Category: Blog

While our worlds may feel smaller since we are staying at home and maintaining limited social circles, in some ways, professional worlds are getting bigger.

We have seen growing collaborations between businesses to collectively solve problems. For example, Mustang Survival and Arc’teryx joined forces to create protective gowns for frontline healthcare workers. These two companies, awardees of the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design, came together to find an innovative solution using each of their skill sets, experience and passion to serve their communities.

Relationships between like-minded organizations have become strengthened as they strive towards helping their constituents. The Community Response Fund was launched by four partners with a long history of building strong communities: Vancouver Foundation, Vancity, United Way Lower Mainland, and the City of Vancouver. These organizations have rallied together to support to help communities in the short term and to build resiliency to help communities and economies thrive.

In the same light BC Achievement is collaborating with Small Business BC to share the stories of Indigenous businesses and to encourage locals to support these entrepreneurs as they work hard to continue to run their services and sell their products. Check out Small Business Marketplace to find out more about how you can post your business with this resource.

One of the things we’ve discovered is that collaborations are happening more often, but that they’re happening more quickly. It seems like everyone has time for a phone call as we’re experiencing more open slots in our schedules. This pronounced pause we’re experiencing has given us the time, space and incentive to join forces for a common good – and in doing so, strengthen our communities.

On April 27th, BC Achievement announced the names of 25 impressive recipients of the 17^th annual Community Award. Hailing from regions throughout BC and reflecting the diversity of this remarkable province, these awardees represent what it means to be the change you want to see in the world.  

The selection committee tasked with reviewing nominations and determining the list of recipients had a difficult job of selecting only 25 individuals for the award; a challenge given the high calibre of the nominations, each worthy of recognition for their contributions. The committee found that there is no shortage of people who lead by example, who give back to their communities and, who offer a hand when it’s needed.  

The Community Award program allows BC Achievement to shine a light on these such individuals by honouring their excellence. And, in doing so, provides the opportunity to share the contributions of unsung heroes and role models, whose stories often go unheard. In stewarding these cultural heroes, BC Achievement aims to inspire others to step up and build more connected communities. In the context of COVID-19, this call to action is needed now more than ever. 

This year’s cohort of awardees creates meaningful change in their respective communities, and the cumulative effect of their efforts makes this province stronger, more resilient, more creative, and more viable.  

Each awardee has their own story, their own passion and their own style and way of enhancing their community. They are all change makers through their extraordinary actions, and each carries out their work with humility. They are not looking for accolades, or attention, they are driven by a desire to do better, make better, and share the success of their efforts with those around them. For many the value in the award is the attention it brings to the cause or organization they serve. 

BC Achievement salutes these 25 awardees who are being honoured for their generosity of spirit and their commitment to serve. Join with BC Achievement for the #shinethelightbc campaign for the next 25 days – with daily tributes to each of these outstanding British Columbians who lead by their example. Together, we will lift them up and share their stories and may we all be inspired to be the change we want to see in the world.  

Congratulations and much appreciation to these 2020 Community Awardees: 

Aisha Amijee, Surrey
Dr. Paige Axelrood, Vancouver
Domingo (Dom) Bautista, Richmond
Duncan Bernardo, Vancouver
Morgan Churchill, Fort St. John
Dr. Mary Anne Cooper, Port Moody
Carolyn Duerksen, Prince George
Lorrie Fleming, 70 Mile House
Julie Fowler, Wells
Bonnie Harvey, Cranbrook
Gloria Kravac, Burnaby
Larissa Lapierre, Port Coquitlam
Steven (Steve) Little, Terrace
Jacqueline Macgregor, Chilliwack
Myles Mattila, Kelowna
Valerie Murray, Victoria
Leigh Pearson, Coldstream
Sarjeet Purewal, Surrey
John Ranta, Cache Creek
Ivan Sayers, Vancouver
Steven (Steve) Sorensen, Sooke
Carolina Tatoosh, Port Alberni
Jim Terrion, Prince George
Dr. Andrea Walsh, North Saanich
Shayne Williams, New Westminster

A recent survey by Small Business BC and their partners revealed some key findings on challenges faced by the small business community because of COVID-19. Those included everything from a drop in revenue, a decrease in demand for products and services and a reduction in staff. These businesses are not alone and their struggles are not going unnoticed; there have been a number of government programs put in place to support these businesses and there have also been initiatives that encourage people to continue to patronize their local shops and services. Small Business BC has done just that by creating Small Business Marketplace – a one stop shop for individuals to check out the amazing businesses still operational – and it includes a section to highlight the offerings of Indigenous businesses. 

At the same time, many businesses have been looking to how they can survive, pivot and still connect with their clients and communities. We spoke to three 2019 Awardees of BC Achievement’s Indigenous Business Award to see how they are faring during this crisis, what they have done to adapt and their thoughts on surviving this challenging period. 

Salish Seaside RV Haven in Victoria has introduced temporary measures to protect both their staff and visitors. Manager Tom Westley has worked with the board to ensure they are paying staff full wages despite reduced working hours. Being in the travel industry, their occupancy and revenue have taken a huge hit with booking cancellations. They remain open for the time being and are closely following the Provincial and Federal guidelines to ensure the safety of their guests, community members and staff. And they are remaining hopeful: 

 “This will come to an end and Canada, on the whole, is in far better shape than the rest of the world. One thing that has really spurred us on during these dark times are the kind words and actions of our customers. We’ve had multiple meals, sweet treats and heaps of positivity and support from our guests. Even some of our European guests who have had to cancel bookings this summer, have chosen to support this company and community by not accepting their money back.” 

Boomer and Judy Desjarlais, owners and operators of Top Notch Oilfield Contracting Ltd in Fort St John are dealing with the impact of the crisis on their oilfield and construction projects. But they’re looking at how they can help others. Boomer and Judy are supporting the elders in their community by bringing supplies to them while practicing safe distancing measures. Their advice to others is to stay home and help protect elders who are the teachers, and children who are the future. “May you have peace of mind, strength and courage during these trying times and know that this too shall pass.” 

Imagination FX is a full-service video production company based out of Port Alberni. Owner Nene Kranveldt knows all too well that to succeed, businesses need to adapt allowing new opportunities to emerge. The impact of the pandemic on her business has meant working differently: “Rather than us being on location and shooting video we have our clients shoot the video and we coach them through the preparation, scripting and tips and tricks. We then take their footage and edit and brand for their desired purpose. All is well, no disruption to service or income…just accepting and adapting.”  

Some of her projects have been put on pause but Nene hasn’t paused the relationships with her clients, friends and colleagues which she has nurtured over the years. “We reach out and offer support, we have provided some pro-bono services and we have donated to organizations that are helping families in need.” Imagination FX has also reconnected with clients from the past.  “Organizations and governments whom we have served in the past (some in completely different contexts now) have reached out for us to help them with their communication needs. Even when projects end, even when clients move onto other organizations, even when your company may not be the best fit for the work…if you have built the relationships and made the brand deposits you will never be short of opportunities.” 

A recent survey by Vancity reported that BC has the second-largest number or self-employed Indigenous workers in Canada, after Ontario with 21% of the national total. How has Covid-19 impacted this growing number of businesses? With a rapidly evolving situation, it’s hard to know how companies have been impacted but we do have a sense of how they’re adapting.

Updates from our Indigenous Business Award alumni show that many businesses are adapting to working from home. If you’re new to working remotely, you can have a look at this helpful list of tips for working from home compiled by Animikii, IBA awardee from 2019 https://www.animikii.com/news/16-tools-to-ease-the-transition-to-remote-work-for-indigenous-organizations

Many artists are able to continue creating art at home and in their studios. Consultants are able to work remotely and provide services online to clients. And food-related businesses have been taking online order as well as sharing recipes on social media (thank you IBA award alumni, Mr. Bannock Foods). We also know that many businesses are struggling, and individuals are stressed. However, BC communities are coming together to support one another and collectively sharing achievements! If it’s within your budget, buy from a local business, order a gift care for future products, share posts from the business on your own social media feeds.

Let’s work together!

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. 

BC companies are jumping in and helping to flatten the COVID-19 curve.

Award alumni of the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design program Mustang Survival of Burnaby, already makes life jackets and survival suits and they’ve now partnered with local apparel makers to manufacture life-protecting hospital gowns for Vancouver Coastal Health.  

Mustang Survival has been working closely with another Carter Wosk Award alumni, Arc’teryx a high-performance outdoor equipment and clothing company founded in BC. Together, and alongside other local companies, they’ve been working on the fabric, design and production of the gowns. The innovation comes not just in meeting an urgent need, but that the gowns are being made in a waterproof breathable fabric, similar to some of the outdoor waterproof gear Act’teryx creates. 

Their goal is to make 90,000 gowns and they’re doing it by shifting its production from regular safety suits to isolation gowns that will protect BC’s frontline healthcare workers. 

Now that’s excellence in action. We are pleased to salute BC Achievement program alumni who continue to inspire, meeting the unique demands of our times, while demonstrating innovation in Applied Art + Design.