Community Award

Early Bird Tickets Now Available for the 2026 Indigenous Business Award Gala 

July 2, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating Indigenous business excellence at the 2026 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) Gala.  Early Bird tickets are now on sale for $250, with tables of ten also available for organizations, businesses, families and friends who want to celebrate together.  Taking place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, the Gala is the signature celebration of the Indigenous Business Award program, bringing together entrepreneurs, community leaders, partners, supporters and guests from across British Columbia to recognize outstanding Indigenous businesses and achievements.  The evening will be guided ...

Guided by Indigenous Leadership: Celebrating the Indigenous Business Award Advisory Committee

June 3, 2026
This year, BC Achievement’s IBA program is delighted to welcome its newest Advisory Committee member, Simon Baker. Simon is the Managing Partner at Baker Brothers Consulting and brings valuable experience, insight, and a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous business and economic development. We are honoured that he has chosen to share his expertise with the program and look forward to the perspectives and contributions he will bring as we continue to grow and strengthen the Indigenous Business Award community. Since its inception in 2008, the ...

BC Achievement Announces Leadership Transition and Appointment of Executive Director

May 1, 2026
Photo: Cathryn Wilson (left) and Rup Grewal (right) xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ, (Tsleil-Waututh) / Vancouver, BC May 1, 2026 BC Achievement Foundation today announced a leadership transition as Cathryn Wilson concludes her tenure as Chief Executive Officer at the end of May, and Rup Grewal steps into the role of Executive Director effective May 1, 2026. This transition marks an important moment of continuity and momentum for the Foundation, which remains strongly positioned to advance its mission of recognizing and celebrating outstanding British ...

23rd Annual Community Award Recipients Named by BC Achievement Foundation

April 14, 2026
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ, (Tsleil-Waututh) / Vancouver, B.C.) April 14, 2026: Premier David Eby and Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, today announced the recipients of the 23rd annual Community Award. The program recognizes outstanding British Columbians whose leadership, generosity and dedication strengthen communities across the province. “Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Community Award,” said Premier David Eby. “Whether leading grassroots initiatives or mentoring future changemakers, these individuals demonstrate the power of community and the impact of generosity. Their inspiring efforts are ...

Honouring Leadership, Legacy, and Impact 

March 3, 2026
The Indigenous Business Award – Award of Distinction  The Award of Distinction is the highest honour within the Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program. It recognizes a leader whose vision, influence, and lifetime achievements have shaped—and continue to shape—Indigenous business and economic development in British Columbia.  This distinction celebrates far more than commercial success. It honours those who have strengthened the Indigenous economy across the province and set a powerful example for others to follow—whether through entrepreneurship, governance, advocacy, innovation, or community leadership. Recipients are mentors, ...

ONNI: A Multi-Year Partner Supporting Indigenous Business Excellence 

January 27, 2026
The Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program is strengthened by partners who demonstrate a long-term commitment to Indigenous economic growth. ONNI is one such partner—an organization whose multi-year support reflects a shared belief in the power of Indigenous-led businesses and the importance of building a more inclusive and resilient economy in British Columbia.   With building at the core of their work, ONNI is a real estate development company employing thousands of people, with a mission to plan for the future and give back to the communities they serve.  Through their continued partnership, ...