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Vancouver, B.C. (August 13, 2024): The BC Achievement Foundation announces the recipients of the 16th annual Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program. This annual award honours the exceptional achievements of Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities, and community-owned enterprises. As one of the five flagship programs of BC Achievement, this initiative recognizes and celebrates excellence, fostering inspiration across the province.
"This year's IBA recipients demonstrate remarkable entrepreneurship and show an unyielding commitment to driving economic growth and fostering community well-being," said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. "Their accomplishments serve as a powerful reminder of the significant impact Indigenous businesses have in shaping a prosperous and inclusive future for all British Columbians. BC Achievement is pleased to serve as a platform to showcase these business leaders."
Marking its 16th year, the IBA program continues to highlight inspiring stories of Indigenous business excellence. By showcasing these successes, the awards drive change and strengthen connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies in British Columbia. With over 225 distinguished business leaders among its alumni, the IBA program stands as a testament to the thriving Indigenous business community.
The awardee selection was made by a distinguished jury panel, including T,łalisam, Dr. Kim van der Woerd of ’Namgis Nation, and an alumna of both the IBA and the BC Achievement Community Award programs; Ernie (Bones) George, Chief Executive Officer at Inlailawatash LP; and Tim Low, ANTCO Board President and member of Métis Nation BC.
This year’s recipients include:
Young Entrepreneur of the Year:
Mo Dawson Creative, Victoria
Business of the Year – one-to-two person enterprise:
Rad Relish Co., West Kelowna
Business of the Year – three-to-ten person enterprise:
AshFireWear, Cranbrook
Business of the Year – eleven + person enterprise:
KICA Contracting Ltd., Dease Lake
Community-owned Business of the Year – one entity:
Ahous Adventures, Tofino
Community-owned Business of the Year – two or more entities:
Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation, West Vancouver
Business Partnership of the Year:
Seven Generations Environmental Services, Mission
Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement:
Robert J. Dennis Sr. (Emchayiik)
The recipients will be honored at a formal gala ceremony at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Monday, October 7, 2024. The event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased online at www.bcachievement.com. Early Bird tickets are available until August 31, priced at $250 per person. From September 1, ticket prices are offered at the regular rate of $275 per person. Awardees will receive a short film highlighting their entrepreneurial accomplishments, a cash prize, a certificate and medallion to commemorate their achievements and will be celebrated through an online campaign, #shinethelightbc.
Interviews with BC Achievement Foundation representatives and award recipients are available upon request. A media kit, including awardee bios and high-resolution images, can be found here.
For more information about the BC Achievement Foundation or the Indigenous Business Award program, please visit www.bcachievement.com.
BC Achievement Foundation gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. The foundation also acknowledges with thanks supporting organizations: BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and, Métis Nation BC. The IBA program is generously sponsored by Enbridge, Teck Resources Limited, TD Bank Group, OVINTIV, Vancity; KPMG, New Relationship Trust, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority; BC Transit, BC Hydro, Seaspan ULC, West Fraser; ANTCO, BC Lottery Corporation, Fortis BC Energy Inc, Shell Canada, Trans Mountain, TELUS; Beedie School of Business SFU; and Nk’Mip Cellars.
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About BC Achievement
Established in 2003, the BC Achievement Foundation is an independent organization dedicated to celebrating excellence in British Columbia. Through various programs such as the Polygon Award in First Nations Art and the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design Award, the Community Award and the BC Reconciliation Award, BC Achievement honors the outstanding accomplishments of the province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth, and volunteers. By recognizing these exceptional individuals, the foundation aims to inspire others to follow in their footsteps. www.bcachievement.com.
Media Contact
Gemma Bishop
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Gather Public Relations
T: 604-375-6953
E: gemma@gatherpublicrelations.com
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