BC Achievement has launched a “Recognize Remarkable” campaign, and is seeking nominees for its 2025 awards that recognize individuals and organizations around the province who work to build stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities.
There are five programs that celebrate excellence and community contributions:
Community Award: Recognizes individuals who strengthen their communities through their dedication and service. An “Emerging Leader” designation for the Community Award program was introduced in 2024, to recognize and celebrate young people who are making a difference in their communities and striving to make B.C. a better place.
Indigenous Business Award: Celebrates the achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.
Polygon Award in First Nations Art: Honours artistic excellence in both traditional and contemporary visual arts by First Nations artists.
Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design: Highlights exceptional applied art and design contributions.
BC Reconciliation Award: Recognizes individuals and groups who advance reconciliation.
Each program underscores the importance of recognizing and sharing the stories of individuals and organizations throughout B.C., to foster pride in our communities and shine a light on the work of those who drive change and create a lasting impact.
Whether it’s acknowledging innovative Indigenous business leaders and artistic excellence or honouring community-driven achievements, this is an opportunity to highlight remarkable people from across the province, such as Phyllis Webstad of Williams Lake, who was the 2024 recipient of the BC Reconciliation Award.
The founder of Orange Shirt Day, Webstad — along with three other individuals and two organizations — was recognized at a ceremony on Jan. 23 for her leading role in furthering reconciliation not only in British Columbia, but across the country.
Webstad is a third-generation residential school survivor, whose experience was, she said, a “walk in the park” compared to what her mother, uncles, aunts, and grandmother went through. At the ceremony, she recounted how she cried herself to sleep while attending St. Joseph's Mission near Williams Lake and had only her peers for comfort.
She started Orange Shirt Day in 2015, two years after telling her story while the Truth and Reconciliation Commission visited Williams Lake.
The deadline to submit nominations is Feb. 15, 2025. For more information, or nominate a person or organization, go to bcachievement.com.
