Category: Blog

Reconciliation is more than a word or a single day—it’s a call to action. It’s important to acknowledge the truth of our shared history and righting relationships between First Nation peoples who have lived on these lands since time immemorial and settlers. It’s about respecting the strength, innovation, and leadership that First Nation peoples have always carried. 

My grandmother was a living example of that strength. She was a single mother of five who ran her own business at a time when it was illegal for First Nations women to do so. Despite laws and policies designed to assimilate and limit our opportunities, she built a livelihood for her family with determination, skill, and courage. Her story is not just one of survival—it’s one of resistance, leadership, and legacy. 

Across BC, there many stories similar to hers—stories that show the strength, building, and leading despite the colonial barriers in their path. While we can see the progress that has been made, barriers still exist. Many colonial policies remain embedded in our institutions and Indigenous people continue to face discrimination, intergenerational trauma, and social inequities. 

Reconciliation is an opportunity to face these truths head-on. It means understanding the impact of policies that banned our cultural practices and tried to silence our voices. We are faced with the challenge of dismantling the systems that continue to limit Indigenous potential today—and rebuilding new ones that uplift, empower, and honour Indigenous ways of knowing and being. 

While breaking down harmful systems is necessary for change, it’s just as important to recognize the beauty and brilliance of Indigenous worldviews: our deep ties to the land, our languages that hold entire worldviews within a single word, and our governance systems that prioritize balance, consensus, and planning for the next seven generations. We have always had laws, education systems, and spiritual teachings—carried through story, ceremony, and relationships. 

Our cultures are rich with reciprocity, respect, and responsibility. We hold up Elders as knowledge keepers, we understand time in cycles, not lines, and we live by teachings that remind us everything is connected. From the art that tells our histories, to the potlatches that honour generosity and community, to the storytelling that transfers law and legacy—these are not things of the past. They are alive and evolving. 

Whether in education, business, government, or community, we all have a role to play. Reconciliation requires more than statements—it requires action. It begins with truth, and it continues with learning, listening, and changing how we show up. 

My grandmother didn’t wait for permission to lead—and neither should we. The time for real, lasting change is now. 

In gratitude to Statu Stsuhwum (North wind strong and clear) Angela Marston, guest blogger and Director of Indigenous Relations & Program Director, Indigenous Business Award

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

August 15 marks six months until nominations close for the 2026 BC Achievement award programs and now is the perfect time to begin the process. By starting early, you can reach out for letters of support, gather relevant materials, and contact us with any questions to ensure a strong nomination. Every year, the awards celebrate excellence across five distinct programs, and your nomination could help recognize the next outstanding British Columbian. 

Join Us to RECOGNIZE REMARKABLE 

BC Achievement is proud to present five award programs that honour exceptional people and their contributions across the province: 

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

These awards shine a spotlight on individuals and organizations that are shaping BC’s future through community leadership, cultural preservation, reconciliation, innovation, and artistic excellence. 

Why Nominate Someone? 

Because recognizing achievement does more than honour one person; it uplifts entire communities. It shares the impact of the work being done, ensures it reaches a wider audience, and inspires others to act. When you nominate someone, you’re helping tell a story that might otherwise go unheard. 

Take, for example, 2024 Community Award recipient Wendy Toyer, whose volunteer work and mentorship has strengthened ALS awareness and support. Or Pam Baker, recipient of the 2024 Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design, whose design practice integrates traditional Indigenous forms with contemporary fashion to celebrate culture and identity. 

Recognition validates contributions, strengthens community bonds, and fosters a culture of well-being and shared pride. For many recipients, the award becomes a platform for furthering their impact. It’s a meaningful step in affirming the value of their work and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. 

Celebrating Impact Across BC 

Whether it’s a business leader like Seven Generations Environmental Services, honoured by the Indigenous Business Award program for their site restoration services, or a cultural visionary like artist Jim Hart, 2024 recipient of the Award of Distinction, Polygon Award in First Nations Art, BC Achievement awardees are united by their drive to create lasting, positive change. 

These awards highlight innovation, community strength, reconciliation, and creativity, all of which are essential to a vibrant and inclusive future. 

Nominate by February 15, 2026 

Nominations are open until February 15, 2026. By nominating someone remarkable, you ensure their work is acknowledged, amplified, and celebrated. It’s a chance to say: your efforts matter, and your community sees you. 

Visit bcachievement.com to learn more, view past recipients, and begin your nomination. If you have questions along the way, our team is here to support you. 

Let’s work together to #RecognizeRemarkable. 

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

We’ve all just had statutory holiday for BC Day. What does it mean to you? 

Did you take time with family? Put in time at work? Volunteer at your neighbourhood organization? Or did you reflect on the history of BC? 

Here at BC Achievement, staff did a little of all of the above. 

For most of us, BC Day has meant a day off – one where we can enjoy a summer day at the beach, outside reading a book or playing a sport with friends, or getting a task checked off that never-ending checklist of things to do. 

Let’s take a little look at the history of BC Day, or Civic Day as it’s called in other provinces. Established in 1974, BC Day was officially established by the British Columbia government. The idea was to create a day to recognize and celebrate the heritage, culture, and achievements of the province. 

Knowing a little more about the history of this province, the injustices put on Indigenous people by the original settlers, and our early history with immigrants, we could easily hide our head in the sand. But those things that make us uncomfortable, often make room for growth, realization and understanding. So, BC Day can be a good opportunity to reflect on where we’ve come as a province, how much we’ve learned, and a vision for the future that includes reconciliation, respect, and compassion. 

The growth of a community is often dependant on strong foundations and systems to keep it running, but a significant piece of a community’s strength is in its volunteers. At every level of a town or city, you’ll find acts of service performed by those who wish to give back, or to contribute their expertise and time to a cause or event in their community. Without them, our cities would be black and white. Volunteers add the colour! With so many events, festivals, gatherings BC Day is a perfect time to volunteer your services. 

It’s also an equally good time to get started on those tasks you’ve been procrastinating on, or haven’t yet had the time to tackle. Organizing your closet, fixing the squeaky door, tuning your bike, or catching up on a work assignment while no one else is at the office – each one can provide a great sense of accomplishment when completed. 

I think the most favourite way to spend BC Day for our staff is to make memories with our families. This BC Day we collectively did some fun things: fishing, kayaking, long walks, and even longer dinner conversations. 

Whatever you did this BC Day we hope you took the time to rest, recharge, learn and get ready for a new month. 

Happy August from us to you! 

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

Photo: Kelly Cannell, 2024 recipient, Polygon Award in First Nations Art

At BC Achievement Foundation, our mission is simple yet powerful: to honour excellence and inspire achievement throughout British Columbia. Each year, we have the privilege of shining a spotlight on individuals and organizations whose dedication, creativity, and leadership are shaping communities across the province.  

Recognition acknowledges that someone’s hard work, often done quietly and without expectation, has not gone unnoticed. For many recipients, the honour of receiving a BC Achievement award marks a pivotal moment—an affirmation that their contributions matter and it serves a catalyst for future growth. 

As artist Kelly Cannell, a 2024 recipient of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art, reflected, “I had never considered awards important to me as an artist until receiving the Polygon Award. Watching the film specifically made me reflect on all the work I had done. Seeing it compiled was deeply rewarding and gave me the opportunity to step back and appreciate my accomplishments.” 

More than just accolades, these awards create ripples. They elevate stories that may otherwise remain untold, fostering pride in recipients, in their families, communities, and sectors. When a community leader from a remote region is recognized, the award brings attention to local initiatives and often sparks broader conversations around identity and belonging.  

Take, for example, Valerie Jerome, 2025 Community Award recipient and long-time advocate for inclusion and opportunity, “My way forward in life was made possible by the likes of the people who are being honoured; kind-hearted, generous, loving individuals who gave of their time, energy and enormous compassion to give me a chance to develop my abilities, to grow and to achieve my goals against all odds.” 

Photo: Valerie Jerome, 2025 recipient, Community Award & Mitchell Award of Distinction

Her words, delivered at the 2025 Community Award ceremony, highlight how the act of recognition also honours those who empower others—and how it reinforces a cycle of mentorship, encouragement, and progress. 

For many, the award isn’t just an endpoint—it’s a stepping stone toward greater impact. Tyson Atleo of Ahous Adventures, a 2024 Indigenous Business Award recipient, shared, “We are a thriving eco-tourism here in Tofino. We are looking to benefit the community and open the eye of the public which has been dominated by colonialism for decades. We are excited to be here [as an awardee] and have an impact for the youth.” 

Photo: Ahous Adventures, 2024 recipient, Indigenous Business Award

This is the ripple in motion: recognition that turns into resources, which turn into renewed efforts to educate, engage, and uplift community. 

Behind each award is a network of nominators, jurors, and supporters who believe in the value of recognition. They help surface stories that deserve to be shared and supported. 

At BC Achievement, we believe that honouring excellence is the beginning of each awardee’s journey with the foundation. It’s a call to action for all of us to recognize, to uplift, and to be inspired by those who lead by example.  

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