Manitoba Eco-Network Environmental Awards

The Awards were established in 1990 to recognize the achievements of Manitobans in protection and awareness of Manitoba’s environment. The environmental community especially acknowledges the creativity, diligence and commitment of our peers in presenting the “individual” and “group” awards. A “Special” category is open to nominations of Manitobans in all walks of life that have made a difference to the environment.

2008 Award Winners Announced!

Peter Miller, in the “individual” category: Peter has been an activist in the environmental community since the early 1980s when he volunteered with the Recycling Council of Manitoba at its waste collection depots, and worked for a comprehensive recycling system in Manitoba. He was a founder of the TREE coalition – fighting the establishment of a bleached kraft pulp plant at the Pas and for more sustainable forest practices in Manitoba. He has continued to pursue sustainable forestry, often working behind the scenes to change the mindset of the forest industry, including a long-term commitment to the Manitoba Model Forest. More recently, Peter has been an intervenor on behalf of TREE and Resource Conservation Manitoba, at the Public Utilities Board, advocating for energy conservation, and more sustainable practices at Manitoba Hydro. He has a long history of service with government boards, including the former Manitoba Environmental Council, the Round Table on Sustainable Development and the Wabanong Nakaygum Okimawin or East Side Planning Process. Peter was nominated by Steve Rauh.

The “Idle Free Girls” in the “group” category: This group of 4 Grade 6 students from Stonewall: Katelyn, Destiny, Neely and Rachel, have a mission to make the Town of Stonewall “idle free”, because of their strong commitment to fighting climate change. Drawing on their considerable research and study of the issue, the girls have taken their message on the harmful effects of engine idling on health and the environment to all the key agencies in town, including Stonewall Council and Chamber of Commerce, and succeeded in establishing “idle free zones” throughout the community. In their spare time, they created a display, pamphlets and a presentation on the issue, and have not shied away from media interviews. Their teacher and nominator, Kari Kinley, calls them an “inspiration to the community”.

Dave Pancoe, Northern Soul Wilderness Adventures – in the “special” category: Nominated by Tim Lutz, Dave has created a company that is truly an example of a sustainable business. While the core of his wilderness adventures is to demonstrate to Manitobans and other folks alike the natural wonders of our province, he does this in ways that are consistent with protecting the environment. From sourcing food locally and organically whenever possible, to transporting visitors in a van fuelled on waste vegetable oil, to the practice of low impact camping, Dave ensures that his values are reflected in his business practices. He has also made many contributions to the local community whether this be by providing free canoe expeditions to new Manitobans on the Seine River, providing time, logistics and experience to the mapping project on the Manigotagan River, assisting with infrastructure development and a campground on the Bloodvein First Nation, or many other examples.

The Manitoba Eco-Network would also like to recognize the many accomplishments of all the other nominees this year: Alan Baron, Anders Swanson and Lindy Clubb, recognizing that nomination by one’s peers is high praise for work and commitment to a better environment.

The awards were presented at a ceremony in conjunction with our Annual General Meeting on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at the Crescentwood Community Centre.

Previous Award Recipents:

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