Day: May 1, 2023

Photo: 2022 IBA award recipient, Culture Shock Life, Andrea & Donna Cranmer

There’s no shortage of excellence in British Columbia. Bringing that excellence to the attention of the people of this province is the reason we exist. BC Achievement’s mission includes recognizing the accomplishments of individuals, groups and organizations in the areas of community leadership, applied art + design, First Nations art, Indigenous entrepreneurship and reconciliation.   

Nominators are key to the success of these programs – they are the ones who take the time to submit a nomination for an individual or business in their community. These nominations serve both the individual and the community by recognizing and celebrating the exceptional achievements and contributions made by individuals, motivating them to continue doing good work and inspiring others to follow suit.  

For the individual, being nominated for an award can be a significant source of validation, affirmation, and motivation. Recognition of their hard work and achievements can boost their confidence, leading to increased productivity and a sense of purpose. It can also provide a sense of belonging, as they become part of a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about similar things.   

“We started our business trying to find ways to be self-sustainable. We come from a family that practices our traditional ways. When people come to Culture Shock, they become our friends. I think my gran would be really proud of us. It shows Indigenous women that it can be done.” Andrea and Donna Cranmer, Culture Shock Life, Alert Bay, 2022 IBA recipient. 

In addition to the benefits for the individual or the business, nominating for awards is also important for building a strong and supportive community. This recognition is particularly important in encouraging collaboration and promoting a culture of excellence. When people see their peers being acknowledged for their work, it can inspire them to aim higher and strive for excellence. This, in turn, creates a community of individuals who are motivated to work together towards common goals, promoting a sense of shared purpose. It’s like a ripple in the water, propelled forward by its source. 

By recognizing and celebrating exceptional work and contributions, we create a culture of excellence that inspires individuals to do their best and work towards common goals. The recognition of one awardee affects others, the impact rippling outward, building momentum while impacting countless lives.  

We salute the nominators. Keep on nominating, your work is building up individuals and communities. 

#nominatenowbc 

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

The fifteenth annual Indigenous Business Award program is now open for nominations! Do you know a business that demonstrates outstanding achievement? Nominate them now for the 2023 Indigenous Business Award. 

The IBA program recognizes the contributions of extraordinary Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs across BC, while helping to elevate connections between the province’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies. 

“The ambition, tenacity, and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs and their businesses drives them forward, strengthens our economy, and supports Indigenous economic empowerment and a shared prosperity for our province,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “I encourage everyone throughout British Columbia to nominate an outstanding Indigenous entrepreneur or Indigenous-owned business and #nominatenowbc,” he added. 

“Our young people need to be inspired and we have a responsibility to uplift our youth so they know whatever they set their minds to they can achieve.” Chief David Jimmie 2022 IBA Award of Distinction recipient. 

Nominations are invited from throughout the province and aim to showcase business excellence in the following categories: Young Entrepreneur, Business Partnerships, Community-Owned and Business of the Year awards for one-to-two-people, three-to-10-people, and enterprises with 11-or-more people. 

By recognizing outstanding people and businesses, the IBA program highlights Indigenous entrepreneurship while modelling success for others to follow. Now in its 15^th year, the program counts over 220 remarkable businesses among its alumni.  

For more information about the BC Achievement Foundation or the IBA program, please visit www.bcachievement.com. #nominatenowbc 

The IBA program is presented by BC Achievement in partnership with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and is generously supported by Vancity, Enbridge, TD, Teck, BC Hydro, BC Transit, CN, New Relationship Trust, Ovintiv, Pembina, Seaspan, Simpcw Resources Group, TELUS, Port of Vancouver – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Western Indigenous Pipeline Group, All Nations Trust Company, Bennett Jones, Coast Capital, Copper Mountain Mine, Dentons, FortisBC, Ledcor, and West Fraser.

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