Having worked in Indigenous education for two-plus decades, Len Pierre sometimes can’t believe he’s managed to build a consulting firm in the field, and just how busy that company has become. Reconciliation education work is a growth business for the Pierre, who lives on Barnston Island as a member of . He’s listed as the lone Surrey resident among , a group of 20 celebrated at a May 8 ceremony in Victoria.

“I have 25 people who work with me in my consulting firm today,” Pierre said, “and we still have a hard time keeping up with demand for our work across Canada and into the States too, and all that within the last three years. So it’s rapidly grown and expanded, and we’re still growing and expanding. It’s such a incredible inspiring time and motivating time, too.

” With workshops and courses, , “stands as a leader in Indigenous cultural consult and education, guiding seminars and workshops province-wide with a diverse team comprising youth, educators and elders,” according to . Annually, BC Achievement recognizes “extraordinary British Columbians who build better, stronger and more resilient communities,” including Pierre, who calls the award a “total surprise” that he didn’t see coming. His nominator is a former colleague at Surrey Schools, which employed Pierre long before he launched his own consulting business.

“When I first started in my career, I was 19 years old,” Pierre recalled. “I remember it being so hard to try and be heard.