Nunavut Business Achievement Awards

For over 24 years, the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce (BRCC) has been presenting the annual business achievement awards to worthy recipients across the territory. Since 1999, those awards have been called the Nunavut Business Achievement Awards.

Awards are handed out for the following categories:

  • These awards highlight businesses and businesspersons from across the Qikiqtani region who contribute to their community.

  • A business that has a positive impact during the year who demonstrates leadership, and is actively involved in their community.

  • An individual who achieved something out of the ordinary during the year and who has a positive influence in the business community.

  • This award recognizes the long-term commitment of an individual to the business community.

  • Awarded to an individual, business, or group who has displayed extraordinary success or innovation in their economic development activities.

  • Awarded to a businessperson who contributes to make a positive impact for their community.

2026 Qikiqtani Business Achievement Award

Nominations for the 2026 Business Achievement Awards are now open. You can submit a nomination by filling out this form.

Please contact the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce at (867) 979-4654 if you require any additional information.

Past recipients

Qikiqtani Business Achievement Award

2025

  • Business of the Year

    SmartICE

  • Business Person of the Year

    Cindy Twerdin
    Canadian North

2024

  • Business of the Year

    Allurvik

  • Business Person of the Year

    Shelley De Caria,
    Canadian North

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Shawn Lester,
    Lester Landeau

  • Special Achievement

    Stephen Johnson

2023

  • Business of the Year

    Baffin Business Development Corp

  • Business Person of the Year

    Gwen Healey Akearok

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Brian Twerdin & Elisapee Sheutiapik

  • Special Achievement

    Paul Dainton,
    Arctic Training Ltd.

  • Volunteer of the Year

    Ranbir Hundal

2022

  • Business of the Year

    Aqsarniit Hotel & Conference Centre

  • Business Person of the Year

    Jen Hayward,
    Outcrop Communications

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Sakasie Sowdlooapik,
    Sak's Rental/Amiaq

  • Special Achievement

    Stacey Aglok MacDonald & Alethea Arngaquq,
    RED MARROW MEDIA

  • Volunteer of the Year

    Stephane Daigle,
    FoodPorch766

2020 - 2021

  • Business of the Year

    Al's BnB, Allan Mullin and Al's BnB employees, Lester Taqqaugaq and Samuel Illupalik

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Timmun Alariaq, Huit Huit Tours

  • Special Achievement

    Thor Simonsen, Hitmakerz

  • Volunteer of the Year

    Mike Wilkins, RL Hanson Construction Ltd

2019

  • Business of the Year

    Rankin Inlet Legion

  • Business Person of the Year

    Cody Dean, Canadrill

  • Special Achievement

    Rannva Simonsen, Rannva Designs

  • Lifetime Achievement

    John Matthews, Atiilu Real Estate & Property Management

  • Volunteer of the Year

    Steve Sullivan, Frobisher Inn

2018

  • Business of the Year

    Black Heart Café

  • Business Person of the Year

    Mona Godin & Time Bayne

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Mark Bray

  • Volunteer

    Clarence Synard

2017

  • Business of the Year

    Upper Base Garage & Caribou Cabs

  • Business Person of the Year

    Glenn Cousins, Kakivak Association

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Stuart Kennedy

  • Special Achievement

    WASCO

2016

  • Business of the Year

    Marketplace

  • Business Person of the Year

    Harry Earle, Arctic Fishery Alliance

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Ken Toner, Atuqtuarvik Corporation

  • Special Achievement

    Kenn Borek Air

2015

  • Business of the Year

    Victoria's Arctic Fashions

  • Business Person of the Year

    Jim Wilson

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Steve Birrell

  • Special Achievement

    Shawn Lester

2014

  • Business of the Year

    NCC Development

  • Business Person of the Year

    Greg Cayen

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Paul Murphy & Helen Klengenberg

  • Special Achievement

    Mike Webster

  • Special Recognition

    Michael Hart

2013

  • Business

    Nunageek Solutions

  • Business Person

    Sheatie Tagak

  • Lifetime Achievement

    John Jacobsen

  • Special Achievement

    Frobisher Bay Touchdown Services

2012

  • Business

    Nunastar

  • Business Person

    Dr. Leia Cunningham

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Frank May

  • Special Achievement

    Nunavut Tourism

  • Special Recognition

    Jim Currie

2010

  • Business

    Western Eskimo Co-Op

  • Business Person

    Peter Tapitai

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Robert Long

2009

  • Business

    Boothia Ventures

  • Business Person

    Wilf Wilcox

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Qikiqtaaluk Corporation

  • Special Achievement

    Ray Lovell

  • Special Recognition

    Mike Hine

2008

  • Business

    Arqvaartuq Services Ltd

  • Business Person

    John Hickes

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Bob Hanson

  • Special Achievement

    ArtCirq

2007

  • Business of the Year

    Grise Fiord Co-Op

  • Business Person of the Year

    Kenn Harper

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Bryan Pearson

  • Special Achievement

    Atuqtuarvik

2006

  • Business of the Year

    Qiniq

  • Business Person of the Year

    Charlie Lyall

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Ray Mercer and Peter Tatty

  • Special Achievement

    Bob Long and Elu Lodge

2005

  • Business of the Year

    Nunavut Youth Consulting

  • Business Person of the Year

    Pitseola Shoo

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Dave and Cecilia Fox

  • Special Achievement

    Francophone Society

2004

  • Business of the Year

    Frobisher Inn

  • Business Person of the Year

    Matty McNair and Paul Landry

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Terry Ryan

2003

  • Business of the Year

    Onalik Aviation

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Jacques Belleau

  • Special Achievement

    Bob Long and Elu Lodge

2002

  • Business of the Year

    Isuma Productions

  • Business Person of the Year

    Zach Kunuk

  • Lifetime Achievement

    George D'Aoust

2001

  • Business of the Year

    Baffin Flower Studio

  • Business Person of the Year

    Meeka Mike

2000

  • Business of the Year

    Innirvik Support Services

  • Business Person of the Year

    Pauloosie Kooneeliusie,
    Pikaluyak Outfitting

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Lyn Woodhouse

1999

  • Business of the Year (2 Awards)

    Arctic Ventures

    Nunanet Commuinications

  • Business Person of the Year

    Robert Hanson,
    RL Hanson Construction

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Gordon Rennie

1998

  • Business of the Year

    Toonoonik Sahoonik Co-op

  • Business Person of the Year

    Jerry Ell, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Fred Coman

1996

  • Business of the Year

    Igloolik Isuma Productions

  • Business Person of the Yaar

    Douglas Lem

  • Lifetime Achievement

    Tower Arctic

  • Special Achievement

    Joavie Alivaktuk
    Steven Roberts
    Jerry Ell