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.
Featured artwork: “2021 Reconciliation Paddle” by Cole Speck
Recipients of the 2021 BC Reconciliation Award
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, in partnership with the BC Achievement Foundation, is honoured to share the nine recipients of the inaugural BC Reconciliation Award.
Learn more about the recipients of 2021:
“We Must Paddle Together”
“Being part of establishing the Reconciliation award program and serving on the inaugural selection committee has been heart-warming and empowering. Reviewing all the nominations has shown me the power of Reconciliation and how it can change people and community’s lives for the better,” says BC Achievement Foundation board member Kekinusuqs, Dr. Judith Sayers. “It shows we can live together and achieve great things if there are willing people working towards a vision of Reconciliation.”
The BC Achievement Foundation has several established programs honouring excellence and inspiring achievement throughout British Columbia, including the Indigenous Business Award and the Fulmer 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.
“The inaugural recipients of this award are shining examples of those in British Columbia who have demonstrated the many approaches to furthering Reconciliation through meaningful action. It is humbling and inspiring to read of their stories, their incredible impacts in their communities, and to learn from their perspectives on Reconciliation. I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to partner with the BC Achievement Foundation and the selection committee to develop this award and to recognize these exemplary individuals,” says Austin, “Reconciliation must take root in our hearts, within families, between generations, and throughout our communities. I invite all British Columbia to join us in celebrating these champions, to learn from their stories, and to strive to build relationships with each other across cultures.”
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 painted to commemorate the award by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Cole Speck.
Selection Committee
The selection committee for the 2021 British Columbia Reconciliation Award included representation from Indigenous Elders and leadership:
- T’esóts’en, Patrick Kelly – Leq’á:mel First Nation
- Nicole McLaren – Métis Nation
- Chief Sophie Pierre – Ktunaxa Nation
- Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers – Hupacasath First Nation
- T,lalisam, Dr. Kim van der Woerd – ’Namgis First Nation
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.