Category: Blog

Tsetasiya Geena Jackson and Kúkwpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars will be the Co-Directors of Ceremonies for the 2025 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) Gala! The 17^th annual IBA Gala is taking place on Wednesday, November 5, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. This highly anticipated event is the place to be for anyone interested in Indigenous business in BC. 

Meet Tsetasiya Geena Jackson 

Geena Jackson returns for her fourth 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. 

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. She has offered over 65 camps and is well on her way to facilitating additional camps in 2025, educating, elevating, and inspiring over 1,000 Indigenous youth nationwide. 

Meet Kúkwpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars 

Joining Geena this year is Kúkwpi7 Willie Sellars whose Nation is a recipient of the 2022 IBA for its business Sugar Cane Archaeology and Kúkwpi7 Sellars is also an alumnus of the 2023 BC Reconciliation Award program. Kúkwpi7 Willie was born and raised in Williams Lake, BC and is a member of the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) of the Secwepemc Nation. Elected to WLFN Council at the age of 24 in 2008, Willie was one of the youngest elected Councillors in WLFN history. After serving ten years on Council, he was elected as the Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation in 2018. In his previous work experience, Kúkwpi7 Willie worked as a Wildland Firefighter for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations before returning to his community to assume the position of Special Project Coordinator in the WLFN Economic Development Department. During this time, he was responsible for new business initiatives flowing from Impact Benefit Agreements, engagement with proponents in the traditional territory, and community consultation for major WLFN projects. 

Kúkwpi7 Willie is also a published author of “Dipnetting with Dad,” which won a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award. He enjoys his family time with his five kids, playing hockey, pow wow dancing, attending community events at WLFN, dipnetting, and playing fastball. 

A Night to Celebrate Indigenous Entrepreneurial Achievement 

The 2025 Indigenous Business Award Gala is set to be an extraordinary evening of celebrating achievement in the Indigenous economy. This event is an opportunity to honor outstanding accomplishments, 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. Save the date and watch for early bird tickets beginning August 15, 2025. Sponsorship opportunities remain available.  

Contact Angela Marston, IBA Program Director angela@bcachievement.com and join the IBA sponsorship family today! 

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

Photo: Angela Marston (Statu Stsuhwum), IBA Program Director

Since 2008, the Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program has been celebrating and recognizing Indigenous business excellence in BC. Right now, the program is in full flight with nominations secured and the jury busy evaluating each submission – we caught up with IBA Program Director Angela Marston to see what the program’s focus is during the current selection phase and how she’s engaging with community.

Q: Hi Angela, It’s good to have another update chat with you – and learn about what’s new with IBA as you come up to your third year anniversary as program director!

Angela: It’s been an excellent year so far for IBA outreach and I am excited to see the program growing and expanding – it’s been one of my key goals since beginning my role. With BC Achievement’s combined #recognizeremarkable call for nominations campaign at the start of 2025 – we saw new and diverse submissions coming in. With this expansion comes an increased interest from FN communities, capital corporations and individual Indigenous entrepreneurs from throughout BC. AND, we will be announcing the 2025 recipients in June!

We are also excited that program nominations are now open all year. This allows nominators to take action in the moment and not wait for an annual nomination period. Nominations for 2026 are open now until February 15, 2026. If you know an Indigenous owned business that is impacting change and creating innovative systems, nominate them NOW for next year.

Q: Last month you hosted the inaugural IBA alumni social and we’ve heard great things from the participants – can you share some of their feedback and how that helps direct your programming?

Angela: It was fantastic to gather with IBA alumni last month at Danny Chase’s (2009 alumnus) offices in Yaletown and connect with past awardees. And a big shout out to Danny for hosting us. The vibe in the room was electric and we all appreciated the chance to gather in person, share stories and NETWORK. 

Ruth Williams, one of the members of the IBA original planning committee, a past jury member and Award of Distinction recipient (2013) knocked it out of the park with her meaningful keynote sharing memories from her childhood and inspiring everyone present: “if a little girl who came from humble beginnings can do it, so can you”.

The gathering solidified our plan to develop more channels for program alumni to engage with each other as mentors, ambassadors and advisors. Curtis Thomas (2022 alumnus) “Gathering as business owners gives us the chance to connect and help problem solve without having to reinvent the wheel.”

Meaningful conversations were sparked by the gathering with those engaged with the IBA sponsorship family. Our partners are keen to see the impact of the IBA in Indigenous communities throughout the province. We are in the thick of the Sponsorship campaign for the 2025 IBA program right now.  As always, we are grateful to work in partnership with so many organizations who help us tell the stories of business excellence to inspire and achieve.

Q: Why should organizations consider partnering with BC Achievement and supporting the IBA program?

Angela: Sponsoring the IBA is a powerful way to support economic reconciliation while recognizing the contributions of Indigenous entrepreneurs. By aligning your organization with IBA and its awardees (and alumni), you’re supporting inclusive prosperity while promoting Indigenous-led leadership across many industries. IBA alumni are driving growth, creating employment, and preserving cultural values and Indigenous ways of knowing through their unique, community-based approaches to entrepreneurship.

Sponsors share with me that they value the IBA recipients’ stories of impact, and want to be part of the movement to inspire future generations while strengthening business networks between Indigenous and non-Indigenous sectors. 

I see our IBA partnerships as opportunities to strengthen relationships, expand visibility among community leaders, connect with government representatives, while participating in a meaningful program that honours success and collaboration. It’s more than a sponsorship—it’s an investment in equity and a culturally diverse future. 

The conversations I’m having right now with our sponsorship family and those who are considering joining it are inspired! Together, we are changing narratives and creating opportunity!

Q: No doubt you are gearing up for the 2025 IBA Gala – always a must attend event every fall in Vancouver – can you give us a behind the scenes sneak peek?

Angela: Well, it will be amazing as every year it just gets better!! In just a few weeks we will announce this year’s emcees along with the confirmed date of the gala dinner. The 2025 gala promises to be another unique celebration of achievement, culture, and connection. There is already a buzz out there – people are excited!

Q: How many years has the IBA program been celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurship?

Angela: This year marks the 17th IBA program where we’ll celebrate eight awardees! Short films showcasing each recipient’s journey are debuted in front of 700 attendees: all supporting the Indigenous business economy. Awardees will receive their recognition directly from program alumni – “passing the feather and completing the circle” – it’s a night of inspired stories and achievements. I am so looking forward to welcoming everyone!

Q: How do organizations get in touch with you to discuss supporting the IBA program and learning more about this year’s gala?

Angela: Call me, email me – let’s chat! And check out our engagement opportunities on our website: Click here Angela: 1.250.709.5299 | angela@bcachievement.com

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

On Thursday, March 27, BC Achievement was honoured to host the inaugural Indigenous Business Award (IBA) Alumni Social, a special evening dedicated to recognizing the achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs and business leaders from across British Columbia. 

Since 2009, more than 225 Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs have been honoured through the IBA program. The Alumni Social was created to celebrate this growing community, bringing past recipients together to connect, collaborate, and continue building momentum for Indigenous business excellence. 

This year’s theme, “Making Connections,” emphasized the importance of relationships in business and community building. The event provided a unique opportunity for alumni to share experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen partnerships—all within an environment rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose. 

The program of events featured several notable guests and inspiring moments: 

• The evening was hosted by Danny Chase, founder of Chase Office Interiors and 2009 IBA Business of the Year recipient. His generous hospitality and ongoing support were deeply appreciated. 

• A warm welcome was offered by Curtis Thomas, a member of Tsleil-Waututh Nation and 2023 IBA Business of the Year 11+ recipient for Warrior Plumbing. Curtis also serves as an elected council member for his Nation and is an advocate for Indigenous business growth and opportunity. 

• The keynote address was delivered by Ruth Williams, 2013 IBA Award of Distinction recipient. A founding leader of both All Nations Trust Company and Round Lake Treatment Centre, and currently Chair of the First Nations Health Foundation Board, Ruth shared her remarkable journey and reflections on allyship, resilience, and the critical role Indigenous businesses play in shaping Canada’s economic future. 

• BC Achievement extends its sincere thanks to TD’s Michelle Green and Adam Hanuman for their generous financial sponsorship, which made the IBA Alumni Social possible and helped foster meaningful connections within the Indigenous business community. 

The Indigenous Business Award program, now in its 17th year, continues to elevate the stories of Indigenous businesses in British Columbia. By showcasing their achievements, the program offers models of success for aspiring entrepreneurs and provides a space where business opportunities are identified, partnerships are formed, and community connections are strengthened. 

BC Achievement extends sincere thanks to every IBA alumni member who joined us for this memorable evening. 

As a non-profit organization, BC Achievement is committed to elevating excellence and inspiring achievement across the province. With your support, we can continue to build stronger, more engaged communities. To learn more about how you can contribute to this mission, please consider making a donation today. DONATE 

Thank you for being part of our journey. #BCAchievement #CelebrateIndigenousBusiness #IBAAlumni #MakingConnections #BePartOfIt #IBA 

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

Since its inception in 2009, the Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program serves as a powerful platform celebrating the achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs across British Columbia. Now in its 17th year, the IBA has expanded its reach, showcasing the innovation and determination of over 236 Indigenous businesses. This growing network of entrepreneurs is helping to pave the way for others, demonstrating the strength and potential of Indigenous-led businesses. 

A key to the program’s success is its ability to highlight the diversity and excellence of Indigenous businesses across various sectors, from creative industries to resource-based enterprises. Through films and stories captured in an online archive, the IBA brings the journeys of its awardees to life, allowing the public to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and cultural pride. These stories are not only a testament to individual and community achievement but also serve as inspiration for future generations of Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

At BC Achievement, we believe that recognition is just the beginning for our awardees. The IBA program continues to amplify their stories, inspiring young Indigenous business leaders to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and carry forward their cultural traditions. This ongoing support is critical in sparking new opportunities and creating a community among Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. A special spotlight this week is on Enbridge, which has been an annual sponsor of the IBA program since 2017. Enbridge’s continued partnership has been vital to the program’s success, ensuring that Indigenous businesses receive the exposure and recognition they deserve. Their continued support helps amplify the achievements of these businesses and contributes to their growth and success. 

Enbridge’s sponsorship goes beyond financial support—as it underpins the program’s goal to foster meaningful relationships and opportunities for shared prosperity. Their involvement with the IBA supports BC Achievement’s commitment to empowering Indigenous business owners and strengthening communities for future generations. We are deeply grateful for Enbridge’s partnership, which plays a crucial role in helping us create a more inclusive and equitable future for Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

With the continued support of sponsors like Enbridge, the IBA program will remain a vibrant community of like-minded individuals and organizations. We are confident that the program will continue to thrive and inspire future generations of Indigenous business leaders. Explore the online archive to learn more about the incredible journeys of IBA awardees and be reminded of the power of determination and community. 

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