BC Achievement Foundation Announces 2025 Polygon Award Recipients in First Nations Art
The BC Achievement Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Polygon Award in First Nations Art. Presented annually, this award honours excellence in traditional, contemporary, and media art by Indigenous artists in British Columbia, celebrating their creativity, cultural knowledge, and contributions to community.
“The 2025 Polygon Award in First Nations Art recognizes artists whose work reflects deep cultural roots and a powerful creative voice,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “This year’s recipients carry forward tradition while shaping new ways of seeing, reminding us of the strength, courage, and vitality of First Nations art today.”
Now in its 19th year, the Polygon Award in First Nations Art recognizes BC-based Indigenous artists for excellence in their discipline, as well as their mentorship, storytelling, and cultural stewardship.
The 2025 recipients are:
Rebecca Baker-Grenier, Kwakiutl, Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw, Chilliwack
Gordon Dick, Tseshaht, Port Alberni
Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist:
Kari Morgan, Nisga’a, Terrace
Award of Distinction:
Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun Lets’lo:tseltun Cowichan (Hul’q’umi’num Coast Salish) and Okanagan (Syilx), Vancouver
The 2025 recipients are selected by an independent jury of past awardees and First Nations artists recognized for their artistic accomplishments:
Lisa Hageman Yahgulanaas (Haida) – 2010 awardee
Thomas Cannell (Musqueam) – 2014 awardee
James Harry (Squamish) – 2021 awardee
Advisors to the jury are Connie Watts (Nuu-chah-nulth, Gitxsan, Kwakwaka’wakw) and Brenda Crabtree, OBC (Spuzzum Band, Nlaka’pamux, Sto:lo).
A ticketed award ceremony and dinner will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Vancouver, BC. The event will feature short films honouring each awardee’s artistic journey. Tickets will be available for purchase online starting August 15, 2025 at www.bcachievement.com.
The 2025 First Nations Art and Applied Art + Design Exhibition will run from Tuesday, November 18 to Wednesday, November 25 at the same venue. This free, public exhibition will highlight the work of all 2025 recipients across both programs. Online recognition will continue via the #shinethelightbc campaign, featuring the artists’ stories and impact.
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.
BC Achievement gratefully acknowledges the generosity of program donors Polygon Homes Ltd. and KPMG, and the contributions of community partners Denbigh Fine Art Services and The Roundhouse, and supporting sponsor TD, whose support is instrumental in elevating excellence in BC.