2014 BC Aboriginal Business Awards Presented

The sixth annual BC Aboriginal Business Awards have been announced by Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, the presenting organization of Awards.

The honourees were celebrated at a gala award ceremony on October 15, 2014 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

"Entrepreneurial spirit is alive and growing in British Columbia's Aboriginal communities," said Premier Christy Clark. "The success of our Aboriginal entrepreneurs plays a crucial role in strengthening First Nations communities and our whole economy. The 6th annual Aboriginal Business Achievement Awards are a great opportunity to honour their achievements."

The BC Aboriginal Business Awards were launched in 2008 to honour and celebrate business excellence in six categories. A total of 16 Aboriginal businesses, entrepreneurs, joint ventures and community-owned enterprises will be recognized.

"This year's awardees represent excellence and demonstrate success in a variety of fields of business in British Columbia including tourism, marine services, civil construction, aviation, camp and catering services, forestry, recreational facilities, cleaning and support services and aesthetics." added Keith Mitchell.

Members of the jury panel include John Harper of Victoria, Annita McPhee of North Vancouver and Ruth Williams of Kamloops.

In addition, Councillor Garry Feschuk of the Sechelt First Nation has been selected the recipient of the 2014 BC Aboriginal Business Award for Individual Achievement in recognition of his efforts towards economic development and Aboriginal business in the Province. This award is selected by the Board of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation.

The 2014 Aboriginal Business Award Recipients:

Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Santana Walker Walker
Vancouver


Business of the Year - one to two person enterprise
Pure Beauty Ltd
Surrey

Outstanding Business Achievement

Bell-E Acres Recreation, Williams Lake

Northern Star Adventures, Quesnel

Business of the Year - three to 10 person enterprise
Bizzie B's Cleaning
Squamish

Outstanding Business Achievement

IVL Contracting Ltd., Lillooet

Sidney Whale Watching, Sidney

Business of the Year - 10 or more person enterprise
Harwood Custom Composites
Sidney

Outstanding Business Achievement

SCS Diamond Drilling, Kamloops

Community-Owned Business of the Year
4Evergreen Resources LP
Moberly Lake

Heartland Economics Ltd.
Westbank

Outstanding Business Achievement

Kalum Quarry Ltd. Partnership, Terrace

Thunderbird RV Park and Campground, Campbell River

Joint Venture Business of the Year
Salish Sea Industrial Services Ltd.
Victoria

Outstanding Business Achievement

Meziadin Junction Holdings LP, Kitwanga

Secwepemc Camp and Catering, Chase

Individual Achievement Award
Councillor Garry Feschuk
Sechelt First Nation