This week, on October 21, 2025, the third annual Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement recognized a new group of outstanding individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to British Columbia’s rich maritime heritage and industry.
This award recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along BC’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests in the areas of science, technology, business, applications of maritime skills, nautical heritage and culture, art, and academic endeavours. The scope of the award also recognizes Indigenous and traditional practices, environmental stewardship, and ensures diversity in nominees, recipients, and award administration.
“British Columbia is a province proudly defined by its beautiful coastline and waterways. As Lieutenant Governor, I am delighted to support this important recognition of those whose work has touched and been touched by all things maritime. From ship building to life saving to capturing the incredible grandeur of coastal British Columbia through art or history, there are myriad reasons to nominate an individual for the Award for Maritime Achievement.”
The Honourable Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
A unique award medallion featuring the artwork of Nusi Ian Reid, a member of the Heiltsuk Nation in Bella Bella, will be awarded to each recipient.
Award steering and selection committees–comprised of members of the Government House Foundation, Maritime Museum of BC, representatives from the broader community, and professional mariners–administer the award.
L-R: Clay Evans, Dr. Kelsie Murchy accepting on behalf of Dr. Francis Juanes, Bonnie Gee, Sergio Cocchia, The Honourable Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of BC, Joe Martin, and Bill Riggs accepting on behalf of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR).
Award Recipients
Kenneth Butler, a master builder and the leading authority on the construction and restoration of heritage vessels and maritime sites in British Columbia, managing and advising on major restoration projects such as SS Moyie, SS Sicamous, Kuskanook, and Nasookin and site developments such as the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver. Ken is an Irish/Canadian in his 80s and resides at an acreage called the Kootenay Shire outside of New Denver, BC. He is still living the dream and fulfilling his passions. He is community-minded (retired NDVFD), working with youth, gardens, and consults on heritage development.
Bonnie Gee, a trusted advocate for her membership, Bonnie Gee brings together diverse voices—from industry, government, Indigenous communities, and environmental groups—to forge practical, forward-thinking solutions. Her leadership is marked by transparency, inclusivity, and a relentless drive to balance economic opportunity with ecological responsibility.
Captain Clay Evans is a west coast mariner who spent over 35 years with the Canadian Coast Guard and a historian and author who specializes in the history of lifesaving at sea. He is the Past Chair of the MMBC and is also a Trustee of the International Maritime Rescue Federation based in London, where he is the special advisor on mass rescue operations. Captain Evans continues to serve on the board of the MMBC as it continues to pursue its quest for a new home.
Dr. Francis Juane is a coastal and estuarine ecologist, dedicated to conducting fundamental and innovative research in fisheries ecology that is now globally used to describe ecosystem effects of fishing and management options.
Joe Martin is a Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation carver and teacher, known for the beauty and quality of his chaputs (cedar dugout canoes) and totem poles, and for teaching the next generation Nuu-chahnulth cultural practices and skills.
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue is a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to saving lives on the water. With more than 950 professionally trained volunteers operating 31 rescue stations along the coast of BC and in the Shuswap, they respond to about 450 distress calls each year, bringing hundreds of people home to safety.
