2023 BRITISH COLUMBIA RECONCILIATION AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY
JANUARY 18, 2024 @ 5:30 PM PT AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, VICTORIA
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, in partnership with the BC Achievement Foundation, is pleased to present the 2023 BC Reconciliation Award ceremony in recognition of individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.
The 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 First Nations Art Award. The 2021 paddle was created by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Cole Speck, the 2022 paddle by Dene and Carrier beader Crystal Behn, and the 2023 paddle by Kwakwaka’wakw artist and moccasin maker Jamie Gentry. The ongoing series of BC Reconciliation Award paddles will be displayed in Government House.
Click on an image to learn more about the awardees
2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS
 Dr. Danièle Behn Smith |
 Last Post Fund - BC Branch |
 Chief Willie Sellars |
 The Exploration Place & Lheidli T'enneh First Nation |
 Klith-wii-taa, Dr. Barney Williams |
 Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn |
2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS
 T̓łaḵwagila – Chief Bill Cranmer, in memory |
 Brendan Eshom |
2021 AWARD RECIPIENT
 Corporal Christopher Voller |