Congratulations to Evje Knutson, a Grade 12 student at Salmon Arm Secondary, who was recently recognized as one of British Columbia's 16 Youth Changemakers for Environmental Justice by West Coast Environmental Law.
The award, presented at the Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver, acknowledges young leaders advancing ecological justice through community engagement and legal change. Evje was the youngest recipient at the event, which included mostly law students and emerging professionals in environmental advocacy.
Since 2024, Evje has worked as a Community Ambassador with the City of Salmon Arm, engaging the public around the Official Community Plan and contributing to the Climate Resiliency Plan Steering Committee. Her leadership has helped shape local environmental policies and amplify youth perspectives on climate action.
Evje has been a key contributor to our District's Environmental Advisory Working Group for the past three years. Working alongside teachers, administrators, and District leaders, she co-developed SD83's Environmental Stewardship Action Plan. Evje presented the draft plan to the Board of Education at the April board meeting earning much support for this proposed District plan. When finalized and approved by the Board, this plan will guide sustainable decision-making across the District.
The Andrew Thompson Award, named after one of BC's pioneering environmental lawyers, honours youth ages 16-35 who are creating meaningful change through the law. Evje's recognition is a powerful reminder of the influence students can have in shaping a just and sustainable future.
Her trip to Vancouver for the awards ceremony was funded by West Coast Environmental Law, and her contributions during the "Envisioning the Future of Environmental Law" dialogue left a lasting impression.
SD83 is incredibly proud of Evje's contributions and can't wait to see the future she continues to help build.
For more information
P.O. Box 129 ~ 341 Shuswap St. S.W
Salmon Arm British Columbia
Canada V1E 4H9
www.sd83.bc.ca
