“Rob Lawrance grew up in the Cowichan Valley where he began his stewardship journey. In his time with the City of Nanaimo, he grew the responsibilities of Environmental Planner to include community collaboration. He played a key role in almost every major waterway stewardship initiative in Nanaimo and connected community stewardship passion with municipal capacity,” stated Paul Chapman, Chair of the Watershed Moments Symposia Series. His day job is Executive Director of the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (NALT).

“In 2021, Rob retired from the City and moved to Blaine, Washington. Tragically, he passed away in May 2022 while participating in the cyclocross leg of the Bellingham Ski to Sea relay race. As part of the stewardship community in the Nanaimo area, I can attest that Rob is missed for his contributions to effective stewardship partnerships and his personable ways.””Kate Miller is a worthy inaugural recipient of this award. Kate connects the dots between community and regional government water stewardship collaboration. Kate also leads in inter-regional collaboration on water stewardship initiatives through her key participation on the Watershed Moments Team.”

“Beyond these accomplishments, Kate and Rob worked together on water stewardship efforts in the Cowichan Region in their previous working lives.”

“Kate is an outstanding asset to her community and the community of water stewardship practice, and through collaboration and sharing of experience is growing a culture of water stewardship in the CVRD, across Vancouver Island and beyond.”

“The Watershed Moments Team continues to carry Rob’s work forward as we work to present seminars and ultimately a symposium on Blue Ecology – the interweaving of Indigenous and Western water stewardship knowledge. This is a pathway to Water Reconciliation.”

“Over the last few years we have all learned to pivot. Blue Ecology offers us a chance to pivot towards a place of collaboration and hope. The Hope Spectrum as Michael Blackstock, a member of the Gitsxan First Nations and the founder of the Blue Ecology Institute, refers to it.”