Awards of Merit Presented

The BC Historical Federation’s Awards of Merit are presented to individuals and organizations who have made a significant contribution to the study or promotion of BC history. This year, three awards were provided to individuals who have made an impact in BC history. The awards were presented on May 30 during an awards banquet held in Vancouver.

John Atkin has been a dynamic and active civic historian and volunteer who has drafted conservation plans throughout the Lower Mainland and Kootenays and has served on the boards of the Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC and Heritage Vancouver. A heritage consultant by trade, Atkin has advocated and drafted conservation plans for various projects throughout the Lower Mainland and the Kootenays. Notable amongst his work includes Vancouver’s 2008 Chinatown Lighting Strategy and co-authoring Vancouver’s 2010 application for Chinatow’s National Historic District status.

Dr. Nicolas Kenny is a history professor at Simon Fraser University, whose work includes research into BC’s francophone educational rights. Kenny’s publications include work on Montreal and Brussels, and his British Columbia-centered work includes research into the history of British Columbia’s francophone educational rights. Kenny is also being recognized for his volunteer work supporting the BCHF book awards, strengthening the province’s historical community and supporting excellence in historical writing.

Michael Kluckner is an artist and heritage-focused writer who blends artistic expression and storytelling. He has served with Heritage Vancouver, the Vancouver Historical Society, and the Vancouver Heritage Foundation among other groups. Kluckner’s professional body of work includes books such as Surviving Vancouver (Midtown Press, 2024) and Vanishing British Columbia (UBC Press, 2005).