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Ending the year with gratitude 

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Photo: (L-R) Douglas Coupland, Sam Carter & Dr. Gillian Siddall

It is timely that we are ending the year on a note of celebration. This year we were able to bring back live award ceremonies where we gathered to honour awardees from four BC Achievement programs. The most recent of which was a celebration of the Indigenous Business Awardees on November 29 – a room filled with over 650 people to honour eight program recipients. Coming together enabled us to appreciate the energy in a fist pump, the connection in a handshake and the warmth in a hug. It also allowed us to welcome this year’s awardees into the BC Achievement alumni family which boasts over 1000 British Columbians strong! 

Honouring awardees is a role our small and mighty organization embraces and we do it in concert with so many of you. It’s a testament to the support of community partners, sponsors, nominators, leadership and those of you who share our calls for nomination and our stories of the awardees. So, from our hearts, we thank you. It is with gratitude that we close this year and open the new one with promise of stronger relationships, increased nominations and more stories to elevate and inspire achievement.  

If you’re wondering why we do what we do, and the importance of recognizing wonderful people doing incredible things, you just have to ask our former board chair Anne Giardini and our incoming chair Walter Pela about why they choose to represent and support the work of BC Achievement. 

“It is a hallmark of successful organizations and societies that they not only recognize achievements but celebrate them. All of us – if we are lucky – have a memory of giving or receiving recognition for an act of creation, collaboration, inspiration or community building. BC Achievement exists to shine light on those whose actions make this province a better place for us all.” 

Anne Giardini, OC, OBC, KC, Past Chair 

“British Columbia is built by truly remarkable people doing incredible work in varied fields throughout the province. They deserve to be recognized and celebrated, and their achievements amplified, inspiring all of us in our ambitions to make an impact.”

Walter Pela, Chair 

Happy holidays from BC Achievement. Enjoy, stay safe and #nominatenowbc! 

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

Celebrate the season with artwork by award-winning artists

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Photo: 2022 Crabtree McLennan Emergist Artist, Jamie Gentry, moccasins

Now is the perfect time of the year to support a local business or artist and surprise a loved one with a gift made with passion and excellence. Check out the artwork from 2022 BC Achievement award alumni: 

Fulmer Award First Nations Art 

Jamie Gentry – stitches beautiful beadwork on custom moccasins for clients – she’s in demand so book ahead to get a pair 

Latham Mack – his traditional Nuxalk style is infused with a contemporary flair and is found at galleries around the province 

Dylan Thomas – carves wood and stone focusing on Coast Salish sculpture 

Reg Davidson – best known for his traditional ceremonial objects, his work can be found in select BC galleries  

Photo: 2022 Carter Wosk Award Recipient, Louise Perrone, jewellery

Carter Wosk Award Applied Art + Design  

Robert Anderson – creates hand-built instruments worthy of passing down to future generations 

Caine Heintzman – one of three co-founders of ANDlight, a decorative luminaire design studio and manufacturer to light up your spaces 

Louise Perrone – believes special occasions deserve special jewellery like the pieces she builds using recycled textiles 

Cathy Terepocki – produces ceramics that are strongly rooted and reflective of her natural surroundings in Chilliwack 

And there are many more award-winning artists and businesses to check out at bcachievement.com! 

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

What does engagement mean @bcachievement – #bepartofit

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Photo: Paul Larocque, President & CEO, Arts Umbrella & Yuri Fulmer, BC Achievement alumnus

Many of you have asked the question, “What does engagement mean at BC Achievement?” First and foremost, please consider contributing to the work of the foundation in a way that is meaningful for you. Whether that is by:   

  • submitting a nomination (we cannot thank the nominators enough – your efforts underpin the work of the foundation)
  • sharing the call for nominations and expanding our reach (#nominatenowbc for the 2023 Reconciliation and Community award programs);
  • amplifying recipients’ stories through all your communication channels; and, 
  • by donating through BC Achievement’s website (#donatenowbc). 

There’s no shortage of excellence in British Columbia and for close to two decades the foundation has been honouring the best of British Columbia. Every one of these recipients is a conduit for change. The effects of their work rippling outward, building momentum while impacting countless lives.  

Photo: 2022 Fulmer Award in First Nation Art Presentation Ceremony & Combined Exhibition at The Roundhouse

BC Achievement’s partners are vital to the sustainability of its programs. The work we are doing now builds the foundation for future artists, community leaders and entrepreneurs and we are grateful for those who support this vibrant community and celebrate the best of our province. It is a straightforward equation – the more British Columbians who engage with BC Achievement programming the more our programs can share the success of their awardees and inspire real change. 

As an independent, registered not-for-profit, BC Achievement relies upon corporate and philanthropic support for all five of its programs. Every contribution makes a difference, and we invite you to join the movement – #bepartofit and invest in the innovative work of program recipients and, in doing so, inspire achievement.   

If you would like to explore contributing to the work of the foundation, please contact our Executive Director Cathryn Wilson at cathrynwilson@bcachievement.com 

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

Join us at an art exhibition celebrating the artwork of the Carter Wosk and Fulmer Awardees  

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A public art exhibition visually shares knowledge, celebrates artists and provides space for gathering and shared dialogue. Starting November 14, BC Achievement will be hosting an exhibition to highlight the artwork of the 2022 recipients of its two art award programs. 

Since 2006, the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art (FNA) program has celebrated the intersection of art and culture, while honouring First Nations artistic traditions. The program recognizes artistic excellence in traditional or contemporary visual arts by First Nations artists and aims to create an authentic space for community engagement, mentorship and storytelling. In this space traditions are passed onto younger generations and shared with a BC-wide audience. So far, the program has shone a light on 88 outstanding artists. 

Likewise, the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design (AAD) program has highlighted functional art which enhances day-to-day life for individuals while enriching our collective experiences. It celebrates British Columbians whose work directly contributes to the cultural and economic fabric of the province and drives innovation in functional art. To date, this award program has celebrated over 75 artists and designers! 

Highlighting the artistic skills of artists helps to advance the collective conversation around art in this province and serves as a unifying platform to share cultural history and artistic innovation with fellow citizens.  

BC Achievement will be shining a light on the 2022 FNA and AAD Awardees in part through a joint public art exhibition housed at The Roundhouse in Vancouver from Monday, November 14 until Friday, November 18. It will be open 9am to 10pm each day aside from Tuesday and Thursday when the exhibit will be closed at 2pm. 

Watch for the announcement of awardees of both programs later this month on BC Achievement’s website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn channels! And come and visit the FNA and AAD Art Exhibition and celebrate excellence with us! 

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

Appreciation for the nominators

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Thank you to nominators for leading the way! Your submissions have been coming in since June 1 when nominations first opened and you’ve opened the door for so many people to be seen, recognized and celebrated. We are grateful to be able to share these many stories of success. 

After six weeks BC Achievement’s fall award programs closed their respective calls for nominations. The Indigenous Business Award closed its call for nominations on June 30, followed by the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art on July 7, and the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design  followed a week later on July 14. It has been a busy and rewarding nomination phase! 

We commend the commitment and effort taken in the preparation of each nomination package. 

“When we celebrate and steward outstanding British Columbians and elevate their stories, we help to ensure that we truly see the enormous range of potential and achievements all around us.”
Anne Giardini OC, OBC, QC – Chair, BC Achievement Board 

It’s important to elevate excellence through nominations for award programs – it raises awareness of the powerful things happening in our communities and sets the path for innovation, change and leadership. Nominating an individual, artists, organizations or businesses for an award, showcases their creative initiative, their dedicated commitment to their practice, their tenacity and their excellence in their chosen field. The process demonstrates respect and gratitude for someone who achieves excellence in their endeavours and whose story can inspire others through this recognition.  

What are the benefits of a successful nomination to an awardee? Most importantly, it helps raise the profile of the awardee and the community they serve. It reinforces that the awardee is on the right path, and it helps validate all the efforts they’ve put into their chosen field as being worthwhile. A successful nomination also helps share experiences with others in the field, creating role models and establishing platforms for change while bringing people together over common interests and passions. 

By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, BC Achievement’s award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work. Recognition serves as a tool that can contribute to growth and development of individuals, communities and organizations throughout the province.  

Thank you to  the  nominators, the champions, who put in the time to support the work of the leaders, volunteers, makers, organizers, and doers. This province is a better place to live because of your efforts and we thank you for leading the way!  

To learn more about the programs BC Achievement offers, check out  bcachievement.com 

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

June is Nominate Now month 

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Photo: Lawrie Mack, 2022 Community Award recipient (far right)

June is Nominate Now  month at BC Achievement.   

It’s almost time to #nominatenowbc and recognize the accomplishments of BC’s entrepreneurs and artists and celebrate extraordinary people doing exceptional work. 

BC Achievement runs five annual award programs that recognize the accomplishments of individuals, groups and organizations in the areas of community leadership, applied art + design, First Nations art, Indigenous entrepreneurship and reconciliation.  

On June 1, 2022 the nominations will open online for submissions to three of these award programs: 

Indigenous Business Award 
Fulmer Award in First Nations Art 
Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design 

For 19 years, BC Achievement has celebrated the province’s finest. The only organization of its kind in Canada to honour entrepreneurs, artists, leaders, visionaries and volunteers. BC Achievement shares the singular stories of these exceptional individuals. 

Photo: Stan Bevan, 2021 Award of Distinction recipient, Fulmer Award in First Nations Art

But it’s always been about more than the individual. It’s about understanding and investing in the communities that carry them, the people and places that make up our province. Every one of our recipients is a conduit for change. The effects of their work rippling outward, building momentum while impacting countless lives. BC Achievement programming sparks a movement that captures the best of BC and carves a path forward for others to follow. 

So, if you know an artist or entrepreneur that fills the bill, or you are one yourself, nominate now for one of the award programs! 

Indigenous Business Award – Elevates excellence within Indigenous-owned businesses. Categories are: Business of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Community owned; and Business Partnership of the Year. Online nominations for the Indigenous Business Award program are open until June 30, 2022. 

Fulmer Award in First Nations Art – Celebrates artistic excellence in traditional and contemporary visual arts by First Nations artists. The Fulmer Award in First Nations Art nominations are open until July 7, 2022. 

Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design – Honours excellence in functional art and design. The Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design is open until July 14, 2022.  

Be part of it — elevate excellence in BC –  and nominate a deserving individual or business for one of these awards! 

Nominations open June 1, 2022 at bcachievement.com 

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

An Indigenous Business partnership that is growing food sovereignty, trades training and youth empowerment

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Last year we told you about Indigenous Business Award alumnus Jacob Beaton. Jacob and his wife Jessica, run Tea Creek on a small farm near Kitwanga, between Smithers and Terrace. During COVID, their region was particularly hard hit by food insecurity.  

Jacob and Jessica knew they had to help increase local agricultural production. They set on a mission to make produce more accessible and more affordable to their local community partly by helping train others to use agro-ecological techniques to increase food production. 

To take it a step further, Jacob began collaborating with local First Nations to offer them agricultural training. However, there was a shortage of skilled workers to farm the land so Jacob started a pilot project, called Indigenous Youth Works, teaching agro-ecological techniques and self-reliance. 

Taking it a step-further, Tea Creek has now partnered with the Industry Training Authority (ITA) through their non-profit, the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Association, to help strengthen trades training and employment opportunities for First Nations communities in the North. This growing partnership is a natural for both organizations. It supports Tea Creek’s vision for resilient, healthy communities and economies built on land-based programs through training local community members, and encouraging food sovereignty in those communities. And it aligns with ITA’s goal to connect employers with apprentices, training and opportunities in the trades. 

According to Stats Canada, Indigenous youth is the fastest growing demographic in the country and with a young and growing Indigenous population in BC, Indigenous youth are a resource to drive the future of the economy. The ITA helps bring trades training to youth and by doing so, they are also helping the Indigenous economy by supporting this growing Indigenous youth segment.  

Thanks to the efforts of ITA and its community engagement in 2019 over 3,000 Indigenous apprenticeships were underway in BC. In 2021 Tea Creek trained over 150 youth in Indigenous Food Sovereignty as part of their Indigenous Youth Works program. Sharing mutual goals, a benefit to First Nations community members in the north, and a far-reaching impact of economic resiliency, Tea Creek and ITA are a progressive force in this province.

ITA was featured in IBA’s ‘Spotlight Series’ launch at the 2019 Indigenous Business Award Gala, developed to honour and celebrate those organizations who play a vital role in cultivating innovation and powering BC’s growing Indigenous economy.  

Jacob Beaton was presented with the Indigenous Business Award as Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the inaugural 2009 Indigenous Business Award Gala for his innovative full-service Indigenous communications company. 

The 2022 Indigenous Business Award program launches on June 1. Nominate at bcachievement.com! 

This post is sponsored by Indigenous Business Award (IBA) 2021 Category Sponsors BC Hydro, BC Transit, CN, Enbridge, NRT, Ovintiv, Seaspan, and Vancity. BC Achievement thanks these organizations for their support of the IBA program. 

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