Every other year, the Real Estate Foundation of BC hosts the Land Awards, an event that honours projects that create more sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities. Established by the provincial government in 1985, the foundation's mission is to support “leadership and projects making a difference in our communities,” says CEO Mark Gifford.
This year, all the award winners were Indigenous: Land Champion Xtli’li’ye Lydia Hwitsum, Emerging Leader Sulatiye’ Maiya Modeste, Land Use and Conservation winner W̱SÁNEĆ School Board for the ṮEṮÁĆES Revitalization Project, Fresh Water Award winner Comox Valley Project Watershed Society for the Kus-kus-sum project, Built Environment award winner NUQO Modular and the Squamish Nation, Food Sovereignty Award winner Nawalakw Community Farm and Real Estate Award winner Musqueam for lelǝḿ village.
In this series, learn about how the projects came to be, and how they're building frameworks for lasting change.
In This Series
A Housing Hub That Brings History Forward with Heart
leləm̓, a master-planned village designed by Musqueam, carries forth the nation’s values of sustainability and stewardship in building community.
Planting Seeds, Inspiring Minds at Nawalakw
In Alert Bay, a community garden is not only feeding the community, but empowering youth.
Bringing Salmon Home to Kus-kus-sum
Project Watershed is restoring a critical habitat and helping to return the land of a former sawmill back to the K’ómoks First Nation.
A Home Made for Indigenous Peoples, by Indigenous Peoples
NUQO Modular and the Squamish Nation won the Built Environment Award for a housing project that prioritizes vulnerable Sḵwx̱wú7mesh residents.
‘The First Time We've Ever Had a Place to Call Our Own’
Maiya Modeste is an emerging leader in restoring the land for her community on Salt Spring Island to live, gather and thrive upon.
‘The History Isn’t Certainly Taught in Your Ordinary School’
Through film, the TEṮÁĆES Revitalization Project tells the story of the W̱SÁNEĆ presence on the Southern Gulf Islands.
‘We’re Going to Work Together. That’s the Nutsa’maat Commitment’
Lydia Hwitsum is a land champion for bringing together First Nations and settler governments using a traditional Cowichan principle.
Land Awards Spotlight Indigenous Heroes and Projects
Accolades for First Nations leaders and initiatives at this year’s Real Estate Foundation of BC gala.