Month: November 2023

Encouraging diversity and a culture of belonging, Community Awardee Jessie Sutherland continues to make an impact 

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Photo: Jessie Sutherland, 2023 Community Award recipient

Community Award recipients demonstrate exceptional commitment to making their communities – and our province – healthier, happier and more hopeful. One such awardee is Jessie Sutherland of Richmond, BC who shares her passion, talent and time in the service of others. In 2023, Jessie was awarded a Community Award for the work she does as an international speaker, trainer, and consultant working with organizations and communities to encourage diversity, build belonging and ignite intercultural collaboration.  

Her approach creates sustainable community change that effectively addresses complex social problems. Jessie’s work has been delivered in over eight languages and has taken her across Canada and around the world to support communities in their efforts to address challenging issues including poverty, homelessness, the overdose crisis, elder abuse, reconciliation, youth engagement and more.  

As founder of the organization Intercultural Strategies, Jessie helps leaders and groups build cultures of belonging to create change in an inclusive and positive way. She is the innovator of the award-winning Belonging Matters Conversations series and capacity-building framework designed to change mindsets, deepen interconnections, impart greater social capital and build stronger communities.  

“A key ingredient for sustaining engagement in any community change initiative is the on-going practice of recognizing and celebrating people, talents and successes along the way. The BC Achievement Community Award models what we all can be doing more of – celebrating and recognizing the talents and contributions of people in our own communities who are doing incredible work. I see BC Achievement Community Award as an invitation for us all to be on the lookout for ways to celebrate each other in small and big ways,” says Jessie. 

Since receiving the award in 2023, Jessie has expanded the reach of her services and is now collaborating with Michael Quinn Patton (former president of the American Evaluation Society), to support organizations in building their teams’ capacity to measure and accelerate belonging in their unique contexts. This includes measuring the impact of their equity and inclusion initiatives so that they can learn what’s working and what needs improving. Jessie and Michael’s new online 6-week program, Measure & Accelerate Belonging, helps create a clear process that gives teams the information they need to access resources and supports to scale their change initiatives across departments and contexts. 

For information about Intercultural Strategies and the work Jessie is doing to support organizations to build genuine cultures of belonging, visit: www.interculturalstrategies.ca . 

Community Award recipients include everyone from ambitious students to established entrepreneurs. “The honourees show us how everyone can have a hand in building a stronger BC. Their stories are sure to inspire British Columbians across the province,” said BC Achievement Board Chair, Walter Pela. 

You can nominate deserving individuals for the Community Award on December 1 at bcachievement.com. Nomination forms are online and BC Achievement staff are available to answer your questions. Deadline to nominate is January 31, 2024. 

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

Kate Metten – Infusing the Ordinary with the Extraordinary 

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Photo: Kate Metten, 2023 Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist

The BC Achievement Applied Art + Design award program honours excellence and inspires achievement throughout the province. By shining a light on the intersection of art and design in our lives, we celebrate the innovative and fearless spirits who create it. More than an award program, it is an investment in the cultural and economic fabric of our province. 

The awardees of the Applied Art + Design program enhance day-to-day life while enriching our collective experiences. Launched in the fall of 2004, the program recognizes up to four BC artists annually, for artistic excellence in functional art. The program includes the Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist designation, named in honour of the late BC-based furniture designer. The award celebrates Judson’s legacy, talents, and entrepreneurial creativity by supporting, mentoring, and highlighting emerging talent within BC’s thriving cultural community of artists and designers. 

A mentor to many aspiring artists and designers, Judson enjoyed sharing his experiences and ideas with students. 

“I tell young people you’re going to have ups and downs…successes and failures, but you just need to learn from it, you just need to keep moving ahead.” 

Kate Metten is the third recipient of the Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist designation since its establishment in 2020. Her pottery is a testament to intuition and muscle memory found within each unique piece. An exceptional commitment and dedication to her craft have made her an emerging artistic force in the world of ceramics. Kate’s journey as a potter is characterized by her one-of-a-kind ceramics that resonate with spirit and soul. Her vessels, masterfully thrown and intricately glazed, are prized by a growing clientele for their exquisite craftsmanship.  

What sets Kate apart is her ability to infuse the ordinary with the extraordinary, transforming everyday objects into iconic art pieces. 

Beyond her artistic prowess, Kate’s contributions to the cultural economy are noteworthy. She runs an atelier bridging the gap between artist and audience. Kate’s impact on the cultural economy extends beyond her own creations. She conducts workshops, mentors students, and curates exhibitions, providing emerging potters and craftspeople with exposure and opportunities. Her success becomes a legacy by which she passes on her knowledge and passion, inspired by the mentors who guided her own journey. 

Kate, along with her fellow 2023 Applied Art + Design award recipients will be celebrated tonight at a ceremony at Vancouver’s Roundhouse. For the first time, the event will be live-streamed thanks to a partnership between BC Achievement and TELUS. 

Join us! Click here to watch the show at 6:30 p.m.

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

Call for Nominations announced for 2024 British Columbia Reconciliation Award

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Vancouver, B.C. – The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, in partnership with the BC Achievement Foundation, is pleased to announce the 2024 Call for Nominations for the BC Reconciliation Award. This award recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia or inspire others to continue reconciliation efforts.

Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, has made reconciliation one of the key themes of her mandate. This includes participation in promotion of public awareness of the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

“Every year we launch nominations the BC Reconciliation Award. I grow more and more grateful for the opportunity to witness the exceptional ways in which individuals and organizations in British Columbia advance reconciliation,” Austin said. “It takes creativity, intelligence, but most importantly it takes courage—courage to acknowledge the injustices of the past and present and courage to mend those wounds. I look forward to seeing this courage reflected in the 2024 nominations.”

The BC Achievement Foundation has several established programs honouring excellence and inspiring achievement throughout British Columbia, including the Indigenous Business Award and the First Nations Art Award.

“Reconciliation serves as the foundation for forging meaningful connections and closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Through acknowledging historical injustices and highlighting transformative initiatives, we inspire others to follow a similar path,” said Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, board member of the BC Achievement Foundation. “As we step into the fourth year of the BC Reconciliation Award, we call for submission of nominations for the award program to help share the efforts of individuals and communities.”

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 designed by the Emerging Artist recipient of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art. The 2021 paddle was created by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Cole Speck, the 2022 paddle was created by Dene and Carrier beader Crystal Behn and the 2023 paddle was designed by Kwakwaka’wakw artist and moccasin maker Jamie Gentry. The ongoing series of BC Reconciliation Award paddles will be displayed in Government House.

The selection committee for the BC Reconciliation Award includes representation from Indigenous Elders and leadership. A ceremony recognizing the 2023 recipients will take place at Government House in Victoria in the new year.

“Nominating individuals and organizations for the BC Reconciliation Award is a powerful testament to collective pledges to healing, unity, and understanding. My hope is that this recognition continues to inspire positive change and strengthens the bonds of reconciliation in our province. As a juror and past recipient of the BC Reconciliation Award, I am humbled and honoured to witness and be a part of the transformative power of reconciliation efforts in British Columbia and encourage you to nominate those who are making a difference, change is transformative and we all must do our part,” said Chief/Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, former recipient and 2023 selection committee member.

The nomination period for the BC Reconciliation Award will be open from November 15, 2023, until January 31, 2024. Online nominations are open on the BC Achievement Foundation website at www.bcachievement.com.

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Media Contacts

Gemma Bishop, Gather PR
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Gather Public Relations (on behalf of the BC Achievement Foundation)
T: 604-375-6953
E: gemma@gatherpublicrelations.com
W: www.gatherpublicrelations.com

Amanda Campbell
Director of Communications and Deputy
Private Secretary
Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
T: 250-480-8948
E: amanda.campbell@gov.bc.ca
W: www.ltgov.bc.ca

Open for Nominations: BC Reconciliation Award program November 15

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Nominate now for the annual BC Reconciliation Award program! 

Now in its fourth year, the BC Reconciliation Award recognizes excellence in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of BC. The Award honours individuals, groups, and organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia or inspire others to continue reconciliation efforts. 

With every story shared, there is the potential for inspiration to spark elsewhere. It’s this potential and these small sparks that allow hope to rise-up within our province. And it is in honouring excellence that BC Achievement hopes to inspire achievement. 

Photo: Sophie Pierre OC, OBC, Patrick Kelly, and David Suzuki, 2021 BC Reconciliation Award recipient

BC Achievement is grateful to work in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia to deliver the program which 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 B.C. 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. 

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 15, 2023, until January 31, 2024.  

Nominate online at bcachievement.com. All submissions are reviewed by an independent selection committee comprised of representation from Indigenous Elders and leadership. 

Submit your nominations for the BC Reconciliation Award starting November 15, 2023 until January 31, 2024! #nominatenowbc 

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

Shawna Kiesman named Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist – Polygon Award in First Nations Art

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Shawna Kiesman, an emerging artist from Victoria, is a testament to dedication and innovation in her craft. Her heritage includes Ts’msyen, Nisga’a and Haida/German roots and her artistic journey began at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Arts. Shawna continued her education at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and receiving both the Audain Entrance Scholarship and BC Arts Council Scholarship. 

Not bad for someone who never envisioned being an artist. “If you told me when I was in high school that I’m going to win a BC Achievement Award, I would probably think you’re crazy because I never did art. I never thought I would be an artist or even doing anything within my culture so prominently at all.” 

Shawna’s commitment to her artistic development is recognized and elevated in receiving the 2023 Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist designation. The independent jury’s selection denotes that though in the early stages of her professional career, Shawna’s artistic trajectory points her in the direction of advanced artistic development. 

Photo: Shawna Kiesman, 2023 Crabtree McLennan Emerging

As an emerging artist, Shawna’s post-graduation career is thriving, marked by grants and residencies, including the RBC Audain Museum Emerging Artist Program. Permanent collections such as the Nisga’a Museum and Coast Mountain College house and celebrate her work. Each piece is a means of cultural exploration and identity reclamation that delves into her Indigenous heritage. Shawna’s diverse portfolio includes digital art, textiles, drawing, and painting, and is known for its modernized take on everyday items. As a First Nations artist, she seeks to understand her ancestral culture and its complexities while ensuring its continuance and legacy.  

As the recipient of the 2023 Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist, Shawna will be commissioned to design a paddle for the BC Reconciliation Award, another of BC Achievement’s programs – this one in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The symbolism of presenting recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award with a print of the paddle designed by the Crabtree McLennan Emerging artist stems from the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the BC Reconciliation 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 Polygon Award in First Nations Art. For the 2024 recipients, they will receive a limited edition print of Shawna Kiesman’s designed paddle. Each original paddle hangs in Government House celebrating the awardees and each artists’ interpretation of reconciliation. 

Shawna will be recognized for her artistic accomplishments at the Dinner and Award Presentation on November 15. Purchase tickets for the event at bcachievement.com. 

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

IBA Gala 2023: A vibrant celebration of Indigenous business

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The 15th annual IBA Gala Dinner, hosted last night at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, was a vibrant celebration of the exceptional achievements of eight Indigenous businesses. Chief David Jimmie and Geena Jackson co-hosted the event, joined by over 650 guests, as business excellence was showcased through the premiere of recipient films, sharing their entrepreneurial journeys. 

Cloy-e-iis Judith Sayers, BC Achievement board member, encapsulated the program’s intent, commending the awardees for their unwavering determination, tenacity, viability, and remarkable commitment to excellence. She highlighted the unique dedication of Indigenous businesses to giving back to their communities. 

BC Achievement expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the 2023 IBA sponsorship family for their invaluable support. 

To our readers, we invite you to be part of last night’s challenge and nominate businesses for the 2024 IBA program. The fast track nomination period remains open until Friday at 5:00 pm, and nominators have the exciting chance to win two VIP tickets to the 2024 IBA Gala Presentation Dinner in an upcoming draw. Click here to nominate!  Note that the Call for Nominations will be active in May 2024. 

For those who missed the ceremony, you can catch the recording through this link, and the films featuring the awardees are accessible on BC Achievement’s website and YouTube channel. Join us in sharing and celebrating these exceptional entrepreneurial accomplishments. 

Congratulations again to all the 2023 IBA recipients! 

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