Month: May 2024

Photo: Satuts Stsuhwum Angela Marston, IBA program director

With the 2024 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program nominations closing on May 31– we took a few minutes to chat with its director, Satuts Stsuhwum (North wind strong and clear) Angela Marston. Here’s our Q&A:

What excites you the most about your job now that you’re almost 24 months into it?

What truly excites me is witnessing the incredible work being done across First Nations and Indigenous communities. Our province-wide reach allows us to hear and share stories of the positive impact individuals and communities are making through their business endeavours. Too often, the focus is on negative depictions of Indigenous peoples. This program helps reframe the narrative by highlighting these individuals in a positive light, showcasing their successes and contributions.

It’s particularly inspiring for me and my colleagues @bcachievement to see so many First Nations and Indigenous women thriving as business owners and leaders. This is encouraging not just for my daughters, nieces, and future grandchildren, but for all young Indigenous women. Having these strong role models is vital for envisioning and driving change.

Do you see evidence of the IBA program driving change from your experience to date?

Absolutely! One standout example is 2023 IBA recipient Marcia Turner, whose business transformation post-recognition has been phenomenal. Here is a quote from Marcia, “Receiving the IBA award transformed my thinking about how I do my work and has planted the seed that I have what it takes to grow my business. Importantly, the IBA has given me exposure and it put me on the radar to be noticed – it’s raised my profile, and I have so much deep gratitude for this. But being noticed is only part of being a successful business. The IBA Gala opened my eyes to a whole world of opportunities, it was inspirational to see all the other recipients, hear their stories, witness our celebration and network with like-minded people in the entrepreneurial business world.” Additionally, I’m frequently asked to connect awardees with opportunities. BC Achievement’s extensive, province-wide network helps us expand our reach and impact, continually fostering connections and facilitating growth. We serve as a resource for others to access our incredible alumni community throughout the provincial.

Can you speak to the difference your role is making, given that you are leading the program as its first Indigenous director, and as an artist and entrepreneur?

Having an Indigenous person lead an Indigenous program fundamentally changes its execution. Rooting the program in Indigenous values requires cultural understanding that goes beyond surface-level appreciation. For instance, understanding the protocols of a blanketing ceremony is crucial, especially when you’re on another’s territory. Many people I interact with express how significant it is to see an Indigenous woman in this leadership role. It’s empowering for my nieces and for all young Indigenous girls to see role models in such positions.

BC Achievement has a forward-thinking model for reconciliation and has ensured for the past two decades of its existence that it delivers with strong Indigenous leadership on its foundation board and IBA advisory panel. This ensures our program is deeply connected to and guided by Indigenous values and perspectives.

What challenges are you excited about tackling in the year ahead?

I’m looking forward to providing more support to nominators, diversifying our sponsorship base (especially with tech companies), and building out our alumni program, despite the struggle to secure funding. These challenges are opportunities to strengthen and expand our program’s impact.

What would you like to say to potential nominators and nominees out there? Why should they nominate?

Uplifting Indigenous business owners as role models is crucial for the success of Indigenous communities everywhere. We need these positive stories and role models to inspire and drive change. The nomination process can be cathartic for business owners as it allows them to take five and take stock of their business – where they are and how they want to take their enterprise to the next level.

What program phase do you enjoy the most?

It’s hard to choose just one! The Gala, which is part of the recognition phase, is an incredibly inspiring event, and reading through the nominations is always uplifting. While the Gala involves a lot of hard work, it’s deeply rewarding to celebrate the recipients and, to see the room filled with Indigenous entrepreneurs and those honouring them is life-changing. As Geena Jackson says, “It is truly the ‘Oscars’ of Indigenous Business in BC!” I also enjoy the strategic and creative aspects of developing partnerships and planning the program throughout the year.  Seeing the program strengthen through our strategic alliances and partnerships is empowering for me and those with whom I work.

Future aspirations?

Collaborating with an Indigenous curriculum content developer would be amazing. The short films we produce on each awardee are truly magnificent and are a huge resource  that could serve as a great guide for teachers, enriching the educational experience with Indigenous perspectives.

With the IBA Call for Nominations’ deadline looming large…

Don’t miss the opportunity to highlight and celebrate the outstanding achievements within our communities. Nominate someone today and be part of this positive movement! And remember that I am here to help in anyway, don’t hesitate to reach out indigenousbusiness@bcachievement.com and #nominatenowbc!

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

Photo: 2023 Indigenous Business Awardee, Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building

“My vision is that we are free to be Indigenous.” 

Gitxsan entrepreneur Marcia Turner, 2023 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) recipient, is a leader focused on advocating for self-determination and self-government among Indigenous peoples across British Columbia and beyond. As CEO and founder of Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building her business provides Indigenous Governance, Community Development and Engagement. Marcia envisions a decolonized future where Indigenous peoples can freely embrace their culture and languages.  

With a mission that revolves around transformation and systems change at the governance and leadership levels, Marcia works alongside Indigenous communities to amplify their voices. In her own words, Maria relays that “a lot of my work is really centred around systems change and governance and leadership level looking at ways in which we can amplify the voices of Indigenous people as well as bringing equity to Indigenous knowledge systems because there’s tremendous change that needs to be done.” 

Her associates speak highly of the value she brings to her work. “Marcia has a warmth about her and a way of doing things that are aligned with Indigenous cultures ways of being and doing”.
Danielle Mitchell, Associate. 

Marcia recently shared the importance of receiving the 2023 IBA Business of the Year award: 

It was a warm July day when my cellphone was ringing and it was a phone number that I didn’t recognize. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I wanted to answer the phone call because it was my last day of work and I was taking a much needed break for the month of August. At the other end of the phone was Angela Marston from the BC Achievement Foundation, I’d like to set up a Zoom with you, she said. I thought it was going to be an interview. To my surprise, it was good news and I had won an Indigenous Business Award for small enterprise.  

At the beginning of 2023, I had set my intention to take my business to the next level. At the time, I didn’t really know what it would mean. Receiving the IBA award transformed my thinking about how I do my work and has planted the seed that I have what it takes to grow my business. Importantly, the IBA has given me exposure and it put me on the radar to be noticed – it’s raised my profile, and I have so much deep gratitude for this. But being noticed is only part of being a successful business.  

The IBA banquet opened my eyes to a whole world of opportunities, it was inspirational to see all the other recipients, hear their stories, witness our celebration and network with like-minded people in the entrepreneurial business world. The IBA inspired me to be intentional about taking my business to the next level, so afterwards, I hosted a strategic planning retreat in my home with my Associates where we dared to dream big, shared our stories, and created a vision for the future of our work and for future generations.  

As a result, I’ve shifted away from work that I was doing, which was good work but I wanted to do more. I have now shifted towards a focus on systems change to advance the rights of Indigenous peoples. I’m honoured to be working with clients and partners who are trusting me and my team to support their work to advance reconciliation, decolonize, and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples. IBA gave me the confidence to believe that I have an idea worth sharing and I’m now invited to speak on May 3rd at the TEDx at Royal Roads University where I will be talking about a decolonial framework I developed, a framework that is designed to cultivate relationships and create meaningful and lasting change for Indigenous Peoples. I’m excited now, to continue on this journey of growth. 

With a TEDx talk at Royal Roads University soon under her belt, the future looks promising for Marcia and Daxgedim Haanak Nation Building. 

Be part of it and nominate a business for the 2024 Indigenous Business Award, and submit a nomination online before May 31 at 5:00 pm. Visit this link for the IBA Nomination form.

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

A big thank you to the 2023-24 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) sponsors as we wrap up their year of commitment to the program and launch the 2024 Call for Nominations.

These organizations support the growth of Indigenous entrepreneurship throughout the province and recognize that what’s good for the province and Indigenous entrepreneurs is good for business as well. 

“Enbridge understands meaningful engagement and respective relationship are foundational to advancing reconciliation. We are committed to developing strategies, mechanisms and opportunities that support and nurture dialogue between Enbridge and Indigenous groups throughout the lifecycle of our projects and operations. As part of this engagement, Enbridge strives to facilitate positive and mutually beneficial financial impacts, opportunities and potential partnerships with Indigenous groups and businesses.” Enbridge, 2023 Bursary Sponsor 

For sponsors of the IBA program, reconciliation with Indigenous communities is important to advancing relationships and understanding. 

“We are committed to responsibly producing critical minerals, and we recognize that building strong relationships with Indigenous Peoples that help us understand each other’s perspectives and priorities is fundamental to our success. We are proud to partner with BC Achievement for Indigenous Business and Reconciliation Awards, where the excellence of Indigenous Peoples across BC is recognized, and their impactful stories are shared.” Teck, 2023 Presentation Sponsor 

These relationships are also beneficial in supporting the work that Indigenous businesses do and helping to grow their successes.  

“Reconciliation is a core value for Vancity, and we are committed to building authentic relationships with Indigenous communities that support their path to self-reliance, sustainability, and financial independence. Ensuring Indigenous businesses have equitable access to the capital and financial services they need, and recognizing the innovation and excellence that so many Indigenous business possess, are key to this commitment.” Vancity, 2023 Awardee Sponsor 

We are grateful for the ongoing support from all of our IBA supporters including our partnership with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and generous sponsorship by; Enbridge, YVR, Teck, TD, Vancity, Aquilini, BC Hydro, BC Transit, CN, KPMG, New Relationship Trust, Ovintiv, Seaspan, Simpcw Resources Group, Port of Vancouver – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, West Fraser, Dentons, FortisBC, Linde, Pacific Blue Cross, RBC, SFU Beedie School of Business, Shell, TELUS, and Trans Mountain. Thank you for recognizing the impact of Indigenous entrepreneurship in the province and for joining with BC Achievement to shine a light on business excellence! 

We look forward to working with you again for the 2024 Indigenous Business Award program.  

Sponsorship Opportunities can be found here.

Nominations remain open until May 31 at 5:00 PM.

Click here for the nomination form to #nominatenow.

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

The Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program aims to honour excellence and focuses on the successes of Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs from throughout the province. Now in its 16^th annual year, the Indigenous-led program offers awardees and their supporters an authentic space to showcase their achievements and build bridges between BC’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies.  

Nominations are open for the 2024 award for another four weeks! The deadline to nominate an Indigenous business is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024.  

Recipients will be notified in July, announced in September, and celebrated on October 7, 2024 at the annual IBA Gala.   

The IBA Nomination form is available at the link here.

Do you or someone you know demonstrate excellence in Indigenous business? Here’s how to know if the business qualifies for the IBA. 

NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY:  
  
An eligible nominee must be a business that:  

• Is at least 51% Indigenous owned and operated (First Nations, Métis or Inuit)  
• Is based in British Columbia  
• Has been in operation for a minimum of two years  

A business may self-nominate (i.e., apply for the Award program).  
  
The following are ineligible to receive the Award:  

• Government agencies and institutions  
• Those operated or owned by BC Achievement board members  
• Those operated or owned by jury panel members  
• Posthumous nominations are not eligible  

Past awardees must wait five years before reapplying unless the nature of the business has significantly changed.  

AWARD CATEGORIES:  

Individuals and businesses may enter in ONE category only. 

Young Entrepreneur of the Year:  this award recognizes success by a young entrepreneur in the operation of an existing business. Nominees must be aged 35 years and under by May 31, 2024, have been in business for at least two years, and the business must be at least 51% Indigenous owned and operated (First Nations, Métis or Inuit).  

Business of the Year (*the business must be at least 51% Indigenous-owned and operated): these awards recognize the outstanding achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs in three sub-categories:  

• Businesses with 1-2 employees  
• Businesses with 3-10 employees  
• Businesses with 11+ employees 

Community-Owned Business of the Year (*businesses must be 100% owned by the community):  this award acknowledges one or more businesses owned by a community with the intention of building a strong economic foundation for community members. There are two sub-categories for this award:  

• Community-Owned one entity  
• Community-Owned two more entities  

Business Partnership of the Year (*Indigenous ownership must be at least 50%): this award recognizes a business enterprise created by two or more parties.  

Award of Distinction: The Award of Distinction for lifetime achievement is presented to a person who, over his or her career, has made a significant difference in the Indigenous business community through his or her entrepreneurial endeavours and, in doing so, serves as a leader, role model, mentor and inspiration. The individual may be an innovator in his or her business activities, a successful entrepreneur, or an individual who has been instrumental in supporting or creating Indigenous business activities in the province.     

Questions? Please contact indigenousbusiness@bcachievement.com – we are happy to help! #nominatenowbc

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