BC Achievement Foundation announces recipients of 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art

Press Release

Vancouver, BC (October 10, 2024): The BC Achievement Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art. Presented annually by the independent foundation, the award highlights outstanding contributions to traditional, contemporary, and media-based First Nations Art, celebrating those who exemplify artistic excellence.

“Congratulations to the 2024 recipients of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art. Your exceptional artistry, innovation, and dedication are remarkable,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “Your artistic journey enhances cultural expression and reinforces the enduring legacy of First Nations art in our province. The recognition you receive from your communities is a testament to the impact of your work which inspires others to explore their creative paths,” he added.

Now in its 18th year, the Polygon Award in First Nations Art acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated sustained commitment to their craft, amassed a significant body of work, and earned recognition within their communities. The program emphasizes the intersection of culture and creativity while providing a platform for mentorship, storytelling, and cultural engagement.

The 2024 recipients, selected by an independent jury, are:

Stephanie Anderson, Witsuwit’en, Terrace, Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist

Kelly Cannell, Musqueam, Vancouver

Andy Everson, K’omoks, Courtenay

The Award of Distinction, as decided by the BC Achievement board in consultation with community leaders, is presented to James Hart, 7IDANsuu, Haida, of Old Massett.

The 2024 jury members include past awardees Shawn Hunt (Heiltsuk), Maynard Johnny Jr. (Coast Salish / Kwakwaka’wakw), and Lisa Hageman Yahgujanaas (Haida), guided by advisors to the jury, Connie Watts (Nuu-chah-nulth, Gitxsan, Kwakwaka’wakw), and Brenda Crabtree, OBC (Spuzzum Band, Nlaka’pamux, Sto:lo).

BC Achievement remains committed to celebrating excellence, amplifying success, and inspiring future generations through the accomplishments of these talented artists.

The foundation is hosting a ticketed award ceremony and dinner on Tuesday, November 19 at The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Vancouver, BC, where each recipient will be honoured with a short film highlighting their accomplishments. Click here to purchase tickets. Awardees will also be celebrated through an online campaign, #shinethelightbc.

In addition, BC Achievement is proud to present a combined exhibition showcasing the recipients for both the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art and Applied Art + Design Award. The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, will take place at The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre from Monday, November 18 to Sunday, November 24.

Interviews with representatives of the BC Achievement Foundation and award recipients are available upon request. A media kit, including awardee bios and high-resolution images, can be found here.

For more information about the BC Achievement Foundation and the Polygon Award in First Nations Art program, please visit www.bcachievement.com.

The Polygon Award in First Nations Art is made possible through the generosity of Vancouver-based Polygon Homes. The BC Achievement Foundation is also grateful to supporting sponsor TD, and community partners BC Ferries, Denbigh Fine Art Services, and The Roundhouse each of which play a key role in elevating change in their support of the First Nations Art Award program.

-###-

About BC Achievement

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. In addition to the Polygon Award in First Nations Art, the organization presents several established programs, including the Indigenous Business Award, the Applied Art + Design Award, the Community Award and in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the BC Reconciliation Award. By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, BC Achievement’s award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow.

Media Contacts

Gemma Bishop
Gather Public Relations
T: 604-375-6953
E: gemma@gatherpublicrelations.com

Rup Grewal, Communications Director
BC Achievement Foundation
T: 604-261-9777 (Ext 102)
E: rup@bcachievement.com

FNA 2024 Backgrounders FINAL

Stephanie Anderson
Witsuwit’en, Terrace
Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist

ILR5