The Canadian Heritage Rivers Systems (CHRS) includes 40 rivers spanning 11,000 km from coast to coast to coast. Without the dedication of extraordinary individuals, we would not be able to recognize, celebrate, and conserve these rivers. The Canadian River Stewardship Award is presented every three years to individuals or organizations who have made a significant contribution to the stewardship of a Canadian Heritage River or to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System program.
Rivers are important to Canada and Canadians. The Canadian River Stewardship Award highlights the importance of rivers and their health, and honours their role in our past, present, and future. This award was first presented in 1994 as the National River Conservation Award and was renamed in 2016. It has since been presented every three years to celebrate an individual or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to a specific heritage river or to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System.
In August, the CHRS received nominations for the 2023 Canadian River Stewardship Award. Nominations were evaluated based on how well they aligned with the four strategic priorities of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. Those priorities are:
- Advancing Indigenous reconciliation on Canadian Heritage Rivers;
- Strengthening the Canadian Heritage Rivers network;
- Excellence in river management and conservation; and
- Engaging Canadians in celebrating and stewarding heritage rivers.
Following the Annual General Meeting in September in St. Andrews New Brunswick, we held an award ceremony and had the honour of presenting this year’s awards to two people who have made a positive and lasting impression on the Canadian Heritage Rivers System: Peter Labor from Nova Scotia and Molly Demma, from New Brunswick. Congratulations Peter and Molly on your awards!
A full article has been dedicated to the accomplishment of each awardee. Find the article on Peter here and the one on Molly here.
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