Midnight Sun Water Stewardship Award

The Midnight Sun Water Stewardship Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated sustained leadership, mentorship and stewardship in the operation and protection of drinking water, wastewater or environmental protection systems in the Yukon.

Developed in collaboration with BCWWA’s Yukon Workshop Planning Committee, the award honours the essential work of operators who keep northern water systems operating reliably despite the unique challenges of climate, geography and isolation. It recognizes individuals whose contributions extend beyond daily operations through leadership, mentorship and stewardship in the management and protection of drinking water, wastewater, and water infrastructure that Yukon communities depend upon.

Please note that the 2026 nomination period has concluded. If you would like to submit an application for a future award or to learn more, contact Angelene Fellows at afellows@bcwwa.org.

The Midnight Sun Water Stewardship Award will be awarded at the 2026 BCWWA Yukon Workshop, taking place October 21-22, 2026.

Eligibility

  • Has worked in drinking water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, wastewater collection, or environmental protection in the Yukon.

  • Has a minimum of ten years of cumulative service in the Yukon, in any combination of municipal, First Nation, territorial, or contracted service delivery.

  • May be currently working or retired.

  • The award is intended for operators, trainers, supervisors, and operations managers.

  • Self-nomination is not permitted.

Contact

Nominations are assessed against all five criteria. A nominee is not required to demonstrate exceptional strength in every category, but the successful nominee will show clear evidence in criterion 1 and criterion 5.

  1. Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer

The nominee has genuinely invested in the growth of others through hands-on guidance and a commitment to building lasting capacity. Their legacy is measured by the careers and confidence they have built in others, not necessarily by titles or credentials.

  1. Industry Advancement

The nominee has made a meaningful contribution to improving practices, safety, environmental outcomes, or operational standards within the broader water sector. This may be through innovation, advocacy, procedural improvement, or consistently raising the bar by example.

  1. Integrity and Professional Courage

The nominee speaks plainly and honestly — to peers, to employers, and to decision-makers when it matters. They do not cut corners on safety, quality, or environmental protection. They challenge others to think critically and hold themselves to the same standard they expect of everyone else.

  1. Commitment to Lifelong Learning

The nominee leads by example in self-improvement throughout their career — pursuing certifications, cross-disciplinary skills, and continuing education regardless of years in the field. They approach every day as an opportunity to know more than the day before.

  1. Community and Human Impact

The nominee’s work has made a tangible, real-world difference — in the communities they serve, the environments they protect, or the people they have mentored. In particular, nominees who have served remote, rural, or Indigenous communities where safe water directly protects public health and environmental integrity are recognized for the outsized significance of that work.

How to Nominate

  • Nominator’s name, organization and contact information.
  • Nominee’s name, employment history and certification history (where known).
  • A written submission of no more than 1,000 words addressing the five criteria.
  • A minimum of one and a maximum of three letters of support.

Administration

  • The award will be annually or biannually at the BCWWA Yukon Workshop.
  • The Selection Committee shall include at least two certified individuals.
  • The Committee may elect not to issue the award in a given year if no nomination meets the standard.
  • Recipient will receive a physical award and recognition in BCWWA communications.