VANCOUVER, British Columbia, November 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Demonstrating the success of Indigenous partnerships (IPSS) recognized outstanding leadership, partnerships and community impact on Thursday, November 13 at its sixth annual meeting in Vancouver. This year, IPSS launched its first Shared Prosperity Award, symbolizing the strength, innovation and determination to advance the economic development of Indigenous peoples in British Columbia and Canada.
Each honoree was presented with a handcrafted paddle created by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Ross Henderson. The paddle symbolizes leadership, leadership and the collective path to prosperity.
2025 IPSS Shared Prosperity Award Winners
- Indigenous Business Leader of the Year – Crystal Smith, Former Elected Chief Councilor of the Haisla Nation
Celebrating an outstanding Indigenous entrepreneur or business leader whose leadership and vision drives sustainable economic growth.
- Excellence in Indigenous-Corporate Partnerships – Karen Augen, CEO, First Nations Natural Gas Alliance
Celebrating a successful and valued partnership based on respect, innovation and measurable results.
- Rising Indigenous Leader of the Year – Jennifer Tabak, CEO of Design de Plume
Recognizing a new leader who has a positive impact on business, management or community development.
- Indigenous Reconciliation Advocate – Glyn Lewis, CEO, Renewal Development
Celebrating a non-Indigenous ally with an unwavering commitment to reconciliation and inclusive economic participation.
- Innovation and Community Impact Award – Elaine Alec, Founder of Naqsmist Storytellers
Presented to an Indigenous initiative that creates meaningful and measurable change in the community.
- Indigenous Youth Champion of the Year is Katisha Paul, a youth representative from the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs.
Celebrating a young leader under 30 who is inspiring change and modeling bold leadership for the next generation.
- Excellence in Procurement or Supply Chain Partnerships – Dallas Smith, Founder, President and CEO of Nanvakolas Council
Recognizing leadership in expanding access and opportunity for Indigenous businesses through procurement and supply chain partnerships.
- Lifetime Achievement in Indigenous Economic Development – Ellis Ross MP
Celebrating a lifetime of service, leadership and transformative advocacy for Indigenous economic development.
“These award winners are shaping a future defined by partnership, prosperity and shared purpose,” said Stuart Muir, founder of Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase. “Their work is a reminder of how much strength we draw from each other when we strive to collaborate.”
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Media assets: IPSS Shared Prosperity Awards
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Crystal Smith receives a carved paddle from Stuart Muir, founder of the Indigenous Partnership Success Showcase (IPSS), at the Gathering: Reconciliation in Action program during the sixth annual Indigenous Partnership Success Showcase.
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Dallas Smith receives a carved paddle from award presenter Lana Eagle during the IPSS Awards Ceremony on November 13, 2025.
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Dallas Smith shows off his IPSS Shared Prosperity Award paddle on the main stage.
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Elaine Alec receives a carved paddle from award presenter Lana Eagle during the IPSS Shared Prosperity Awards Gala Dinner on November 13, 2025.
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Glyn Lewis receives a carved paddle from award presenter Lana Eagle during the IPSS Shared Prosperity Awards gala dinner on November 13, 2025.
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A close-up of hand-carved paddles by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Ross Henderson, displayed at the inaugural IPSS Shared Prosperity Award gala on November 13, 2025.
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Jennifer Tabak receives a carved paddle from award presenter Lana Eagle during the IPSS Shared Prosperity Awards Gala Dinner on November 13, 2025.
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Karen Augen receives a carved paddle from award presenter Lana Eagle during the IPSS Shared Prosperity Awards Gala Dinner on November 13, 2025.
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Katisha Paul receives a carved paddle from award presenter Lana Eagle during the IPSS Shared Prosperity Awards Gala Dinner on November 13, 2025.
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Stuart Muir, founder of IPSS, presents a carved paddle to award winner MP Ellis Ross during the Gathering: Reconciliation in Action program at the sixth annual Indigenous Partnerships Success Exhibition.
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On demonstrating the success of Indigenous partnerships:
Demonstrating the success of Indigenous partnerships (IPSS) is the leading platform for celebrating Indigenous successes, developing partnerships and promoting sustainable development. The annual event brings together a diverse range of participants to connect, learn and be inspired by the achievements of Canada's First Nations communities.
About the Resource Works Society:
Resource Works Society speaks to British Columbians about the importance of the province's resource sectors to their personal well-being. It demonstrates how responsible development of British Columbia's resources creates jobs and income across the province, both directly and indirectly, while maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
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Garth Jackson
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Evelyn Mills
