The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along British Columbia’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 expanded scope of the award also recognizes Indigenous and traditional practices, environmental stewardship, and ensure diversity in nominees, recipients, and award administration.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement is a collaboration between the Government House Foundation and the Maritime Museum of BC. The award replaces the S.S. Beaver Awards for Maritime Excellence.
Featured artwork: “Maritime Achievement Award medallion” by Nusi Ian Reid
Recipients of the 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement
The Government House Foundation, in partnership with the Maritime Museum of BC, is honoured to announce the six recipients for the 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement.
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.
Meet the recipients for previous Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement
Selection Committee
Award steering and selection committees are comprised of members of the Government House Foundation, Maritime Museum of BC, representatives from the broader community, and professional mariners will administer the award.