The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.
This award is presented in partnership with the BC Achievement Foundation, whose work includes several established programs honouring excellence and inspiring achievement throughout British Columbia, including the Indigenous Business Award and the Polygon Award in First Nations Art.
The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, 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.
Featured artwork: “2021 Reconciliation Paddle” by Cole Speck
Nominations Now Open for 2024 BC Reconciliation Award
Nominations are now open for the 2024 British Columbia Reconciliation Award, recognizing individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.
This award is presented in partnership with the BC Achievement Foundation, whose work includes several established programs honouring excellence and inspiring achievement throughout British Columbia, including the Indigenous Business Award and the First Nations Art award.
The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, 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. Take part in this journey by nominating an individual or organization today using the nomination form on the BC Community Achievement Foundation website.
All submissions are reviewed by an independent selection committee comprised of representation from Indigenous Elders and leadership.
Submissions will be accepted November 15, 2023 to January 31, 2024.
Recipients of the 2023 BC Reconciliation Award
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, in partnership with BC Achievement Foundation, is honoured to announce the six recipients of the third annual BC Reconciliation Award.
Learn more about the recipients of 2023:
Meet previous recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award.
“The Transformative Power to Create Real Change”
“Reconciliation acts as the cornerstone for fostering meaningful connections and bridging the divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. By acknowledging the historical injustices and illuminating transformative actions, we inspire others to tread the same path,” said Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, a member of the board of BC Achievement. “As we enter the third year of the British Columbia Reconciliation Award, we continue to shine a light on empowering approaches that allow Indigenous peoples to flourish while positively impacting all communities. On behalf of BC Achievement, we take great pride in announcing and commending the accomplished recipients of the 2023 award. Congratulations to the awardees, and heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to our shared journey of reconciliation.”
BC Achievement Foundation has several established programs honouring excellence and inspiring achievement throughout British Columbia, including the Indigenous Business Award and the Polygon Award in First Nations Art.
“For the third year of the BC Reconciliation Award, I continue to be inspired by the impact of the achievements of the 2023 recipients, and across all nominations,” said the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. “The recipients demonstrate commitment to community, education, and recognizing the challenges of the past while honouring those who came before us. They are an inspiration to me, and to all British Columbians, in their call to do the meaningful work of reconciliation and support its transformative power to create real change. As always, I am incredibly honoured to be a champion of this award, and to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2023 recipients with British Columbians.”
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 BC 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 created by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Jamie Gentry to commemorate the award. Gentry is the Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist recipient of the 2022 Polygon Award in First Nations Art.
The 2023 recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award will be recognized in a ceremony held at Government House in Victoria in the new year.
Selection Committee
The selection committee for the 2023 British Columbia Reconciliation Award, including representation from Indigenous Elders and leadership, is:
- p̓i·q̓, Dr. Christopher Horsethief – Ktunaxa Nation
- T’esóts’en, Patrick Kelly – Leq’á:mel Nation
- Nicole McLaren – Métis Nation
- Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers – Hupacasath Nation
- T,lalisam, Dr. Kim van der Woerd – ’Namgis Nation
- Chief/Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir – Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc
- Xyolholemo:t, Brenda Crabtree – Spuzzum Band with Nlaka’pamux and Sto:Lo ancestry
Members of the selection committee, along with Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, led in the creation and design of the BC Reconciliation Award, ensuring the award was founded on the principles of Indigenous culture and knowledge.
Members of the selection committee, along with Honourable Steven Point [Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl], 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, led in the creation and design of the BC Reconciliation Award, ensuring the award was founded on the principles of Indigenous culture and knowledge.