Aboriginal Businesses recognized at gala dinner

January 27, 2009
Vancouver, BC









Four hundred and sixty guests attended the inaugural BC Aboriginal Business gala presentation event in Vancouver on Jan. 27 hosted by the BC Achievement Foundation and the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.

Speakers included BC Assembly of First Nation's Regional Chief Shawn Atleo, Métis BC President Bruce Dumont, Hon. Michael de Jong, Keith Mitchell, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation and emcee Peter Lantin of Tricorp.

Awards were presented to 23 Aboriginal businesses from across British Columbia.

The 2009 Aboriginal Business Award recipients:

Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Winner: Cristy Johnson, Victoria

Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Winner: Jacob Beaton, Hazelton
Outstanding Business Achievement: Edzerza's Gallery, Vancouver; Shrapnel Designs, Vancouver

Business of the Year (1-2 persons)
Winner: Tryna Gower Photography, Dawson Creek
Outstanding Business Achievement: Artifaax, Vancouver; Bikram's Yoga College of India, North Vancouver

Business of the Year (2-10 persons)
Winner: Chase Office Interiors, West Vancouver
Outstanding Business Achievement: Little Miss Chief Gourmet Products Inc., Kelowna; Wind Spirit Art and Gallery, Powell River

Business of the Year (10+ persons)
Winners: BC General Contracting Inc., Westbank; Tin Wis Best Western Resort, Tofino
Outstanding Business Achievement: Chinook Cove Contracting Ltd., Kamloops; Paul Paquette and Sons Contracting Ltd., Chetwynd

Community-Owned Business of the Year
Winner: Metlakatla Development Corporation, Prince Rupert
Outstanding Business Achievement: Doig River Energy, Fort St. John; Ivy Green Husky, Ladysmith; Pine Acres Home, Westbank

Joint Venture Business of the Year
Winner: Nicola Pacific Forest Products Ltd., Merritt
Outstanding Business Achievement: RTS - Referral Tracking System, Chase; Takaya Developments Ltd., North Vancouver

Individual Achievement Award
Winners: Angelique Merasty Levac, Prince George; Dorothy Grant, Vancouver