BCAF Reconciliation Award – 2024 Call for Nominations

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia in partnership with the BC Achievement Foundation has announced that nominations for the 2024 BC Reconciliation Award are now open.

BCAF Reconciliation Award – 2024 Call for Nominations

Nominations for the Reconciliation Award are open from now until January 31, 2024 and can be submitted through the online nomination form. the recipient will be announced Summer 2024.

This award recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia or inspire others to continue reconciliation efforts. The selection committee includes representation from Indigenous Elders and leadership.

Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, has made reconciliation one of the key themes of her mandate. This includes participation in promotion of public awareness of the ongoing journey of reconciliation. 

The BC 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, each years’ recipients receive a print of a canoe paddle designed by the Emerging Artist recipient of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art. The 2021 paddle was created by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Cole Speck, the 2022 paddle was created by Dene and Carrier beader Crystal Behn and the 2023 paddle was designed by Kwakwaka’wakw artist and moccasin maker Jamie Gentry. The ongoing series of BC Reconciliation Award paddles will be displayed in Government House.

About BC Achievement Foundation

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, its award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow.

The BC Achievement Foundation has several established programs honouring excellence and inspiring achievement throughout British Columbia, including the Indigenous Business Award and the Polygon Award in First Nations Art. 

Miss604 is a proud sponsor of BC Achievement Foundation programs in 2023

Related: 15th Annual Indigenous Business Award Recipients; 2023 Reconciliation Award Recipients; BC Achievement Foundation Community Award Recipients.