March 9, 2026: Islands Trust Announces Launch of the 2026 Community Stewardship Awards Program

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March 9, 2026 – for immediate release       2026-02-IT 
 
Islands Trust announces launch of the 2026 Community Stewardship Awards Program 
 
Lək̓ ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Islands Trust has announced the launch of the 18
th
 Islands 
Trust Community Stewardship Awards program. The awards recognize individuals, organizations, 
and groups involved with initiatives that further the Islands Trust’s mandate to preserve and 
protect.  
 
“I want to recognize that everyone who lives in and visits the Islands Trust Area is a steward of 
these special places. Many of us were inspired by a person or organization that encouraged us to 
learn about the ecosystems we value and the native species that depend on them. The Community 
Stewardship Award Program is an opportunity to honour those individuals and organizations who 
have dedicated their time, energy, and ingenuity to preserving and protecting the Islands Trust 
Area. Their commitment strengthens our communities and helps ensure these islands remain 
vibrant and resilient for generations to come,” said Laura Patrick, Chair of the Islands Trust 
Council. 
 
Since its inception in 2002, Islands Trust Council has recognized 82 individuals and organizations 
for their contributions to land conservation, knowledge-holding and sharing, ecosystem 
preservation, forest restoration, climate change adaptation, water and marine conservation, 
agricultural innovation, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and public outreach and education in the 
Islands Trust Area. 
 
Award recipients are selected by Islands Trust Council and will be recognized at local trust 
committee and island municipality meetings in the fall of 2026.  
 
Nominations are due by April 26, 2026. Information about eligibility criteria, nomination forms, and 
past recipients is available at: https://islandstrust.bc.ca/programs/stewardship-awards/.  
 
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Islands Trust is a special-purpose government representing over 30,000 people living within the 
Islands Trust Area and 10,000 non-resident property owners. The Islands Trust Area is located 
within Coast Salish territory and is the homeland to many Coast Salish Peoples who have called 
this place home since time immemorial. Islands Trust is responsible for preserving and protecting 
 
News Release 
200 - 1627 Fort Street Victoria B.C. | V8R 1H8 
Telephone 250.405.5151 | FAX: 250.405.5155 
Toll Free via Service BC in Vancouver 604.660.2421 | in B.C. 
1.800.663.7867 
information@islandstrust.bc.ca | www.islandstrust.bc.ca 

 
 
the Islands Trust Area and its unique amenities and environment through conservation-oriented 
land use planning and regulation, education, and cooperation with First Nations and other 
agencies. The Islands Trust Area covers the islands and waters between the British Columbia 
mainland and southern Vancouver Island. It includes 13 major islands and more than 450 smaller 
islands covering 5,200 square kilometres. 
 
CONTACT 
Laura Patrick, Chair, Islands Trust 

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