Coalition Updates

Henry Lickers’ efforts honoured

Former Great Lakes United board member, Henry Lickers, has been awarded the 2008 Sandford Fleming Medal given annually by the Royal Canadian Institute for the Advancement of Science to a Canadian who has made outstanding contributions to the public understanding of science.

Henry Lickers is a Haudenosaunee citizen of the Seneca Nation and a member of the Turtle Clan. For many years Henry has been the Director of the Department of Environment for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

Over the years Henry Lickers has shared his expertise in environmental science and traditional wisdom with numerous international, national and local organizations, including the International Joint Commission’s Great Lakes Science Advisory Board. He has also mentored many young members of the First Nations, teaching them the ways of modern science, strengthened by the insights and values of his own people.

For over thirty years Henry has been an advocate for raising awareness of the adverse affects on human health and the health of the natural world from environmental contamination at Akwesasne. The Royal Canadian Institute recognized him for his work as an environmental, professional who dedicates time to the community and the environment working for a caring and compassionate society. As a man of action as well as ideas, Henry has led and contributed to numerous environmental research projects concerning First Nations. Noteworthy examples include the E.A.G.L.E. Project, which studied the effects on Aboriginals of the Great Lakes environment, the Naturalized Knowledge Systems Project, and the First Nation’s Community Health Indicators Project. He has also been involved with developing and promoting the concept of naturalized knowledge systems that acknowledges the complex inter-relationships of all parts of nature.

Henry was a member of Great Lakes United’s Board of Directors for two years. Part of his legacy at Great Lakes United is the addition of two positions specifically for native people on Great Lakes United’s board.

© 2008 Great Lakes News.