Overview
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award was created to recognize individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering Truth and Reconciliation in the Province of British Columbia; and/or inspired others to do so.
Why Nominate
The Award program provides an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the work of those individuals, groups and organizations committed to furthering the Principles of Reconciliation.
Any person, group or organization may submit nominations for the Award except current members of the selection committee, or members of the selection committee's immediate family.
Who is Eligible
- Any British Columbian (or former long-term resident) or British Columbia-based group/organization that has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to advancing the principles of reconciliation in British Columbia is eligible to receive the Award.
- A person who is an elected federal, provincial or municipal representative is eligible to receive the Award while in office.
- Chiefs or other members of a governing body of an Indigenous nation are eligible to receive the Award.
- There is no age requirement for the Award. Nominations of any individual under the age of 19 shall be accompanied by the permission of a parent or guardian.
- A person may receive the Award posthumously only if the selection committee has recommended the nomination to the Lieutenant Governor before their passing.
- A person, group or organization may not nominate themselves (i.e. self-nominations are not eligible).
- A person who is a member of the judiciary is not eligible for the Award.
Selection of Awardees
A selection committee for the British Columbia Reconciliation Award will include representation by Indigenous Elders, BC First Nations leadership, and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
Recognition of Awardees
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award is awarded by the Lieutenant Governor on the recommendation of the selection committee. Unless the Lieutenant Governor directs otherwise, the Awards shall be presented to the recipients as arranged by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. This may occur in community, or at other locations, to be determined during the year of the awards.
Awardees may receive a certificate signed and presented by the Lieutenant Governor and a recognition piece.
Dates to Remember
- November 15, 2021 – Nominations OPEN
- January 15, 2022 – Nominations CLOSE
- April 2022 - Awardees ANNOUNCED
All nominations must be submitted online by January 15, 2022 (all materials must be received by 11:59 pm).
How to Nominate/Apply
A completed nomination must include:
- A nomination form completed in full and signed by the nominator.
- A minimum of two signed testimonial letters from two separate individuals, other than the nominator. The letters must be signed by the testimonial writer and include his/her contact information (address, telephone number and email). Letters should be addressed to 'the Selection Committee'.
Submission of additional materials such as a biography, curriculum vitae, newspaper articles, video or recorded testimonials, links to YouTube videos, photos, etc., is optional. A maximum of five items (10 pages total and five minutes of video) will be accepted. All materials must be submitted electronically.
Visit Resources to download the guide for the British Columbia Reconciliation Award program, "Tips for a Compelling Nomination".
Please note:
- Incomplete nominations are ineligible for consideration.
- If more than one nomination is submitted for the same nominee, only the first nomination received will be considered.
- Nominations are valid for three years including the first year of nomination and two subsequent years and should be updated annually by request of the nominator.
- Nominations are kept confidential between the nominator and BC Achievement.
- Nominees are notified only if selected for an award.
1. What should be said in a testimonial letter?
A testimonial letter should: include details about how the nominee has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of BC and/or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts; indicate the relationship between the writer and the nominee and the length of the relationship; describe the outcomes of the work the nominee has done to advance the principles of reconciliation and how the nominee’s work has specifically impacted youth and/or Indigenous Elders.
2. To whom should the testimonial letter be addressed?
Letters should be addressed to the selection committee. All letters must be signed by the writer and include his/her contact information.
3. Can more than two testimonial letters be submitted?
Other testimonial letters may be submitted as 'additional materials'. A maximum of five items i.e. additional materials (10 pages total and five minutes of video) will be accepted. These five items may also include biography, curriculum vitae, newspaper articles, video or recorded testimonials, links to YouTube videos, photos etc.
4. Are congratulatory letters from other programs accepted in the nomination package?
Other congratulatory letters may be included as additional materials, but they may not serve as testimonials letters. Testimonial letters must be current and be specific to the nomination of the British Columbia Reconciliation Award.
5. Is a nomination considered for more than one year?
Submitted nominations begin a three-year program during which time the information can be reviewed by up to three juries. Nominators are given the opportunity to update their nomination each year prior to review by the selection committee.
6. Should the nominator tell the nominee about the nomination?
It is up to the discretion of the nominator whether or not to inform the nominee about the nomination.
7. When are the awardees notified and where are the names of the awardees published?
Awardees will be notified following the deliberations of the selection committee by BC Achievement. Their names will be announced through the Lieutenant Governor's and BC Achievement’s respective media channels.
Past Programs
