The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) depends on the passionate and dedicated service of Canadians to work as voices for stewardship and to foster interest in the values and the stories of Canada’s rivers. Like the steadiness of a shoreline and with the tenaciousness of a river’s constant movement, Molly Demma has served New Brunswickers and Canadians, providing steadfast support for Canadian Heritage Rivers, for the past 19 years.
As a devoted advocate for rivers, Molly’s engagement with the CHRS has taken many incredible turns. She is the Executive Director at the St. John River Society– a non-profit organization committed to appreciating and stewarding the beautiful Wolastoq / fleuve Saint-Jean / St. John River in New Brunswick. As Executive Director, Molly has led events, programs, and a wide range of initiatives, including critical work to maintain 13 heritage steamboat wharves and ensured continued public access to the lower portion of the river. After nearly 17 years at the helm of the Society, she dove even deeper into the CHRS when she accepted a position with the Canadian Heritage Rivers System Secretariat at Parks Canada in 2020.
In her various roles with the CHRS, Molly’s unwavering brand of passion and enthusiasm for the program inspired many. Whether it was creating a last-minute social event out of thin air in 2016 that brought CHRS members together or calling out necessary changes to Parks Canada’s proposed templates for the heritage river story maps, Molly’s enthusiasm for the CHRS led to improved communications and helped the program immensely in its strategic efforts to update and revise the system.
“Molly has such a big heart and a big smile – and I have always envied her energy and drive – she is a truly lovely person and a wonderful friend.” - Jenny Fay (Ontario Parks)
Molly’s colleagues describe her as a dedicated, inspiring, and highly determined person. She is someone who staunchly defends the value of heritage rivers and importance of protecting freshwater. She is also someone who brings people together, is always full of ideas and makes friends easily.
“I got to know Molly as the program advisor for the Canadian Heritage Rivers System... Her signature “Hiya!” announced a dynamic, passionate and optimistic river ambassador.” - Amber Stewart (Parks Canada)
One of Molly’s most cherished contributions to the CHRS was her leadership of a Canada 150 celebration event in 2017 and the development of a video entitled “Eau Canada! - a Love Letter from Canada’s Rivers to Canadians”. For this initiative, Molly applied for a grant from the Government of Canada’s Canada 150 Fund and used the fund to support celebrations on Canadian Heritage Rivers across the country. In total, events were held by 38 groups, including Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations, on 35 rivers across Canada.
As part of the Canada 150 project, Molly also spearheaded film projects on 14 heritage rivers in 14 days. From coast to coast to coast, these projects were edited together to create a spectacular short feature that played as a projection on the Parliament buildings in Ottawa from July to September. This effort inspired thousands of Canadians to appreciate their heritage rivers and is just one example of numerous ways in which Molly has had an impact on the CHRS. She personally reached out and connected with people across Canada and never flinched in her enthusiasm to see this project through despite short timelines and numerous jurisdictions being involved.
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Molly’s ability to facilitate and rally people together was apparent. When the Canadian Heritage River System’s Annual General Meeting moved to a virtual format, Molly brought all her resources to bear to solve a problem. Her sunny disposition, can-do attitude and amazing facilitation skills proved to be critical ingredients to setting up a great virtual meeting.
“Molly’s contributions go from beaver ponds to board rooms.” - Ian Smith (St. John River Society volunteer)
The importance of Molly’s contributions to Canada, and to the St. John River in particular, was formally recognized in February 2023, when Molly was awarded The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (New Brunswick). Molly was nominated for this prestigious honour by the St. John River Society, with support for the nomination coming from Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Harvest Music Festival, and NB Power for her decades of valued volunteer work at the community level. All who know Molly would agree that she was most deserving of this award.
The memories and perspectives here are reflective of just a few of the hundreds of positive impressions Molly Demma has made on people. A trusted colleague, spirited friend and cherished “river sister”, the entire CHRS and Parks Canada family appreciates and respects Molly’s incredible record of service to Canadians and to rivers in Canada.