Accolades & Awards
The BC Aboriginal Business Awards were launched in 2008 to honour and celebrate business excellence. A total of 15 Aboriginal businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities and community-owned enterprises will be recognized at this year’s gala dinner.
The BC Aboriginal Business Awards are presented by the BC Achievement Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, and generously supported by New Relationship Trust, TD, Teck, BC Hydro, CN, Encana, Spectra Energy and MNPllp .
The BC Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation established and endowed in 2003 by the Province of British Columbia to celebrate community service, arts, humanities and enterprise.
2016 BC Aboriginal Awardee: Gitxsan Safety Services Inc.
VANCOUVER, September 12, 2106 – British Columbia Achievement Foundation announced Gitxsan Safety Services Inc. is the 2016 awardee of the Outstanding Business Achievement award in the Community-Owned Business of the Year – One Entity category.
The awardees of the eighth annual BC Aboriginal Business Awards were announced September 9th by Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, the presenting organization of the awards.
“Aboriginal entrepreneurship is vital to ensuring that all British Columbians benefit from our growing economy,” said Premier Christy Clark. “The awards shine a spotlight on the important and expanding role of Aboriginal business in BC while showcasing successful Aboriginal entrepreneurs from across the province.”
“The 2016 awardees represent entrepreneurial excellence in diverse and unique industries within British Columbia including law, communications, resource management, construction, entertainment, esthetics, landscaping and retail,” added Keith Mitchell.
“I am proud to be of part of Gitxsan Safety Services and excited we were awarded Outstanding Business Achievement in recognition of our hard work. GSS growth provides much needed jobs to surrounding community members. I am honoured to receive this award on behalf of all GSS employees and Gitxsan.” Mindy Good, GSS Traffic Control Supervisor.
2017 BC Aboriginal Awardee: Gitxsan Development Corporation
VANCOUVER, September 18, 2017 – British Columbia Achievement Foundation announced Gitxsan Development Corporation is the 2017 awardee of the Aboriginal Business of the Year Award for a Community-Owned Business of the Year – two or more entities.
“The BC Aboriginal Business Awards program shines a spotlight on the important and expanding role of Indigenous business in the province,” said Scott McIntyre, Foundation Chair. “The 2017 Awardees exemplify the best of vision, enterprise, resourcefulness and commitment while reflecting the diversity of Indigenous businesses contributing to the provincial economy.”
Gitxsan Development Corporation’s mission is to create profitable, sustainable economic development that leads to job creation and training opportunities, ultimately creating economic resilience for the Gitxsan people. Gitxsan Development Corporation and its subsidiaries have employed 200 people in 2016 and 2017; with an overall percentage of 82% of employees with status.
“I am elated that GDC has been selected to win Business of the Year. We, the employees of GDC, work hard to bring change to the region through training and employment. Our work can be very difficult at times and it is wonderful to be recognized for all we do for our community members. Receiving the award on behalf of Gitxsan Safety Services in 2016 when we were awarded Outstanding Business Achievement was a motivating moment for me personally and am excited to share that moment with a colleague this year.” -Pamela Tait, Administration Manager, Gitxsan Development Corporation.
With GDC’s training program, every trainee will have the potential to obtain skills and an understanding of their desired field, ultimately opening doors to the world’s work force.
Supporting/Partnering with others to create Award Winning projects
Ardy Rigging Ltd.
In 2016, Ardy Rigging Ltd. received the Award of Excellence from the Ministry of Transportation In Recognition of Excellence in Bridges and Structures for the Hagwilget Bridge Rehabilitation project.
Gitxsan Safety Services was honoured to play a supporting role in this project.
