The BC Achievement Foundation has announced the 2023 recipients of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art. Presented annually, this award program shines a light on artistic excellence in traditional, contemporary or media First Nations Art.
2023 Polygon Award in First Nations Art Recipients
Now in its 17th year, the Polygon Award in First Nations Art recognizes those who have demonstrated a commitment to their art practice; have accumulated a body of work; and are recognized in their communities as artists. Celebrating the intersection of art and culture, while honouring First Nations artistic traditions, the program creates a platform for community engagement, mentorship, and storytelling.
The 2023 recipients, chosen by an independent jury, are:
Shawna Kiesman – Nisga’a, Ts’msyen, Haida, Victoria – Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist
The 2023 Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement, as decided by the BC Achievement Board after community consultation, is: Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) – Kwakwaka’wakw / Squamish – West Vancouver
About the 2023 jury members
The 2023 jury members include Nathan Wilson, Nuu-chah-nulth, Gitxsan and Kwakwaka’wakw ancestry and 2020 recipient; Shawn Hunt, Heiltsuk and 2011 recipient; Xémontélót Carrielynn Victor, Cheam First Nation and 2018 recipient. Connie Watts, Associate Director, Aboriginal Programs, Emily Carr University of Art + Design and artist of Nuu-chah-nulth, Gitxsan and Kwakwaka’wakw ancestry; and Brenda Crabtree, former Director, Aboriginal Programs, and Special Advisor to the President on Indigenous Initiatives, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, a member of the Spuzzum Band with both Nlaka’pamux and Sto:lo ancestry, served as advisors.
Awards Ceremony and Dinner
The foundation is hosting a ticketed award ceremony and dinner on Wednesday, November 15th at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Vancouver, where each recipient will be honoured with a short film highlighting their accomplishments. Awardees will also be celebrated through an online campaign, #ShineTheLightBC. Tickets are available now.
Free Art Exhibition at the Roundhouse
BC Achievement is also proud to present a combined exhibition showcasing the recipients for both the 2023 Polygon Award in First Nations Art and Applied Art + Design Award. The exhibition, which is free and open to the public (RSVP here) will take place at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre from Thursday, November 16th to Wednesday, November 22nd.
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.
Miss604 is a proud sponsor of BC Achievement Foundation programs in 2023
A new art exhibition is opening in White Rock this month to showcase heartfelt and creative pieces from members of the community living with mental health concerns. Colourful Shades of Expression will share participant artwork from Options Community Services and Fraser Health programs October 5 to 27 at the Landmark Pop-Up Gallery.
Anne Gagnon and her artwork. Photo submitted
The goal is to enhance understanding and empathy and increase positive dialogue about living with mental illness. Art can often be a source of resilience, a therapeutic process, and one that helps individuals to express themselves and their diverse experiences.
Colourful Shades of Expression Exhibition in White Rock
Colourful Shades of Expression, runs from October 5 to 27, 2023, with opening night on October 5th from 5:00 to 8:00pm. World Mental Health Day is on October 10th.
When: Thursdays & Fridays 1:00pm to 5:00pm; Saturdays open at 10:00am
Open Sunday, October 15th from 10:00am to 4:00pm as well
Where: Landmark Pop Uptown Gallery (15140 North Bluff Rd, White Rock)
Admission: Free
From the Surrey Now/Leader: “There is this kind of well of creativity that lots of people dip into as they’re going through their mental-health journeys, or in general, and that’s one of the ways they find resilience and express themselves, and there’s some really unique and beautiful, creative works that come out of that,” said Leah Kasinsky, an occupational therapist with Fraser Health’s White Rock/South Surrey Mental Health and Substance Use Services and one of the exhibit’s three organizers. “On the other side… (it’s a) way of doing some education that’s not just telling people some information, but education by seeing a little bit of the humanity of people.”
This event is also a part of the White Rock Arts Festival Culture Crawl which runs October 14-15, 2023 in various locations Uptown, at White Rock and Crescent Beaches, as well as the Kent Street and Centennial Neighbourhoods.
Canyon Frights are back at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park this season. Visitors are invited to take a thrilling journey through history where the spirits of the past come to life as they enjoy a Halloween gathering reminiscent of a Victorian ‘Fall Fair’.
Photos submitted
Halloween at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Open: Friday, October 13 until Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver)
Tickets: Must be purchased in advance online and are on sale now, with a limited quantity of tickets available. Visits are scheduled in 30-minute arrival increments. BC Annual Passholders are also required to reserve their time online prior to their visit.
The Park, illuminated for the occasion, sets the perfect atmosphere as the festivities take an unexpected twist revealing a turn of events in the rainforest. Visitors can wear their best, family-friendly costumes and take part in Halloween-themed games and surprises.
The owls of Raptors Ridge will be around from 10:00am to 5:30pm on weekends during the festivities and you can check out all the park attractions like Treetops Adventure, the Living Forest, Cliffwalk, and the Story Centre. Shop the Trading Post, and grab something to eat at the Cliff House Restaurant or Loggers’ Grill.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park will be expanding their support of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund this year with partial proceeds from Canyon Frights admissions being donated to fire and burn education in schools throughout British Columbia.
Win Passes to Canyon Frights
I have a family 4-pack of tickets to give away to Canyon Frights! Here’s how you can enter to win:
Canyon Lights will transform Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into an unforgettable family-friendly holiday light experience from November 17, 2023 to January 21, 2024. Cross the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with a multi-colour display above the illuminated Capilano River and canyon. Journey into a magical glowing rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on the glittering Treetops Adventure. Wind your way along the twinkling cliffside pathway of Cliffwalk. Capture Instagram-worthy moments, sip a decadent hot chocolate while you listen to live holiday tunes and explore the fun festive activities that await you. Tickets for Canyon Lights will be available starting November 3rd.
The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC (CPABC) wants you to take on the Rock, Paper, Scissors Challenge in honour of World CP Day on October 6th. This classic game has a charitable twist!
Rock Paper Scissors Challenge for World CP Day
How it works:
Choose your opponent: Friend, colleague, relative, or neighbour and challenge them to a best-of three rounds Rock Paper Scissors game
All proceeds from the challenge go directly to support the work of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC programs including Therapeutic Recreation activities, Peer Support groups, Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Devices funding, Movement Therapy, Family Supports, and other key programs to see the over 11,000 children and adults living with cerebral palsy (CP) in British Columbia enjoy Life Without Limits.
BC Place Northern Lights Display Across False Creek- Miss604 Photo
World CP Day
World Cerebral Palsy Day is a global movement of people with cerebral palsy and their families, and the organizations that support them, in more than 60 countries. The day is an opportunity to celebrate, raise awareness and take action to ensure that people with CP have the same rights, access and opportunity as anyone else in their communities.
BC will light up green to celebrate World CP Day. Some of BC’s most prominent landmarks (Canada Place, BC Place, Science World, and more) will light up green to promote CP awareness.
CPABC Programs and Services
The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC (CPABC) has a robust roster of 12 programs and services that support our community of over 1,000 members. From educational bursaries to recreational programs to support services. It’s all covered for the recipient of the funds or the attendee of the program. Lean more about their programming online here.
Today (September 29th) marks the one year anniversary of Cascades Casino in Delta, and they have a lot to celebrate. It has had a significant influence in the community, succeeding as a premier destination for gaming, dining and entertainment. You can enter to win your own incredible staycation in my giveaway.
Cascades Casino Delta Anniversary
Since opening its doors (you’ve probably noticed it right by Massey Tunnel), Cascades has welcomed more than 627,688 guests to the property, given away $234,955 in cash and prizes through promotions, served more than 142,000 customers in the buffet.
