2012 BC Aboriginal Business Awards

The fourth annual British Columbia Aboriginal Business Awards were announced by Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chair of the BC Achievement Foundation.

The honourees were celebrated at a gala ceremony on Nov. 26, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver.

“The British Columbia Aboriginal Business Awards showcase the continuing positive impact Aboriginal business has on British Columbia’s economic development,” said Premier Clark. “The young people, businesses, joint ventures and community-owned endeavours recognized today exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit of the Aboriginal community.”

“From trades, construction and forestry to aerial surveying, technology and fisheries, the 2012 BC Aboriginal Business Awards showcase the Aboriginal business community and its accomplishments,” added Mitchell. “On behalf of the BC Achievement Foundation, I would like to extend my congratulations to these deserving enterprises”.

Members of the jury panel include Chief Harold Leighton of Metlakatla First Nation in Prince Rupert and CEO of Metlakatla Development Corporation, a past recipient; Tim Low, entrepreneur, former economic development officer and currently director of Citizen Services, Service Canada in Vancouver; and Janice Rose, Vice-Chair, Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada and Principal Consultant of JM Rose & Associates in Ladysmith.

In addition, Chief Councillor Garry Reece of the Lax Kw’alaams Band has been selected the recipient of the 2012 BC Aboriginal Business Award for Individual Achievement. This award is selected by the board of directors of the B.C. Achievement Foundation.