As the leaves begin to change and the air cools, September brings a sense of renewal for British Columbians. It’s a time of fresh starts—children going back to school, artists embarking on creative projects, new businesses opening their doors, and individuals choosing to engage more deeply in community service. This season of transition offers not only personal growth but also opportunities to strengthen the fabric of communities throughout the province.
As they return to school, this time of year is full of possibilities for children—they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Schools shape future leaders, and a strong education system benefits everyone in BC.
Beyond the classroom, back-to-school is a time to reset goals and priorities, aligning them with the values of growth, education, and success. By supporting their children in these endeavors, parents are investing in the future of the province—preparing the next generation to be innovative thinkers, engaged citizens and future leaders.
For entrepreneurs and artists, fall is often seen as a window for new ideas. Entrepreneurs bring fresh energy and innovation to their communities, whether they’re opening a local business or expanding services in an established industry. Small businesses form the backbone of BC’s economy, providing jobs, fostering innovation, and supporting local economies. Likewise, artists can settle into the cooler weather with creative ideas for art that enhances the quality of life while transforming our perspectives.
As British Columbians settle into new routines, it is also a great time to get involved in community service. Volunteering offers individuals the chance to give back, learn new skills, and build deeper connections. Community service strengthens bonds, nurtures empathy, and creates a sense of belonging. Whether it’s through coaching a youth sports team, organizing a neighbourhood clean-up, or supporting local charities, these acts of service build more resilient, compassionate communities.
September is a season of opportunity. Whether through education, creativity, entrepreneurship, or community service, these endeavours shape the future and build stronger, more vibrant communities across the province. If you’re seeking inspiration from those who are making a real impact and driving positive change, explore BC Achievement’s online archive of recipient films. These stories showcase individuals and groups who are truly committed to strengthening and engaging their communities, offering a powerful glimpse into the heart of what makes British Columbia thrive.
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
Photo: 2024 Community Award Emerging Leaders, Rishika Selvakumar, Connally McDougall (top row), Christopher Lee & Janna Wale (bottom row)
In today’s rapidly evolving world, leadership isn’t bound by age or tradition. Recognizing this, we introduced the emerging leader category to the 2024 Community Award program, shining a spotlight on the incredible contributions of young people across British Columbia. This new category celebrates their accomplishments and encourages others to drive positive change in their communities. BC Achievement caught up with this year’s emerging leaders who we were privileged to honour at Government House in early May.
Christopher Lee: A Catalyst for Youth Empowerment
At just fifteen, Christopher Lee has already made a significant impact. As the co-founder of Helping Hearts Youth Foundation, Christopher has turned his passion for service into a thriving youth-led nonprofit. With over one hundred volunteers, Helping Hearts has raised more than $30,000 for various causes under his leadership.
Christopher’s influence goes beyond fundraising; he mentors younger students and fosters a culture of inclusion and empowerment. His hands-on approach ensures every event is meticulously executed, from providing meals in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to distributing back-to-school care packages. Christopher is proof that age is no barrier to making a difference.
Reflecting on his recognition, Christopher expressed gratitude for the Community Award program, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging youth contributions. “Youth are a demographic that aren’t usually recognized for their achievements,” he noted. “By recognizing community leaders and those who serve, we give a chance for people like me to see those who’ve led in the past, paving a way for future leaders.”
Connally McDougall: Challenging the Status Quo
Connally McDougall’s journey as the founder of Connally Goods showcases the power of creativity, sustainability, and social justice. Her clothing brand is more than a business; it’s a platform challenging systemic oppressions like fatphobia, sexism, and ableism. Connally’s designs are bold statements of inclusion, crafted with ethically sourced materials and produced locally in Vancouver.
As a designer with disabilities, Connally amplifies underrepresented voices and advocates for body liberation. Her commitment to social causes, such as the Pace Society Vancouver and The Addison Fund for Pediatric Organ Transplant, highlights her dedication to making a difference.
Connally’s surprise at receiving the Community Award speaks to her humility and dedication. She reflected on the significance of recognizing community service, stating, “It sparks dialogue across a spectrum of demographics and allows us the opportunity to learn about community service initiatives in fields that we otherwise may not research or discover.” For Connally, this recognition validates her efforts to build a more inclusive world.
Rishika Selvakumar: A Champion for Mental Health and Sustainability
Rishika Selvakumar’s commitment to mental health and sustainability is evident in her contributions to organizations like the Acne Education Project UBC and Mentoring the Stars Foundation. Her volunteer work spans a range of initiatives, from educational panels to donation drives, all aimed at creating a positive impact.
Having recently completed her Master of Public Health at UBC, Rishika continues to pursue areas of interest to create change in the local and global community including research and projects in mental health, climate health, sexual health, and equity.
Reflecting on the importance of recognizing community service, Rishika noted, “Across our changing landscapes, it is imperative that we create supportive environments that recognize individuals and excellence in community service. This lends to continued inspiration and awareness of critical work being done in communities.”
Janna Wale: Bridging Indigenous and Western Knowledge
Janna Wale, a Gitxsan/Cree-Métis policy advisor and climate researcher, is making waves in the fight against climate change. Her work at the Canadian Climate Institute integrates Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, focusing on building resilience in Indigenous communities. Janna’s contributions have reached the global stage, where she has represented Indigenous youth at the UN Climate Change Conference.
As an emerging leader, Janna’s recognition through the Community Award program has bolstered her confidence and credibility in her field. She sees this recognition as a way to inspire others and strengthen community resilience. “By recognizing and acknowledging people’s work, it creates the opportunity for connection and knowledge sharing which will further help build resilience within our communities.”
The Importance of Recognizing Emerging Leaders
The stories of Christopher, Connally, Rishika, and Janna highlight the significance of the emerging leader category and the impact of sharing their journeys. These young individuals are true leaders, as they shape the present, drive change, and inspire others to join them. By acknowledging their contributions, we are celebrating excellence and encouraging a new generation of leaders to step forward and make their mark.
In a world where challenges are increasingly complex, the fresh perspectives, energy, and innovation brought by young leaders are invaluable. The emerging leader category is a powerful statement and recognition that leadership knows no age, and that the contributions of young people are essential to building stronger, more inclusive communities across the province.
BC Achievement is grateful to KPU Foundation for their commitment as a Supporting Sponsor of the 2024 Community Award program. KPU Foundation’s engagement supports our mission of honouring excellence to inspire achievement by recognizing the remarkable individuals who contribute to the vitality and resilience of communities across British Columbia.
Congratulations again to the 2024 recipients. We cannot wait to see what they do next. Stay tuned!
Do you know someone in your community who is doing exceptional work? Honour their contributions by nominating them for a BC Achievement award. Whether it’s an emerging leader, innovative entrepreneur, a dedicated community leader, or a visionary artist, their incredible work deserves recognition. #nominatenowbc.
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
Exciting news! For the first time, nominations for all five of BC Achievement’s award programs are open year-round. This change means you can now celebrate the remarkable achievements of BC’s entrepreneurs, community leaders, and artists anytime by submitting nominations throughout the entire year.
Do you know someone in your community who is doing exceptional work? Now you can honour their contributions by nominating them for a BC Achievement award whenever the moment strikes. Whether it’s a groundbreaking entrepreneur, a dedicated community leader, or a visionary artist, their incredible work deserves recognition.
Nominations are open 24/7, giving you the flexibility to submit your nominations at your convenience. However, if you want your nomination to be considered for a 2025 award program, make sure to submit it before February 15, 2025. Nominations received after this date will be accepted but considered for the following year’s award programs.
Submit a nomination
Nomination is considered in
On or before February 15, 2025
2025
After February 16, 2025
2026
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals who make our province great. Nominate someone today and help us celebrate the outstanding talent and dedication found throughout British Columbia!
Make Your Nomination Count
From January 1 to February 15, we will be running our Call for Nominations campaign, reminding you to make a submission. Nominating is straightforward and convenient—all done online through bcachievement.com. We provide tips to help you craft a compelling nomination package, including guidance on what makes a strong nominator statement, selecting impactful images, and using YouTube or news articles to support your nominee’s contributions. If you need any assistance, BC Achievement staff are always ready to help.
Our five annual programs celebrate excellence in various fields:
Indigenous Business Award: Elevates excellence within Indigenous-owned businesses. Categories include Business of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Community-Owned, and Business Partnership of the Year.
Polygon Award in First Nations Art: Celebrates artistic excellence in traditional and contemporary visual arts by First Nations artists.
Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design: Honours excellence in functional art and design.
Community Award: Honours excellence and inspiring achievement in community service and leadership.
BC Reconciliation Award: Recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations committed to furthering the principles of reconciliation.
If you know someone who demonstrates excellence in their field or through their community contributions, don’t wait! Nominate them by February 15, 2025, to ensure they are considered for a 2025 award.
Nominations are open year-round at bcachievement.com. Be part of the movement to elevate excellence and drive change in BC—and nominate today!
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
Photo: 2021 First Nation Art award recipient, James Harry
James Nexw’Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry, a 2021 First Nations Art award recipient, is redefining the landscape of Indigenous design. James’s work merges traditional and contemporary elements, creating a unique artistic blend of his Squamish Nation heritage. His journey reflects his exceptional talent and creativity and his commitment to honouring his culture.
James’s artistic path is deeply influenced by his father, Xwalacktun, a well-established Squamish Nation carver and recipient of the Award of Distinction, Polygon Award in First Nations Art.
Growing up under the tutelage of Xwalacktun, James was immersed in the world of Indigenous art from an early age. Watching his father carve intricate designs into wood, he developed a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind each piece. “My dad, he’s been an amazing mentor teaching kids about Coast Salish art. I was really surrounded by a lot of people in my life who have made a lot of positive change around identity.”
In secondary school, James began his career as an artist by carving the doors of the BC Aboriginal Sports Hall of Fame. He later attended Emily Carr University of Art and Design, obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 2014. The YVR Art Foundation honoured James with the Career Artist Scholarship in 2011 and resulted in “From Sea to Sky”, a 6’ high aluminum totem pole that emits LED lights through Coast Salish iconography cut by water jet.
By combining the use of modern tools, materials and techniques, James integrates the traditional with the contemporary. “I have to start from a piece of wood or a block of wood, it gets ingrained in my DNA, that way I can then bring it into the computer, change the curvature quickly as opposed to having to start over again.”
James envisions a future where Indigenous design is not only respected but celebrated globally. He is working on several projects that aim to bridge the gap between Indigenous art and mainstream design. One such initiative is his collaboration with his life partner and fellow artist. “Dreamweaver, a collaboration with my partner Lauren Brevner, was done in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement through Coast Salish iconography – thinking about the history through this Indigenous lens, talking about it through Coast Salish ways of knowing.”
More recently, James and Lauren (KWÍKWI) produced a 2023 joint solo exhibit The Seventh. Together, KWÍKWI acknowledges the timeless presence of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, and səlilwətaɬ peoples and their territories. Their explorations honour and respect how these extensive relationships have shaped the diverse communities that have developed here, especially the rich and culturally diverse local neighbourhoods in the city.
James’s work continues to inspire and challenge both his fellow artists and the broader community. With a unique capacity for developing thematically significant work that connects all people to the ecology of place while building a greater understanding between cultures, his process brings people together, changes ideas, and leaves a legacy to remind the community that transformations can occur.
Photo: 2024 IBA Co-Directors, Geena Jackson and Chief Gibby Jacob
We are thrilled to announce that Geena Jackson and Chief Gibby Jacob will be the Co-Directors of Ceremonies for the 2024 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) Gala, taking place on October 7 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. This highly anticipated event is the place to be for anyone interested in Indigenous business in British Columbia.
Meet Geena Jackson
Geena Jackson whose traditional name is Tsetasiya (‘Sa-TAS-ee-ya’) returns for her third year as Co-Director of the IBA Gala, bringing her experience and passion for celebrating Indigenous business excellence. As a devoted advocate for Indigenous rights, self-determination, and economic development, Geena has over 25 years of experience serving First Nation communities and the industry at large. A proud member of the Shishalh Nation (Sechelt), she is deeply committed to strengthening Indigenous communities through strategic partnerships with industry experts and government bodies.
Geena has been instrumental in helping over 800 Indigenous entrepreneurs grow their businesses and social enterprises. Her commitment to Indigenous economic growth is further exemplified by her creation of the Bears’ Lair TV show on APTN, where she serves as a core judge. This unique platform supports Indigenous entrepreneurs on a national scale, offering exposure, guidance, and opportunities to scale their ventures, with a grand prize of $100,000.
Additionally, Geena has created the Bears’ Lair Youth Dream Camps, teaching Indigenous youth aged 11-18 across Canada about entrepreneurship, life skills, and creating tools for future success. In 2023, she facilitated 25 camps and is well on her way to facilitating 40 additional camps in 2024, educating, elevating, and inspiring over 1,000 Indigenous youth nationwide.
Meet Chief Gibby Jacob
Joining Geena this year is Chief Gibby Jacob, a distinguished leader and the 2017 IBA Award of Distinction recipient. Chief Gibby, whose ancestral name is Kákeltn siyám, is a hereditary Chief and a member of the Squamish Nation in North Vancouver, British Columbia. He is a man of quiet power, recognized twice with Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 Award, and honored with The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, The BC Aboriginal Lifetime Achievement Award, and The Senate 150th Anniversary Medal.
Under Chief Gibby’s leadership, the Squamish Nation exponentially increased its business revenue, royalties, and real estate assets. He played a pivotal role in brokering the deal that established the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler and the 2010 Olympic land legacy, resulting in the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations gaining several tracts of land in the Whistler community.
Chief Gibby’s knowledge and experience provide direction and liaison duties for special projects and files, including negotiations between various levels of government, stakeholders, partners, and the Nation on projects dealing with natural resources, accommodation, and consultation. His leadership and vision are highly anticipated to bring a fresh and inspiring perspective to the gala.
A Night to Celebrate Excellence
The 2024 Indigenous Business Award Gala is set to be an extraordinary evening of celebrating excellence in the Indigenous economy. This event is an opportunity to honor outstanding achievements, network with industry leaders, and be part of a vibrant community that supports and uplifts Indigenous businesses.
Don’t miss out on this incredible event. Get your early bird tickets now and be part of a night that celebrates the strength, innovation, and success of Indigenous businesses in BC.
Chief Gibby’s wise words resonate deeply: “It is by paddling together that we can create a future for our Nation. One that learns from the past, lives in the present, and builds for the future.”
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
The Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design stands as a tribute to the late Sam Carter, an artist, leader, and educator who made significant contributions to applied art and design in British Columbia and globally. Sam Carter, whose name is synonymous with this field, garnered international respect and admiration from artists, students, and educators alike. In 2017, his achievements were recognized when he was named the Award of Distinction laureate in Applied Art + Design.
For over 50 years, Sam Carter dedicated himself to collecting, curating, and designing exhibitions that showcased design, craft, and applied arts within Canada. His journey began in 1965 when he emigrated from California and started working at the Ontario Science Centre. As a senior designer, he helped create interactive exhibits that highlighted Canadian contributions to science.
Sam’s impact extended through his work with the Ontario College of Art, where he organized “culture probes” that engaged students, faculty, corporations, government, and communities in creative projects. Upon settling in British Columbia, he taught at the Vancouver School of Art and then Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Here, he documented and elevated Canadian design and applied arts through online history and theory courses, events, and exhibitions. His mentorship fostered lifelong friendships with artists recognized in BC and beyond for their unique and beautiful design creations.
Through his exhibitions and events, Sam showcased works by Canadian designers, craftspeople, and applied artists from all regions, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to appreciate the elegance of Canadian design, craft, and applied arts. His efforts brought international attention to Canadian talent, fuelled by his enduring passion.
Sam curated over fifteen annual exhibitions celebrating the awardees of the Applied Art + Design program. His leadership and advocacy have left an indelible mark on the field, advancing the conversation around Canada’s functional art and design and inspiring future generations.
At the 2019 Applied Art + Design presentation ceremony, Dr. Yosef Wosk, whose foundation generously supported the program for more than a decade, delivered a thoughtful and empowering speech addressing the age-old debate between art versus design. He explored what distinguishes art from design and how this award unites them both.
Morris’s philosophy of combining the practical with the beautiful resonates deeply with the ethos of applied art and design. As Dr. Wosk explained, ‘knowing’ something to be useful pertains to practical design, a rational and logical process. In contrast, ‘believing’ something to be beautiful is a more transcendent, intuitive appreciation akin to pure art.
The awardees of the Applied Art + Design award program embody this duality, bridging the worlds of art and design and making the practical more beautiful.
We salute the applied artists and designers recognized by the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design program for their contributions. As we look forward to the 2024 recipient celebration and exhibition in November, we applaud all the artists and designers who continue pushing the boundaries of their respective practices, honouring the legacy of Sam Carter and the timeless intersection of practicality and beauty.
Check out the 2023 Applied Art + Design Awardee Films – click here
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
Thank you to nominators for leading the way! Your submissions have opened the door for so many people to be seen, recognized and celebrated. We are grateful to be able to share these many stories of success.
BC Achievement’s fall award programs closed their respective calls for nominations for the 2024 program, but…nominations are now open year-round! So, you can still submit a nomination for the 2025 award program.
We commend the commitment and effort taken in the preparation of each nomination package.
It’s important to highlight excellence through award nominations – it shines a light on the amazing things happening in our communities and paves the way for innovation, change, and leadership. By nominating individuals, artists, organizations, or businesses for an award, we celebrate their creativity, dedication, tenacity, and excellence in their chosen fields. This process is a gesture of respect and gratitude for those who achieve excellence and whose stories can inspire others.
What are the benefits of a successful nomination for the awardee? Most importantly, it elevates the awardee’s profile along with the community they serve. It validates their hard work and dedication, affirming that they are on the right path. Additionally, a successful nomination shares their experiences, creating role models and fostering positive change while bringing people together over shared interests and passions.
By recognizing the achievements of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth, and volunteers, BC Achievement’s award programs celebrate exceptional people doing extraordinary work.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the nominators, the champions who dedicate their time to support the leaders, volunteers, creators, organizers, and doers. Your efforts make this province a better place to live, and we thank you for leading the way!
“I challenge you to identify the heroes from your communities and Nominate Now for the 2025 award programs – If you know of candidates who would be ideal for BC Achievement’s award programs, please consider nominating them – we have recently announced year-round open nominations to allow greater accessibility to the process. #nominatenowbc!” Walter Pela, Chair, BC Achievement Board
To learn more about BC Achievement award programs, check out bcachievement.com.
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
What does that mean? It’s a testament to the best of BC – the program has told the inspired stories of over 680 British Columbians who have carved a path forward through their community achievement for others to emulate and in doing so, built stronger and more engaged communities.
One such awardee is 2005 alumna, artist Michelle Loughery who designed and painted over twenty-five historical murals in downtown Vernon, a project which was an outstanding success as it celebrated the area’s heritage and culture and continues to be a major tourism draw. Michelle’s talent is unquestionable, but it was her creation of this art on the street that was so significant in her community. It mobilized citizens to work together with a sense of pride. Most importantly, Michelle involved 75 youth at risk in that project.
Michelle is more than an artist, she’s a mentor to the community’s youth and a public relations ambassador for Vernon. She incorporates the strength of community to the art process bringing people together to create iconic images, telling stories through murals.
Since receiving the Community Award, Michelle has continued to receive accolades for her iconic community art projects. Over her 30-plus-year career, Michelle has created numerous award-winning mural projects, and raised millions for communities through her innovative Wayfinder art project.
Michelle created the Wayfinder Art Model of building infrastructure placemaking with public art and youth employment and training programming. This model has been emulated across the globe and has been cited as an innovation for rural communities that all communities should emulate.
Michelle recently recorded a podcast episode about what has inspired her creativity. The following is taken from AR:T ROUTE Radio podcast – The Muralist Chapter One E042.
“My passion and love for murals has deep roots. I come from a very, very creative immigrant family from all different parts of the world and it’s through those connections that I have been honoured with the dream life of being a muralist.”
“My journey starts with a little girl with braids and knobby knees…in a little town, a coal mining town, so I truly am the coal miner’s daughter. I watched my parents live, struggle, love, laugh, and teach their children to use their hands, and to use their hands to build community.”
As someone who identifies as neuro-divergent, Michelle recognizes that “Perhaps there were so many neurodivergent people that just felt the system wasn’t for them or they felt shame, and it didn’t work for them. The system works for many people – many people excel at school, but many people don’t. I was lucky enough to find a way to make a living through extraordinary life lessons and careers and opportunities.”
“My projects were about bringing young people together and old people and exchanging skills. I may call it Wayfinder art – which is what it is – it’s finding your way through art. It was the energy and knowledge of those young people and the old people coming together in this orchestration of magic. I keep using the term magic because I think that’s what the world has lost in these last years. The magic has been dimmed; our imagination has been dimmed; our colouring box has all become these gray crayons but we are this massive 64 pack Crayola colouring box! All we have do is open the box.”
“So, I’m going to start with the orange crayon. I painted my first picture with an orange crayon and then I continued on my bedroom walls, and continued on community walls, and I have been taking it to the wall for over 35 years, well over 60 years now, because I have been colouring on the walls since I was a child.”
Nominations for the 2025 Community Award program are welcome throughout the year at bcachievement.com.
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
The Community Award (COM) program recognizes extraordinary British Columbians who build better, stronger and more resilient communities.
On May 8, 2024, the recipients of the 21st annual Community Award were celebrated at a formal presentation ceremony held in Victoria, BC in the presence of Her Honour, the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia,
Emceed by BC Achievement Board Chair, Walter Pela, with citations delivered by alumna T,łalisam Kim van der Woerd (2018 Mitchell Award of Distinction and 2018 Indigenous Business Awardee), the ceremony was a powerful and emotional testament to the strength of community from throughout the province. Each awardee is an outstanding British Columbian whose dedication, leadership and actions inspire the next generation.
Marcus Mosely, this year’s Mitchell Award of Distinction recipient, speaking on behalf of the 2024 recipients, delighted all guests with a presentation that filled the room with musical inspiration sharing: “Compassion, empathy and a willingness to meet people where they are motivates each of us. And kindness and a desire to be of service is our common goal.”
For the first time in its two-decade history, the 2024 award program recognized Emerging Leaders* as a separate category, highlighting the contributions of young people in this province. Walter Pela remarked that “all these exceptional individuals embody the essence of leadership, dedication, and selflessness, serving as beacons of inspiration. Communities thrive when individuals generously share their talents, passion, and time in service to others, and these awardees exemplify the transformative impact of such contributions.”
This year’s recipients selected by an independent jury include:
Troy MacBeth Abromaitis, Richmond Prof. Nemkumar Banthia, Vancouver Devon Black, Victoria Earl Blacklock, Parksville Robin Dawes, Williams Lake Jane Devji, Delta Doreen & Wayne Hewitt, Salt Spring Island Christopher Lee, Vancouver* Siân Lewis, Kamloops K. Brian McConaghy, Delta Connally McDougall, Vancouver* Marcus Mosely, North Vancouver Coralie Nairn, Vernon Alison O’Toole, Prince Rupert Jazz Pabla, West Kelowna Len Pierre, Surrey Rishika Selvakumar, Richmond* Wendy Toyer, Richmond Mary Trentadue, New Westminster Janna Wale, Gitanmaax/Hazelton*
Click here to view photos from the presentation ceremony.
BC Achievement thanks the nominators for their commitment to acknowledging those who make a positive impact in our community and serve as inspiring models for others to follow. And to the award recipients, their journey with BC Achievement is just beginning!
Together, we tell the stories of what makes our province, and its communities, achieve excellence and, in doing so, inspire change.
Nominations for the 2025 program are open and throughout the year at bcachievement.com until February 15, 2025
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
Artists and designers have always brought people together through their art. Recognizing and celebrating their contributions builds vibrant and inclusive communities and contributes towards the cultural economy. The Polygon Award in First Nations Art and the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design serve to highlight exceptional talent and skill within the artistic community. As the nomination deadline of June 30 approaches, we encourage everyone to consider nominating deserving artists and designers for these two awards. #nominatenowbc
The Polygon Award in First Nations Art, established to honour outstanding First Nations artists, celebrates those who have significantly contributed to the continuity and evolution of First Nations art through their practices. This award acknowledges artistic excellence of established artists and recognizes the efforts of emerging artists in their respective fields. The award aims to highlight the rich traditions and contemporary practices of BC’s First Nations, promoting greater understanding and appreciation of their contributions to the arts.
The Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design celebrates innovation and excellence in applied arts and design. Named after renowned artist and educator Sam Carter, the award honours individuals whose work exemplifies the highest standards of creativity and craftsmanship in fields such as ceramics, textiles, furniture, jewellery, and industrial design. The Applied Art + Design award recognizes and support artists and designers who push the boundaries of their disciplines. The award aims to celebrate those who combine aesthetic excellence with practical functionality, creating works that enhance everyday life while showcasing outstanding craftsmanship and originality.
Through the extraordinary contributions of awardees like these, BC Achievement continues to advance its quest to elevate excellence, share success, and inspire change.
This fall recipients of the 2024 awards will be honoured with a short film highlighting their accomplishments. These films will be premiered at the Award presentation ceremony, where recipients will receive their award and cash prize. Awardees will also be celebrated through an online campaign, #shinethelightbc.
In addition, BC Achievement is proud to present a combined exhibition showcasing the recipients for both the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art and the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design.
As we approach the nomination deadline of June 30, we encourage you to consider the artists and designers in your community who exemplify excellence, creativity, and dedication. Nominating someone for the Polygon Award in First Nations Art or the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design is a meaningful way to honour their contributions and support their future endeavours.
To nominate, please visit bcachievement.com and complete the nomination form. Let’s celebrate and support the artists and designers who inspire us with their work and creativity.
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.
