BCAF Indigenous Business Award Recipients 2025

by Rebecca Bollwitt Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 — 10:07am PDT

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The BC Achievement Foundation has announced the recipients of its 17th annual Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program. The award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities and community-owned enterprises.

BCAF Indigenous Business Award

The Indigenous Business Award program is a celebration of excellence in entrepreneurship and innovation. Led by Indigenous worldviews, the recognition lifts up businesses and entrepreneurs who drive transformative change within their communities and beyond.

Now in its 17th year, the program shares remarkable stories of Indigenous business excellence, while setting an inspiring example for the next generation of entrepreneurs. In addition to providing an authentic space to showcase successes and drive change, the award program helps build stronger connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies in the province. It counts over 230 business leaders within its alumni.

IBA Award Recipients 2025

Young Entrepreneur of the Year:
- 4 Generations Creations, Kamloops
Business of the Year – one-to-two-person enterprise:
- Touch of Culture, West Vancouver
Business of the Year – three-to-ten-person enterprise:
- Authentic Indigenous Seafood Co-operation, Kamloops
Business of the Year – 11+ person enterprise:
- Salish Soils, Sechelt

Community-owned Business of the Year – one entity:
- Skwlāx Resource Management Ltd, Chase
Community-owned Business of the Year – two or more entities:
- Khowutzun Development Corporation, Duncan
Business Partnership of the Year:
- Kettle River Contracting LP, Cranbrook
Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement: Harold Calla, Squamish Nation

The awardee selection was made by a jury panel that included Tim Low, ANTCO Board President and member of Métis Nation BC; Ernie (Bones) George, CEO of Inlailawatash Natural Resource Services (2015 IBA alumni); and Ashley O’Neil owner of AshFireWear and an IBA 2024 alumna.

Gala Ceremony

The recipients will be recognized during a formal gala ceremony at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The event is open to the public, and early bird tickets can be purchased online for $250 per person. Awardees will receive a certificate and medallion to honour their achievements and be celebrated through an online campaign, #shinethelightbc.

The IBA is one of five programs led by BC Achievement, an independent foundation that honours excellence and inspires achievement throughout the province. Follow on LinkedIn and Instagram for more information.

Miss604 is a proud media sponsor of BC Achievement Foundation programs in 2025.