The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, in partnership with BC Achievement Foundation, is honoured to announce the recipients of the fourth British Columbia Reconciliation Award.
The award recognizes four individuals and two organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.
Individual recipients:
- Sdahl Ḵ’awaas, Lucy Bell Phd (ABD) (Old Massett)
- Corporal (Retired) Chris Gosselin M.O.M. (West Kelowna)
- Gloria Morgan (Enderby)
- Phyllis Webstad (Williams Lake)
Organization recipients:
- Qwelmínte Secwépemc (Kamloops)
- Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services (Port Alberni)
“The essence of reconciliation as a vital process for fostering connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities that is illuminated through the work of the BC Reconciliation Award program,” said Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, a BC Achievement board member. “The importance of recognizing historical injustices while also celebrating transformative actions that empower Indigenous peoples underpins the program’s intent as we mark its fourth year celebrating outstanding reconciliation practices. The recognition of the 2024 recipients of the British Columbia Reconciliation Award honours their contributions and also serves as an inspiration for others to engage in meaningful reconciliation efforts. It’s a powerful reminder of the collective journey we are undertaking in British Columbia towards healing and accountability.”
BC Achievement Foundation has several established programs honouring excellence and inspiring achievement throughout British Columbia, including the Indigenous Business Award and the First Nations Art Award.
“The stories of this year’s BC Reconciliation Award recipients give me hope,” said the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. “These are stories that awaken hearts to the truths of some of the most difficult history of our country, but also stories of resilience, generosity, healing and bravery. Every year I am deeply inspired by the work of these recipients, the depth of their communities, and their commitment to authentic, respectful relationship building. I am honoured to share the work of the recipients and express my gratitude for all they have contributed to reconciliation in British Columbia.”
Austin has chosen reconciliation as one of the key priorities of her mandate. This commitment includes participation in promotion of public awareness of the ongoing journey of reconciliation and developing a legacy through the creation of this award.
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award draws inspiration from the work of the Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a founder of the award. His hand-carved red cedar canoe, Shxwtitostel, currently on display at the B.C. legislature buildings, was created as a symbol of reconciliation, with the understanding that “we are all in the same canoe” and must “paddle together” to move forward. In honour of this legacy, this year’s recipients will receive a print of a canoe paddle designed by Tsm’syen/Nisga’a artist Shawna Kiesman to commemorate the award. Kiesman is the Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist recipient of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art.
The 2024 recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award will be recognized in a ceremony held at Government House in Victoria in the new year.
The selection committee for the 2024 British Columbia Reconciliation Award is:
- p̓i·q̓, Dr. Christopher Horsethief – Ktunaxa Nation
- Chief/Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir – Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc
- Xyolholemo:t, Brenda Crabtree –Spuzzum Band with Nlaka’pamux and Sto:Lo ancestry
- Dr. Danièle Behn Smith – Eh Cho Dene of Fort Nelson First Nation and Franco-Manitobain/Métis, Red River Valley
- Brendan Eshom – Gitga’at (Hartley Bay) Nation
Learn more about the BC Reconciliation Award and the work of the BC Achievement Foundation.