The BC Achievement Foundation has announce the recipients of its 15th annual Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program. The award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities and community-owned enterprises. It is one of five programs led by BC Achievement, an independent foundation that honours excellence and inspires achievement throughout the province.
2023 Indigenous Business Award Recipients
Indigenous Business Award Program
Now in its 15th year, the Indigenous Business Award 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 awards help build stronger connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies in the province. It counts over 220 business leaders within its alumni.
What better way to ring in autumn in the valley than with a Cranberry Bog Tour in Langley? Riverside Cranberry Farm is welcoming visitors for self-guided tours, harvest walks, plunges, and plenty of scenic photo opportunities.
Cranberry Bog Tours 2023
When: Select dates from September 23 – October 9, 2023
Admission: Tickets can be purchased online from $7.72 to $40 (plus fees) for families. Add-on the Cranberry Plunge experience to your ticket for an additional cost.
This year’s cranberry harvest is looking as stunning as ever at Riverside Cranberry Farm. Registered guests can take in the beautiful valley views with a Harvest Walk. Stroll the perimeter of the field while it’s being actively harvested to see the harvesting machine working or to see the cranberries being pumped off the field. You can even put on a pair of farm waders for the Cranberry Plunge – an Instagram-worthy photo op.
Follow a self-guided audio tour around the farm using the QR Code system and your mobile phone. Stop and read the informational displays to learn about the interesting facts about cranberry farming.
Visit the farm store to purchase farm to table products and fresh baked goods and beverages. Be sure to stock up on farm-fresh cranberries for your autumn meals and gatherings.
Harvest Kick-Off Party
It all kicks-off with a season opening party on September 23rd with local beer, cranberry-inspired cocktails, seasonal treats and eats, prizes and more. Follow the Riverside Bog on Facebook for more information.
About The BOG Riverside Cranberry Farm In 2010, Brian and Mandy Dewit, inspired by their family’s longstanding farming heritage, embarked on their own journey in cranberry farming, establishing THE BOG Riverside Cranberry Farm. Nestled in the picturesque Glen Valley area, just outside Fort Langley, their farm boasts 35 acres of thriving cranberry fields. A decade has passed since the inception of their venture, and alongside their five children, the Dewit family remains deeply committed to cultivating top-tier fruit and fostering connections within the local community.
Kapitamayan Cultural & Heritage Collective launches its inaugural event, Kamayan Fest on September 24 in Mount Pleasant. This is a new community-driven and community-sponsored event that promises to be a sensory journey that transcends generations, bringing to life the heart and soul of the Philippines.
Kamayan Fest in Mount Pleasant
When: September 24, 2023 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: City Centre Artist Lodge 2111 Main St, Vancouver
Admission: Free!
The festival invites attendees of all ages to partake in an immersive experience that fosters community, connection, and celebration. It’s an opportunity to embrace Filipinx heritage, forge new connections, and create lasting memories within a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Kamayan describes the act of eating with the bare hands, which is the traditional pre-colonial method of eating in Filipinx culture. Kamayan also describes the traditional communal feasts or family meals. Kamayan Fest is an ode to that tradition passed down through generations. Attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in the best of local Filipinx gastronomy, presented in contemporary and creative ways that pays homage to tradition while embracing innovation.
It isn’t just about cuisine—it’s a canvas for artistic expression that reflects the dynamism of Filipinx art and culture. From talented makers to mesmerizing performances, every facet of the festival encapsulates the spirit of creativity and unity that defines the Filipinx identity.
Kamayan Fest has implemented a no vendor fee policy to drive community impact and involvement. View the full list of vendors.
Find more information about Kamayan Fest on Instagram.
Join the Port of Vancouver and Canada Place for a free celebration of World Maritime Day in Vancouver on September 24th. This annual event will take place on the North Point of Canada Place, with exhibitors along the west promenade. Enjoy live music, performances, and interactive activities and exhibits that celebrate life in a port city.
World Maritime Day – Photo Submitted
World Maritime Day in Vancouver
When: Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Where: North Point & West Promenade of Canada Place
Admission: Free!
Exhibitors include BC Ferries, Canadian Forces Navy, Vancouver Aquarium, and more. Here’s the stage schedule for the day:
11:30am to 12:05pm Traditional welcome
12:05pm to 12:45pm Zynth & Co.
1:00pm to 1:40pm Chris Ho
2:00pm to 2:4pm The Matinee
3:00pm to 3:45pm Ché Aimee Dorval
4:00pm to 5:00pm Myc Sharratt
Follow the Port of Vancouver on Facebook for more info about the day.
World Maritime Day – Photos submitted
World Maritime Day was established by the International Maritime Organization, with celebrations held internationally to recognize the importance of shipping safety, maritime security, and the marine environment. The theme for this year is “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on.”
MARPOL is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. The implementation of the MARPOL Convention is an important part of Canada’s participation in the prevention and reduction of ship-source water and air pollution globally. Participation in the development of these global pollution reduction measures will help improve pollution standards and regulations in Canada.
Miss604 is a proud sponsor of World Maritime Day in Vancouver 2023
This year’s Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival will be bigger than ever, with new collaborations and a longer run that sees the festival expand to five days. Canada’s first and only outsider arts festival promotes equity while amplifying artists and performers who live and work outside of the mainstream.
Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival. Photo by Jamie Poh.
Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival 2023
When: October 12 – 17, 2023 from 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Admission: Free exhibitions, performances, and workshops. RSVP online.
VOAF 2023 will feature 56 artists from across Metro Vancouver’s diverse art scenes, including 40 visual artists, 13 performing artists, and three art groups. The festival’s visual art exhibition and performances will be complemented by a series of new workshops.
Visitors will be able to learn from artisan Chantal Cardinal about the craft of handmade felt objects and from Vancouver Ikebana Association member Cecily Chang about the art of Japanese flower arranging. Additional workshops will be offered through a new partnership with BC Culture Days: independent dance artist and choreographer Fiana Kawane will teach Kathak Movement, or South Asian classical dance, and multimedia artist Bethany Pardoe will facilitate a collaborative character design session.
A collaboration between VOAF and OAF from Helsinki, Finland, will culminate in a short film presentation at the Roundhouse Community Centre on October 16. OAF’s inclusive artistic team has curated a collection of short films featuring Finnish outsider artists from the suburbs of Helsinki and the rural area of Karelia: Mika Ruohola, Kati Kallio, Anne Kalliola, and Miska Tuononen. An online meet and greet with the artists will be hosted following the screening, and will be accessible online at OAF Online Stage.
Following the festival’s close, the VOAF exhibition will travel to the Port Moody Arts Centre from January 11 – March 4, 2024.
VOAF 2023 Participating Visual Artists
Alini Garcia, Andrea Grey, Andrew Woods, Ania Salmina, Barbara-Lynn Pollard, Ben Roback, Brandy Mars, Cathy Watters, Colin Mitchell, Courtney Lee, Daniel Poggenpoel, Erin Audley, Federico Airaudo, Glenn Hesse, Hazel Yuhang Zhang, Jaclyn Lord-Purcell, Jasper Berehulke, Justine Clark, Kaela Ho, Katalina Guerrero, Komal Saxena, Lee Abbott, Leigh Press, LittleBenefit, Madison Gill, Mahdieh Pourghannad, Marianne Powley, Marko Hirny, Mason Meghji, Max Mueller-Langer, Nickole Lewis, Nicole Parekh, Rowan Wright, Sandra Yuen, Shamsah Mohamed, Sheila Letwiniuk, Tim Varro, Tom Moody, Trevor Buddin, Vee CR
VOAF 2023 Participating Performing Artists
Argel Monte de Ramos, Cèsar Contreras, Co-Creating Love, Eva Cho, Fairything, Farrah Vading, Hampton G, Jerry LaFaery & Leef Evans, Joe Joe Johnson, Kandy Roar, Mako Fujimoto, Niki Kennedy, Rocky & the Gems
VOAF 2023 Participating Art Groups
ART & Justice, The Art Studios, Gathering Place Community Centre
Follow Community Arts Vancouver on Facebook for more information.
