A Rosslander described as a “champion for equity and inclusion” is among 18 people across BC being recognized with a Medal of Good Citizenship.
According to a news release, Montana Burgess has spent more than 16 years transforming environmental advocacy and civic engagement across the province.
As executive director of Neighbours United, she spearheaded the West Kootenay 100% Renewable Energy Plan, which saw 14 local governments pledge to transition to renewable energy by 2050.
“Her innovative use of ‘deep canvassing’ — an empathy-driven, non-partisan engagement strategy — has trained more than 500 volunteers to foster meaningful dialogue across political divides,” the citation read.
“Montana’s work has not only shaped climate policy but also shifted how rural communities engage with environmental issues.”
With Burgess at the helm, Neighbours United earned the 2022 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award and Living Wage Employer certification from Living Wage BC. She has also worked to boost voter turnout and LGBTQ+ inclusion in education.
“Montana’s visionary leadership continues to inspire change at both local and national levels,” the citation concluded.
In an interview, Burgess told Vista Radio that she was notified of the award a couple of months ago. A friend nominated her and sought letters of support.
“It was very, very flattering to know friends and colleagues nominated me and the work I’ve done with so many other in our community,” she said.
Asked what drives her, Burgess said she is not religious, and therefore doesn’t chalk it up to divine inspiration, “but I do believe I should try to leave the world a little better than when I got here. The way I look at that is very much through community and environmental policy and programs and trying to make sure everyone has clean air, land, and water. That seems like a good through line to work on in this day and age.”
Burgess said her seven-year-old daughter has asthma, so she is particularly focused on tackling climate and energy issues in her backyard:Â “It’s only going to get worse if we don’t get very proactive. I want her to be able to have some of the childhood I got to have where you get to enjoy your summers and not be terrified of going outside.”
Burgess, who moved to Rossland from the Slocan Valley about a year ago, is the only Kootenaian among this year’s honorees, announced Monday.
The Medal of Good Citizenship celebrates individuals who have acted in a generous, kind or selfless manner for the betterment of their communities, without expectation of reward. The medal was established in 2015 and is the province’s second-highest honour for individuals.
Including this year’s recipients, the province has awarded 196 Medals of Good Citizenship since the honour was created.
