2022 Indigenous Business Award Recipients
byThe BC Achievement Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2022 Indigenous Business Award (“IBA”), as well as the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art and the Carter Wosk Applied Art + Design Award.
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. 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.
Indigenous Business Award Recipients
- 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
Fulmer Award in First Nations Art
The Fulmer Award honours First Nations artists in BC who have demonstrated a commitment to their practice, accumulated a body of work, and are recognized in their communities for their craft. The award is presented by BC Achievement, an independent foundation that honours excellence and inspires achievement throughout the province.
Recipients:
- Jamie Gentry – Kwakwaka’wakw, Sooke – Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist
- Latham Mack – Nuxalk, Kamloops
- Qwul’thilum Dylan Thomas – Lyackson First Nation, Victoria
- Reg Davidson – Haida, Masset – Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement
Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design
Artists and designers honoured by the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design produce work that has a practical or functional application, such as furniture, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, weaving, glass, fashion, and industrial design. Nominated artists have an opportunity to share their work to a wider audience while inviting critical reflection and feedback.
Recipients:
- Caine Heintzman – Vancouver – Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist
- Louise Perrone – Vancouver
- Cathy Terepocki – Chilliwack
- Robert Anderson – Victoria – Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement
Free Showcase at the Roundhouse
BC Achievement presents a combined exhibition which is free and open to the public showcasing the 2022 award recipients for both the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design and Fulmer Award in First Nations Art, at The Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre in Vancouver from Monday, November 14 to Friday, November 18, 2022.
Attend the Awards Gala
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 here. 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.
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. 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.
