurs (who are also program alumni) in event services—from DJing and floral design to video production, décor, emcees, and performers.  

“Indigenous business leaders are driving innovation, creating opportunity, and strengthening British Columbia’s economy and culture,” said the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “By investing in the Indigenous Business Awards, PacifiCan is proud to celebrate their bold ideas, honour their achievements, and inspire future generations of Indigenous entrepreneurs.” 

BC Achievement extends heartfelt thanks to PacifiCan for its vision and support. Together, we are building a platform that celebrates success while inspiring future generations of Indigenous entrepreneurs across the province.

Join us on Wednesday, November 5, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver to honour the remarkable 2025 recipients. Tickets available on Eventbrite here.  

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

Recognize Remarkable: Nominations for 2026 are Being Accepted

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo: Pam Baker, 2024 recipient, Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design

When Pam Baker (Himikalas/Sewid-duuk) received the 2024 Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design, her design which are rooted in traditional Indigenous forms and expressed through contemporary fashion, were celebrated across the province. That recognition amplified her voice and her practice, inspiring others and affirming the cultural and creative leadership she continues to share with British Columbia. 

Photo: Wendy Toyer, 2024 Community Award recipient

Pam’s story is joined by others. Wendy Toyer, honoured with the 2024 Community Award, has dedicated decades of volunteer work and mentorship to raising ALS awareness and providing support for families impacted by the disease. Her efforts have strengthened networks of care and resilience across BC. 

Photo (left to right): 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art recipients Kelly Cannell, James Hart, 71DANsuu, and Stephanie Anderson

James Hart, 71DANsuu, celebrated with the Award of Distinction in the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art, is one of the most accomplished Haida artists of his generation. His monumental carvings and mentorship of emerging artists have advanced cultural knowledge and inspired new voices in First Nations art. 

Each of these awardees shows how recognition matters—not just to them personally, but to the communities and audiences their work touches. 

Celebrating Excellence Across BC 

This fall, BC Achievement will honour the 2025 recipients across its five award programs, each reflecting the values and strengths that shape our province: 

  • Community Award – recognizing service and leadership that make life better for others. 
  • BC Reconciliation Award – celebrating efforts that further reconciliation and strengthen relationships. 
  • Indigenous Business Award – uplifting innovation, leadership, and economic empowerment. 
  • Polygon Award in First Nations Art – showcasing artistic excellence and traditional knowledge. 
  • Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design – supporting creative innovation in applied art and design. 

The upcoming celebrations will add new stories to the legacy of recipients like Pam, Wendy, and James—individuals whose recognition has already inspired British Columbians across communities, industries, and generations. 

Why Nominate? 

Recognition does more than honour one person, it validates contributions, amplifies impact, and sparks inspiration. For many awardees, the award becomes a platform to share their work more broadly, to build new connections, and to mentor others. 

By nominating someone in your community, you help ensure their story is told and their impact is celebrated. You help say: your work matters, and we see you. 

Nominations Now Open 

Nominations for the 2026 award programs are open until February 15, 2026. Beginning the process now gives you time to gather letters of support, collect materials, and prepare a strong submission. 

Visit bcachievement.com to learn more, view past awardees, and begin your nomination. Let’s continue to #RecognizeRemarkable, one story at a time. 

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

Be There: Secure Your Seat at the 17th Annual Indigenous Business Award Gala 

Posted on by bcachievement

Get your tickets today for one of the most anticipated nights of the year! On November 5, 2025, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver will open its doors to the 17th annual Indigenous Business Award Gala. The evening will shine a light on Indigenous entrepreneurs whose leadership, creativity, and vision continue to shape stronger economies and brighter futures across British Columbia. 

Seats will sell out quickly—secure yours now to be part of the celebration and the connections shaping the future of Indigenous business in British Columbia. 

This is the night that honours Indigenous entrepreneurs whose vision and innovation are driving stronger economies and brighter futures across the province. When you join us, you’re stepping into an evening that will inspire, connect, and uplift. 

This year’s theme, Stronger Together “highlights leadership grounded in relationships, reciprocity, and respect for cultural knowledge systems. True strength comes from shared community responsibility and diverse voices. When we lead through collaboration and cultural understanding, we don’t just build strong teams, we create inclusive communities where our diversity becomes our greatest strength.” 
– Statu Stsuhwum, Angela Marston, Director of Indigenous Relations & Program Director, Indigenous Business Award Program, BC Achievement 

This spirit will be at the heart of the Gala as we honour the 2025 recipients—entrepreneurs and businesses who embody unity, cultural values, and collective prosperity. 

The Gala experience begins with a reception powered by the sounds of IBA alum DJ O Show, leading into fine dining, recognition, and shared stories in one of Vancouver’s most iconic venues. 

Returning hosts Tsetasiya Geena Jackson and Kúkwpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars, will welcome guests through their energy, bringing the spirit of celebration to the stage.  

Films by 2016 IBA alum Nolan McAllister of Orenda Productions will premiere during the celebration, capturing the journeys of the 2025 recipients. Each film shares resilience, innovation, and leadership—testament to the strength and vision that define Indigenous business in BC today. 

Seats are limited and will sell out fast. This is the party, the celebration, the gathering that defines Indigenous business in BC. Purchase your ticket now and claim your place where leadership, celebration, and opportunity come together. 

Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 
Location: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver 

An Investment in the Future: Every ticket purchased supports Indigenous economic empowerment—uplifting today’s leaders and inspiring the next generation. Raise a glass to the visionaries, trailblazers, and changemakers shaping a more inclusive and prosperous tomorrow. Celebrate their success, embrace their stories, and be part of this remarkable journey. 

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

Recognizing the 2025 Emerging Leaders: Voices of the Next Generation

Posted on by bcachievement

Photo (left to right): Community Award 2025 Emerging Leaders Margaux Wosk, Trevor Mack & Wenonah North Peigan

Each year, the BC Achievement Community Award recognizes individuals who are making remarkable contributions to their communities – and among them, the Emerging Leaders shine as voices of the next generation. These awardees demonstrate vision, passion, and a commitment to creating positive change. 

In this feature, we catch up with the 2025 Emerging Leaders to learn what they’ve been working on since receiving the award and the impact of the recognition on their journey. Their stories remind us that leadership takes many forms, and that even early in their careers, these changemakers are making a lasting difference. 

Margaux Wosk – Champion for Disability Justice and Inclusive Design 

Vancouver-based advocate, artist, and entrepreneur Margaux Wosk has built a reputation as a trailblazer for disability justice and neurodivergent inclusion. As President of BC People First, Margaux works to amplify disabled voices and advocate for systemic change across the province. Through their business, Retrophiliac, Margaux creates communication tools and products by and for disabled, LGBTQIA2+, and neurodivergent individuals fostering pride, reducing stigma, and building community. 

Their leadership also extends nationally: Margaux spoke on Parliament Hill at the Disability Without Poverty rally, collaborated with People First of Canada, McMaster University, and Curiko on accessibility and education, and was featured on AMI’s Our Community for their advocacy and small business endeavors. Their artwork has even been included in York University’s Mental Health Literacy Guide for Autism, reflecting their belief in advocacy through creativity. 

Following their Emerging Leader recognition, Margaux has continued to expand their advocacy and creative entrepreneurship. They’ve grown their product line, built new wholesale partnerships, and used their platform to ensure that self-employment is recognized as a valid and inclusive form of work for disabled people. Beyond business, Margaux also engages in public speaking and mentorship, supporting disabled individuals who want to pursue creative and self-employed paths. 

Wenonah North Peigan – Policy Advocate and Indigenous Rights Leader 

Wenonah North Peigan is a member of the Piikani Nation, Blackfoot Confederacy, and Anishinaabe Odawa from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. She has devoted her early career to advancing Indigenous governance, cultural preservation, and self-determination. As a Policy Analyst with the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), Wenonah works to bring Indigenous voices into decision-making processes and advocate for systemic change. 

Her leadership first gained attention through the Vancouver Foundation’s LEVEL Youth Policy Program, where she spearheaded the development of a comprehensive policy framework on repatriation and cultural sovereignty. That work continues to influence legislative change aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). 

Since receiving the Emerging Leader recognition, Wenonah has expanded her impact. At UBCIC, she continues to advance First Nations’ priorities while also contributing to housing solutions through the 7 Generations Society of Alberta, supporting rent-to-own housing initiatives for Indigenous Peoples. Looking ahead, she plans to apply to law school to strengthen her advocacy and legal expertise. 

Trevor Mack – Storyteller, Cultural Advocate, and Community Builder 

Trevor Mack, a Tsilhqot’in filmmaker, cultural advocate, and community leader, is dedicated to uplifting Indigenous youth through storytelling, cultural revitalization, and mentorship. His debut feature film, Portraits from a Fire, explores the lived experiences of Indigenous youth, offering a message of healing and resilience. 

Together with his wife, Valeria Cazorla Mack, Trevor co-founded the Tletinqox International Cultural Garden Centre, which brings youth into traditional building, food growing, and cultural exchange with Indigenous communities in Mexico. Their food sovereignty projects provide free organic produce and teach food security in Tl’etinqox. They also founded NENQAYNI, a not-for-profit supporting cultural exchange and community healing. 

Trevor has also led the Dasiqox Tribal Park’s Back on the Land initiative, where youth trek the mountains, camp, and learn drumming, art, and medicine gathering blending resilience with cultural pride. Most recently, he was elected as the youngest Councillor in his community and one of the youngest across the Tsilhqot’in Nation, marking another step in his lifelong commitment to service. 

A Glimpse into the Future 

The journeys of our 2025 Emerging Leaders are only just beginning, yet their impact is already being felt across communities and sectors in BC. From disability justice and inclusive entrepreneurship to Indigenous governance and policy reform, to storytelling and youth empowerment, Margaux, Wenonah, and Trevor are proving that leadership is not defined by age or tenure, but by courage, vision, and action. 

We can’t wait to see where their paths lead next and how their voices will continue to shape a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive British Columbia. 

BC Achievement gratefully acknowledges the transformative commitment of RBC, our Foundation Platform Partner, whose support helps shine a light on the remarkable individuals who strengthen our province. We are also thankful to the Connor, Clark & Lunn (CC&L) Financial Group and its support of the Community Award Emerging Leader category. 

Watch the highlights of the 2025 Community Award Presentation Ceremony and experience the inspiration of this year’s recipients: Community Award Highlight Film.

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