Month: November 2022

Indigenous Business Award (IBA) Gala 2022 elevates excellence! 

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The fourteenth annual IBA Gala presented by BC Achievement on November 29 was a huge success thanks to the exceptional Indigenous Business Awardees and the invaluable people behind each one of them. We’re grateful for everyone who came together to support and honour the 2022 recipients. 

The Gala celebrated and shared stories of Indigenous business excellence and, in doing so, underlined the theme for the 2022 program: thuyshaynum: preparing the path, directing the feet. “We are all working to correct the understanding of Indigenous history with guests in our territory and mindfully building respectful and meaningful relationships to prepare the path.” Angela Marston, IBA Program Director. 

The evening’s hosts Geena Jackson and award alumna, Carol Anne Hilton, welcomed guests and captured the attention of the sold-out room. DJ O Show, another IBA alumni member, kept the atmosphere electric, ushering awardees to the stage with their selected individual walk-up songs. Thank you to everyone who took to the stage or sent greetings to acknowledge the awardees, including newly minted award alumni! 

We raise our hands to the to the 2022 recipients: Dark Arc Welding, dK Architecture, Culture Shock Life, Warrior Plumbing, M’inuw’ilum DBA Cheanuh Marina, Sasuchan Development Corporation, Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd, and Chief David Jimmie. We’re honoured to celebrate your achievements and hear your inspiring stories of hard work and success. These stories have been captured in short films produced on each awardee – premiered at the IBA Gala and now viewable on BC Achievement’s YouTube channel. 

A huge thanks to all the program sponsors. It was a pleasure having all of you join the awardees and guests at the  #IBAgala, celebrating Indigenous business excellence. 

If you missed the livestream, watch a recording at bcachievement.com or through Telus’ Optik TV Indigenous Channel 126 across BC after November 30. 

Nominations for the 2023 Indigenous Business Award open June 1, 2023. 

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

Installation of two canoe paddles honour the journey of reconciliation

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Photo: the Honourable Janet Austin and T’esóts’en, Patrick Kelly

Two canoe paddles honouring the achievements of the 2021 and 2022 BC Reconciliation Award recipients were installed at Government House on November 22, 2022. The installation of the paddles also marks the call for nominations launch for the 2023 BC Reconciliation Award program.

The BC Reconciliation Award is a partnership between the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and the BC Achievement Foundation, and recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.

The BC Reconciliation Award draws inspiration from the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the Award. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, currently on display at the BC Legislature buildings, was created as a symbol of reconciliation, with the understanding that “we are all in the same canoe” and must “paddle together” to move forward.

In honour of this legacy, each year, recipients are presented with a print of a canoe paddle designed by the Emerging Artist recipient of the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art. The 2021 paddle was created by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Cole Speck, and the 2022 paddle was created by Dene and Carrier beader Crystal Behn. The ongoing series of BC Reconciliation Award paddles will be displayed in Government House.

2021 Reconciliation Paddle designed by Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Cole Speck

Paddle description by the artist:
“The sea monster has been carrying people through pre-reconciliation as it travels through the ocean. Now it is climbing out of the waves helping to bridge the gap toward reconciliation. No one has seen the sea monster for centuries but now that we are working towards reconciliation, there is hope that we will see the sea monster once again.”

2022 Reconciliation Paddle by Dene and Carrier artist, Crystal Behn

Paddle description by the artist:
“The traditional hand-smoked moosehide has a story. The moose was hunted, its meat fed many families. Tradition and knowledge were passed on from the hunt right to the art that was created from endless hours of preparing the hide. The beaded flower colours represent every nation. The stitching that runs along the edge represents the mothers and grandmothers that stitched together their children’s moccasins, many of those children did not return home from residential school. The red flower at the tip represents all the murdered and missing Indigenous woman, all our stolen sisters, the life givers. This paddle is bound together in the middle, my hope is that one day all nations will meet in the middle with understanding and compassion for one another. That all Indigenous nations will be accepted and shown mutual respect.”

The nomination period for the Awards will be open from November 22, 2022, until January 20, 2023. Nomination forms are available at bcachievement.com.

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

Canoe Paddles Installed at Government House to Launch Call for Nominations for 2023 BC Reconciliation Award

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Two canoe paddles honouring the achievements of the 2021 and 2022 British Columbia Reconciliation Award recipients were installed at Government House on November 22, 2022. The installation of the paddles also marks the call for nominations for the 2023 BC Reconciliation Award.  

The BC Reconciliation Award is a partnership between the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and the BC Achievement Foundation, and recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts. The inaugural ceremony recognizing the 2021 and 2022 recipients will take place at Government House in Victoria in the new year. 

The BC Reconciliation Award draws inspiration from the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the Award. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, currently on display at the BC Legislature buildings, was created as a symbol of reconciliation, with the understanding that “we are all in the same canoe” and must “paddle together” to move forward. 

In honour of this legacy, each years’ recipients receive a print of a canoe paddle decorated by the Emerging Artist recipient of the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art. The 2021 paddle was created by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Cole Speck, and the 2022 paddle was created by Dene and Carrier beader Crystal Behn. The ongoing series of BC Reconciliation Award paddles will be displayed in Government House. 

The nomination period for the Award will be open from November 22, 2022, until January 20, 2023. Nomination forms are available on the BC Achievement Foundation website, bcachievement.com.

Contact:

Rachel Rilkoff
Communications and Events Officer
Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
778-679-2278
rachel.rilkoff@gov.bc.ca

Gemma Bishop
BC Achievement Foundation
604-375-6953
gemma@gatherpublicrelations.com  

Backgrounder:

2022 Reconciliation Paddle
Artist: Crystal Behn, Dene and Carrier

Paddle description by the artist:

“The traditional hand-smoked moosehide has a story. The moose was hunted, its meat fed many families. Tradition and knowledge were passed on from the hunt right to the art that was created from endless hours of preparing the hide. The beaded flower colours represent every nation. The stitching that runs along the edge represents the mothers and grandmothers that stitched together their children’s moccasins, many of those children did not return home from residential school. The red flower at the tip represents all the murdered and missing Indigenous woman, all our stolen sisters, the life givers. This paddle is bound together in the middle, my hope is that one day all nations will meet in the middle with understanding and compassion for one another. That all Indigenous nations will be accepted and shown mutual respect.”

2021 Reconciliation Paddle
Artist: Cole Speck, Kwakwaka’wakw

Paddle description by the artist:

“The sea monster has been carrying people through pre-reconciliation as it travels through the ocean. Now it is climbing out of the waves helping to bridge the gap toward reconciliation. No one has seen the sea monster for centuries but now that we are working towards reconciliation, there is hope that we will see the sea monster once again.”

Learn about the 2021 and 2022 BC Reconciliation Award recipients: https://ltgov.bc.ca/priority-programs/the-bc-reconciliation-award.

Images of the Reconciliation Paddles and the paddle installation may be downloaded at: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/e5nreb5p3s2seat1ff8ah/h?dl=0&rlkey=d9wfvfib1song8xrz8us3jb2t

Quotes:

The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia:

“As we launch the third year of the British Columbia Reconciliation Award, the image of the paddles resonates stronger than ever. It is through combined effort that paddles move a canoe forward. I see this united strength in our past recipients and look forward to witnessing it in the 2023 nominations. I am deeply honoured to display the Reconciliation Paddles at Government House as a symbol of an ongoing commitment to reconciliation. I encourage all British Columbians to nominate those whose incredible work toward reconciliation has made a deep impact on their lives or communities.”

Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers (Hupacasath Nation), BC Achievement Foundation Board Member:

“Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is about righting past wrongs. In order for it to be true reconciliation, Indigenous peoples must define what reconciliation is and what is needed to move forward.”

“Bridging the gap between the two worlds through the reconciliation efforts of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples builds the relationships needed for the journey. By recognizing the truths of past wrongs and showcasing examples of how to make things right, others will be inspired to follow.”

“In its third year, the British Columbia Reconciliation Award continues to celebrate innovative and empowering ways to embark on this journey, designed and decided by Indigenous peoples, allowing them to thrive while making the world a better place. We look forward to celebrating the 2023 award recipients.”

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

Open for Nominations: BC Reconciliation Award program #nominatenowbc 

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Photo: 2022 BC Reconciliation Award recipient, T̓łaḵwagila – Chief Bill Cranmer

“Reconciliation builds relationships and bridges the gap between two worlds through the efforts of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. By recognizing the truths of past wrongs and showcasing examples of how to make things right, others will be inspired to follow.” BC Achievement Foundation board member Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers 

There’s been much talk of reconciliation and there are many individuals and organizations who are taking action by implementing ideas and programs to move this effort forward. BC Achievement works in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia to deliver the program and we are collectively honoured to highlight the program recipients and inspired by their achievements. 

Now in its third year, the British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes excellence in the area of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of BC. It aims to showcase leadership in reconciliation so others will follow on the journey forward. Last year six extraordinary individuals and organizations were recognized as recipients of this award for their exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation.  

Who will be recognized as the recipients of the 2023 installment of the award?

It is time to start considering who is doing this work and tell the stories of reconciliation in action throughout the province and #nominatenowbc! Submissions will be accepted starting November 22, 2022, until January 20, 2023. We encourage you to look around in your community and make note of who is doing great work and deserves to be recognized so their story can be shared. Nominations will be accepted online at bcachievement.com and they will be reviewed by a selection committee including representation from Indigenous Elders and leadership. 

November 22 marks the day that the two reconciliation paddles, designed by First Nations artists and former recipients of the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art will be installed at Government House in Victoria. These two paddles, one created for each year of the award, symbolize the inspiration behind the award. The inspiration is the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the award, and his hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, currently on display at the BC Legislature building. It was created as a symbol of reconciliation, with the understanding that “we are all in the same canoe” and must “paddle together” to move forward. 

Watch for the photos from the paddle installment and congratulations to paddle artists Cole Speck and Crystal Dehn on their artistry and their commitment to reconciliation. 

Don’t forget nominations for the BC Reconciliation Award will be accepted November 22, 2023 – January 20, 2023! #nominatenowbc 

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

Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art and Design Recipients Celebrated

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We are saluting the four talented recipients of the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design!

Congratulations to:

These awardees demonstrate creativity, innovation and skill in designing and creating objects that are both beautiful and functional.

“These artistic works and designs demonstrate a new strength within BC’s creative economy,” said Anne Giardini, OC, OBC, KC, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “The Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design celebrates and honours BC’s creators for ensuring beauty and function are part of our everyday lives. It is always a delight to us at BC Achievement to recognize new ways of marrying art and function with ingenuity and imagination.”

Come visit the exhibit showcasing the works of these artists and the works of the recipients of this year’s Fulmer Award in First Nations Art. The exhibit runs Monday, November 14 to Friday, November 18 at The Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre in Vancouver. You’ll see the stunning art of all these awardees including Caine’s spectacular light fixtures, Louise’s bold textile jewellery, Cathy’s ceramics made from locally sourced clay, and Robert’s one-of-a-kind handmade guitars and violins.

At an award ceremony later this month, awardees will be celebrated amongst family, friends and peers. There they will receive a certificate and medallion in honour of their achievements and will be the first to see two films produced by BC Achievement to highlight their artistic accomplishments.

The Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design is named in honour of BC philanthropist, academic and visionary Yosef Wosk, OC, OBC, Ph.D. and Sam Carter, BC educator, designer and curator.

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

IBA Gala – 14 reasons to be at the 14th annual Indigenous Business Award Gala: November 29

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The highly anticipated Indigenous Business Award Gala Dinner is back with Carol Anne Hilton and Geena Jackson serving as co-Directors of Ceremonies on November 29 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
DJ O Show (IBA 2015 recipient) is joining in the production and celebration which will honour the 2022 program recipients. The evening is promising to be exceptional, and BC Achievement recently caught up with Geena to find out why she thinks the 2022 IBA Gala is the place to be. 

Saluting the 14th annual offering of the IBA program – Here are Geena’s top 14 reasons to be there on November 29.

  1. It’s been three long years since we gathered to celebrate the program awardees – kudos to the 2022 recipients 
  1. Cannot wait to celebrate the achievements and successes of Indigenous businesses from around the province: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change 
  1. Networking, Networking, Networking- the best opportunity of 2022 
  1. Carol Anne Hilton: #indigenomics (2013 IBA recipient and 2020 Award of Distinction designation) Trailblazer, influencer, inspirational leader 
  1. DJ O Show: Music, nostalgia, dancing, great vibes and Canada’s DJ of the Year 
  1. Amazing PR opportunity for your company 
  1. Meet established, new and upcoming businesses creating impacts in the Indigenous economy 
  1. Create new connections, new partnerships and meet amazing gamechangers 
  1. Develop long-term friendships who connect you to progressive like-minded thinkers 
  1. Supporting Indigenous business at the highest level 
  1. This event is part of our “Why” – we are all here for the same reason- for Indigenous advancement at every level 
  1. We get to dress up – really dress up 
  1. Vancouver’s most exciting event of the year – ask anyone who has ever attended! 
  1. This is going to sell out – it always does!  Get your tickets and book your tables ASAP to avoid disappointment! 

Geena, a member of the Frog Clan of the shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation on BC’s Sunshine Coast has contributed to the growth of over 530 Indigenous entrepreneurs, organizations and First Nations communities. She currently is the inspirational innovator and founder of Bear’s Lair – the reality TV show currently airing on ATPN TV.  Geena understands the challenges facing entrepreneurs and she is motivated by the sense of accomplishment and pride people feel when they succeed in turning their dreams into reality. A longtime supporter and consistent (and successful) nominator of the IBA program, Geena is a force who passionately empowers others while leading by example.  

IBA Gala 2022. See you there! 

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