VANCOUVER – Awardees of the eleventh annual BC Indigenous Business Award (IBA) were celebrated at a Gala Dinner ceremony on October 17, 2019 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver where over 650 people gathered to honour excellence and “cultivate innovation” in Indigenous business in British Columbia.
“The BC Indigenous Business Award recognizes enterprises that create and expand opportunities, relationships and communities, all with the goal of a more prosperous future,” said foundation Chair, Anne Giardini. “BC Achievement is particularly excited to highlight some of the many Indigenous businesses across British Columbia that foster innovation – integrating the practices of the past with the economies of the future.”
The IBA program was launched in 2008 to honour and celebrate business excellence and, in its 11th year, boasts close to 200 remarkable businesses within its alumni. A total of 16 Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities and community-owned enterprises were honoured at this year’s Gala Dinner, hosted by sister and brother team, Larissa and Wade Grant.
Selection of the awardees was made by members of the 2019 jury panel, which included Kim Baird, Jacob Beaton, Louis de Jaeger and Laurie Sterritt.
Paulette Flamond was honoured with the 2019 BC Indigenous Business Award of Distinction in recognition of her extraordinary efforts towards economic development and business in the Province. As Executive Director of the Northeast Aboriginal Business Centre for the past 17 years and owner of Scoop Clothing Ltd., Paulette Flamond leads by example and strives to improve communities by encouraging wellness, training and entrepreneurship. A self-described “servant leader” Paulette is a strong Métis woman whose style of leadership is evidenced in her support of women entrepreneurs and her dedication to social enterprises such as the Indigenous artists’ market. Paulette’s impact includes a 29-year board commitment to Indigenous business, including the Canada Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers, the Aboriginal Business Network, NEDAB Native Economic Development Advisory Board for the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) and the Northern Development Initiative Trust. From 2001 to 2019, she served on MIRR’s Council on Indigenous Women. In July 2019 Paulette joined the board of ICBC marking its first Indigenous appointment.
The Award of Distinction honours a person who has made a significant impact in the Indigenous business community and in so doing serves as an inspiration to us all. The BC Indigenous Business Award program is presented by the BC Achievement Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and generously supported by New Relationship Trust, BC Hydro, CN, Enbridge, Encana, FortisBC, TD, Teck, Vancity and Western Forest Products.
The BC Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation established in 2003 to celebrate community service, arts, humanities and enterprise.
2019 BC Indigenous Business Awardees
• 2019 Award of Distinction
Paulette Flamond, Fort St. John
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Mr. Bannock Indigenous Cuisine, North Vancouver
Outstanding Business Achievement: Persistence Training Centre, Merritt
• Business of the Year – one-to-two person enterprise
Imagination FX, Port Alberni
Outstanding Business Achievement: Tseax Development Group Ltd., Terrace
• Business of the Year – three-to-10 person enterprise
T’ashii Paddle School, Tofino
Outstanding Business Achievement: Nechako Valley Animal Health, Vanderhoof
• Business of the Year – 11+ person enterprise
Animikii Indigenous Technology, Victoria
Outstanding Business Achievement: Rivermist Excavating Ltd., Kamloops
Outstanding Business Achievement: Top Notch Oilfield Contracting Ltd., Fort St. John
• Community-Owned Business of the Year – one entity
Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Course, Chase
Outstanding Business Achievement: Mustimuhw Information Solutions Inc., Duncan
• Community-Owned Business of the Year – two or more entities
Simpcw Resources Group of Companies, Barriere
Outstanding Business Achievement: Coast Salish Group, Ladysmith
• Industry Business Partnership of the Year
Salish Seaside RV Haven, Victoria
Outstanding Business Achievement: Lower Nicola Site Services, Kamloops
Detailed information about the awards and a list of past winners is posted on the Foundation’s website at www.bcachievement.com/indigenousbusiness/
Contact:
Cathryn Wilson, Executive Director | 604.261.9777