In 2024, West Coast Environmental Law is celebrating our 50th anniversary – marking five action-packed decades of legal research, advocacy and action in service of nature and communities.
In our work alongside Indigenous peoples and organizations, grassroots groups and concerned community members, over the years we have had the honour of working with innumerable individuals who have made outstanding contributions to environmental protection and sustainability in BC through law.
From political or community leaders, to grassroots activists and community members taking action in the courts or on the front lines, to the unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes – we raise our hands to all of the incredible people working alongside us for environmental justice.
This year, as we mark our 50-year milestone, we have a special opportunity to honour some of the amazing folks we have encountered on this journey.
The Andrew Thompson Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding lifetime contributions to environmental protection and sustainability through law in BC. This year, the award honours not just one individual, but 50 years of environmental changemakers – a group of remarkable people who have made an impact in this way over the past 50 years.
Read more about the winners and their outstanding achievements here.
2024 Andrew Thompson Award Recipients
This year’s Andrew Thompson Award was presented to recipients in four categories.
Indigenous conservation leaders / Indigenous law defenders:
- ʔaʔsiwɬ (Ascasiwt), Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, syilx Nation, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs
- Kukwpi7 Art Adolph, Xáxli’p, Director of Operations, St’át’imc Chiefs Council
- Bea Silver, Semá:th Nation
- Chief Councillor Doug Neasloss, Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation
- Giindajin Haawasti Guujaaw, Haida Nation
- Iris Siwallace, Ancestral Governance Researcher, Nuxalk Nation
- Chief Councillor Marilyn Slett, Heiltsuk Nation
- Na’Moks, Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief of the Tsayu Clan
- Naxginkw (Tara Marsden), Gitanyow Nation, Hlimoo Sustainable Solutions
- Nuskmata, Nuxalk and Secwepemc, Executive Director of the Moccasin Footprint Society
Lawyers & legal scholars:
- John Rich
- Linda Nowlan
- Mark Haddock
- Michael M’Gonigle
Science and the law:
- Otto E. Langer
Community environmental changemakers:
- Denise Foster, Save Estuary Land Society
- June Ross, President, Vancouver Island Water Watch
- Ruth Simons, President and Executive Director, Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative
- Ross Muirhead, Elphinstone Logging Focus
The awards were presented by Gid7ahl-Gudsllaay (Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson), K.C., of the Haida Nation, a past ATA award winner and colleague of Andrew Thompson.
From grassroots community action to legally protect wildlife habitat, to shifting the national conversation about Indigenous law, each of these honourees has made an outstanding contribution to sustainability through law.
The path toward environmental justice is often a difficult one, but we are continually inspired by environmental justice leaders across the province who are harnessing the power of law in diverse ways to address these complex challenges.
We are grateful for all of the nominations we received from community members, supporters and colleagues – thank you for sharing your stories and helping us to recognize these amazing folks, and for supporting West Coast’s work to transform the legal landscape.
Congratulations to the 2024 Andrew Thompson Award recipients!
Top photo: 2024 Andrew Thompson Award winners Chief Na'Moks, Nuskmata, Doug Neasloss and Chief Councillor Marilyn Slett (L-R). Photo by Jamie Poh / Hayf Photography.