Pentlatch Seafoods in Courtenay was recognized for outstanding achievement at the fourth annual B.C. Aboriginal Business Awards, announced by Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chair of the BC Achievement Foundation.
Honorees were celebrated at a gala ceremony Nov. 26 in Vancouver.
"The British Columbia Aboriginal Business Awards showcase the continuing positive impact Aboriginal business has on B.C.'s economic development," said Clark. "The young people, businesses, joint ventures and community-owned endeavours exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit of the Aboriginal community."
"From trades, construction and forestry to aerial surveying, technology and fisheries, the 2012 BC Aboriginal Business Awards showcase the Aboriginal business community and its accomplishments," added Mitchell. "On behalf of the BC Achievement Foundation, I would like to extend my congratulations to these deserving enterprises."
The awards were launched in 2008 to honour and celebrate business excellence. Six award recipients were selected and a further group of 10 Aboriginal businesses noted for outstanding achievement.
Members of the jury panel included Chief Harold Leighton of Metlakatla First Nation in Prince Rupert and CEO of Metlakatla Development Corporation, a past recipient; Tim Low, entrepreneur, former economic development officer and currently director of Citizen Services, Service Canada in Vancouver; and Janice Rose, vice-chair, Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada and Principal Consultant of JM Rose & Associates in Ladysmith.
Chief Councillor Garry Reece of the Lax Kw'alaams Band was the recipient of the 2012 BC Aboriginal Business Award for Individual Achievement. This award was selected by the board of directors of the B.C. Achievement Foundation.
The foundation is an independent organization established and endowed in 2003 by the Province to celebrate community services, the arts, humanities and enterprise.
Detailed information about the awards and a list of past winners is posted at www.bcachievement.com.
