Located on the Skeetchestn Reserve, Painted Rock Aggregates provides customers in the region with the highest quality aggregate products, while employing and training people on the reserve and keeping money in the community. Significant restructuring in the spring of 2015 brought the company from an alarming deficit to a production efficiency that has seen outputs skyrocket and a customer base expand significantly.
Award Year: 2018
BC Achievement Applied Art + Design 2018
Jo Mitchell
As founder of the Metchosin Community Association, Jo Mitchell has played a pivotal role in developing a rich and vibrant community through their Community House – quite literally, the heart of Metchosin. Jo has also served as President of the Metchosin Equestrian Society, joint founder of the Neighbourhood Response Program and editor of the community’s local paper. She served as a Councillor for three terms and, during this time, she inspired support for the Metchosin Arts and Cultural Centre Association, and the Seniors’ Information Resource Centre. As a result of Jo’s vision and dedication, Metchosin was one of the first to be recognized as an ‘age friendly community’ by the BC Provincial Government.
Kelsey (KC) Hall
Kelsey Hall (KC) of Bella Bella, in Heiltsuk Nation territory on the central coast of BC, belongs to the House of Wakas and descends from noted Heiltsuk artist Chief Robert Bell. His artistic practice stems from handwriting, lettering and graffiti skills developed in high school. Mentored and influenced by many BC First Nations artists, KC has collaborated with local artists on many projects, including murals for Granville Island’s newest public space. He has been commissioned for art that demonstrate his knowledge of traditional First Nations craft, creating a mural for the UBC Museum of Anthropology, and co-designing a Spirit Blanket that was presented to Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge during their visit to Bella Bella. KC’s art is modernist with traditional roots. His work arises out of the tension between ancient First Nations skills and traditions and the urban digital world he now inhabits. The skill with which KC navigates this rift shows in his use of formline to create habitat for traditional figures with a distinctively modern/Manga twist.
KC was selected by the independent jury as the 2018 Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist.
The Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist designation was established in 2019. Named in honour of Brenda Crabtree, Director, Aboriginal Programs, Emily Carr University and the late Bill McLennan (1948-2020), Curator Emeritus, UBC Museum of Anthropology, this recognition aims to highlight and support emerging talent.
Quilakwa Investments
In 1972 Splats’in Indian Band built a small store at the bottom of Canyon Rd and Highway 97A. From these humble beginnings, Quilakwa Investments has developed into a full service convenience store and a high-end iconic building that houses a Tim Hortons, a small art gallery and professional office space. It is now one of the biggest employers and economic drivers for Splats’in– a truly inspirational role model.
BC Achievement First Nations Art Award 2018
Charles Newton
Charles Newton has dedicated 28 years to serving the Granisle Volunteer Fire Department, and 26 years as a member of the BC Ambulance Service, volunteering as an on-call ambulance attendant to help those in need. During a blizzard in 2006, Charles took it upon himself to visit each home in the region, to ensure the residents were safe and able to withstand the storm. In a small town where many residents are older, Charles’ generosity and tireless service provides comfort and a strong sense of community for all.
Nakkita Trimble
Nakkita Trimble has been instrumental in the re-claiming of Nisga’a tattooing methods of skin stitching and hand poking – techniques her ancestors would have used. Her tattoo apprenticeship began in 2011 in a tattoo shop where she learned on a coil machine, eventually using a rotary. Now Nakkita practices freestyle tattooing done with needle and ink. Nakkita’s first exhibit was a solo-exhibit at the Nisga’a Museum in Grenville, British Columbia in 2014. The exhibit featured the oral history of Nisga’a Tattooing prior to contact. The oral history was passed down from Freda Morven and the Council of Elders comprised of some Matriarchs and Chiefs of the four main villages in the Nass Valley. The exhibit featured the first modern recorded oral statement of Nisga’a Tattooing practices, techniques, and ceremonies. Nakkita is currently exhibiting her art form at the Bill Reid Gallery. Nakkita’s tattoos connect generations, helping individuals reconnect with their identity while developing pride and curiosity for their family histories, stories and traditions. With her intuitive understanding and practiced skill in tattooing, Nakkita’s work has been featured widely in public presentations, radio and print publications.
Cariboo Aboriginal Forestry Enterprises Ltd.
Cariboo Aboriginal Forestry Enterprises (CAFE) started out as a short-term venture between the Tl’esqox (Toosey) and Esk’etemc (Alkali Lake) communities over two years ago to manage and implement a forestry plan for the Chilcotin Training Area. CAFE has since grown substantially, directly benefitting eight communities as it provides inspiration to Indigenous communities to work together for their mutual economic advancement.
Kevin Albers
Kevin Albers is known for his remarkable contributions towards affordable housing for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people across the province. As CEO of M’akola Group of Societies, BC’s largest Indigenous affordable housing provider and developer, Kevin has dedicated 20 years to stewarding the organization into a powerful force for change. A dedicated leader, Kevin’s creative mentality and depth of knowledge have transformed many lives and communities.