The Sunshine Coast Conservation Association (SCCA) will present the 2016 John Hind-Smith Award for Environmental Stewardship to the shíshálh Nation Elders, council and members, the group has announced.

“Over the past two decades since the creation of the SCCA, we have witnessed the critical actions of shíshálh Nation Elders, leadership and community members to protect, steward and conserve the land and waters of the Sunshine Coast, their traditional unceded territory,” SCCA said in a release. “Our entire community, including the incredible biodiversity of non-human life around us, has greatly benefited from their commitment, expertise, and care.”

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The award was established in 2006 by the SCCA to honour local citizens who exemplify the spirit of John Hind-Smith, a passionate environmentalist and strong advocate for protecting natural spaces, by their dedication and commitment to the environment and preserving wildlife. This will mark the first time the award is given to a community of people rather than an individual.

“We’re delighted to be able to highlight the crucial and extensive environmental efforts of the shíshálh Nation, while honouring a man who epitomized the term ‘environmentalist,’” the release said.

To celebrate, the SCCA extends an invitation to all community members, and in particular, to shíshálh Nation members, to join them in a feast at the award ceremony on Saturday, March 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the SIB Hall. To find out more about the award, the celebration, and the outstanding efforts of the shíshálh Nation, please visit www.thescca.ca, or contact info@thescca.ca