BRITISH COLUMBIA – The BC Achievement Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2022 Indigenous Business Award (IBA). Presented annually, the IBA recognizes the contributions of extraordinary Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs across BC, while helping to elevate connections between the province’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies.
“When we come together to celebrate Indigenous business achievement, we are also blazing a path for today’s youth and for the generations that will follow. The Indigenous Business Award program recognizes business achievement, honouring innovative ideas and new ways of making our economy more robust and more inclusive,” said Anne Giardini, OC, OBC, KC, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “Every year, the enterprises recognized with an Indigenous Business Award highlight ways we all benefit from an ongoing reconciliation of the practices of the past with the economies of the future.”
By recognizing outstanding people and businesses, the IBA gives voice to Indigenous entrepreneurship while modelling success for others to follow. Now in its 14th year, the program counts over 210 remarkable businesses among its alumni.
This year’s award theme is “Thuyshaynum: preparing the path, directing the feet,” which addresses the tireless work being done to correct perceptions of Indigenous history and build respectful, meaningful relationships. A total of eight Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities and community-owned enterprises have been selected by a jury panel that includes Jessie Ramsay, Métis, a partner with Baker Newby Law; Jeff Ward, Ojibwe and Métis, founder and CEO of Animikii; and Leah George-Wilson, past Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation who practices Indigenous law with Miller Titerle + Company.
2022 Indigenous Business Awardees:
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Dustin & Ashley Kucher – Dark Arc Welding Inc., Dawson Creek
Business of the Year – one-to-two person enterprise: dk Architecture, North Vancouver
Business of the Year – three-to-ten person enterprise: Culture Shock Interactive Gallery, Alert Bay
Business of the Year – 11+ person enterprise: Warrior Plumbing, North Vancouver
Community-owned Business of the Year – one entity: M’i nuw’ilum Marina Inc., Sooke
Community-owned Business of the Year – two or more entities: Sasuchan Development Corporation, Takla Lake
Business Partnership of the Year: Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd., Williams Lake
Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement: Chief David Jimmie, Chilliwack
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that celebrates the spirit of excellence in our province and serves to honour the best of British Columbia. In addition to the IBA, the organization presents several established programs, including the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art and the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design. By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, BC Achievement’s award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow.
The 2022 IBA recipients will be recognized in a formal gala ceremony – open to the public – held on November 29 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Tickets are $200 per person and can be purchased online. Each awardee will receive a certificate and medallion designed by First Nations Artist, Robert Davidson. They will also be celebrated through an online campaign #shinethelightbc to commemorate their excellence and inspirational achievements positively impacting British Columbians.
