Each year the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) recognizes up to three individuals for their contributions to the international co-operative movement. It presents them with the Rochdale Pioneer Award, the highest award in the international movement. This year Ian MacPherson, founder and director of the BCICS, received the award, the first North American to do so and only the fifth person to have ever received the award. The award was presented at the ICA’s General Assembly held in Cartagena, Colombia.