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

“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 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 2021 recipients received a print of a canoe paddle painted to commemorate the award by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Cole Speck. Speck was the Emerging Artist recipient of the 2020 Fulmer Award in First Nations Art.

Learn more about the recipients of 2021:

2021 Selection Committee

The selection committee for the 2021 British Columbia Reconciliation Award was:

• 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

Recipients of the 2022 BC Reconciliation Award

“Reconciliation builds relationships and bridges the gap between two worlds through the efforts of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. By recognizing the truths of past wrongs and showcasing examples of how to make things right, others will be inspired to follow,” says BC Achievement Foundation board member Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers. “In its second year, the British Columbia Reconciliation Award continues to celebrate innovative and empowering ways to embark on this journey, designed and decided by Indigenous peoples, allowing them to thrive while making the world a better place. On behalf of BC Achievement, we are privileged to announce and honour the 2022 awardees. Congratulations to all the recipients and thank you for your efforts on our collective reconciliation journey.”

“For the second year of the British Columbia Reconciliation Award, I have been heartened by the continued focus on advancing reconciliation in BC,” says the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. “The 2022 recipients represent elders and youth, partnership and leadership. They showcase creative ways of educating young generations and new Canadians on the history and culture of Indigenous people, ensuring all are included on the journey of reconciliation. It has been my deep honour to champion the award, and I couldn’t be prouder to share the accomplishments of the 2022 recipients with British Columbians.”

2022 BC Reconciliation Award recipients received a print of a canoe paddle beaded by Dene and Carrier artist Crystal Behn to commemorate the award. Crystal Behn was the Emerging Artist recipient of the 2021 Fulmer Award in First Nations Art.

Learn more about the recipients of 2022:

2022 Selection Committee

The selection committee for the 2022 British Columbia Reconciliation Award was:

• 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

Recipients of the 2023 BC Reconciliation Award

“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.”

“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 2023 recipients received a print of a canoe paddle created by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Jamie Gentry to commemorate the award. Gentry was the Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist recipient of the 2022 Polygon Award in First Nations Art.

Learn more about the recipients of 2023:

2023 Selection Committee

• 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