Through her efforts to make changes locally, environmental advocate and Salmon Arm student Evje Knutson has been recognized provincially with the Andrew Thompson Award (ATA) as one of B.C.'s 16 Youth Changemakers for Environmental Justice.

Knutson, in Grade 12 at Salmon Arm Secondary School, won the award from West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL) at a May 12 ceremony at the Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver, where she was the youngest recipient of mostly law students and emerging professionals in environmental advocacy. 

Since 2024, Knutson has worked as a Community Ambassador with the city, engaging the public about the Official Community Plan and contributing to the Climate Resiliency Steerring Committee. Through those roles, she has helped shape local environmental policies and encouraged youth perspectives on climate action. 

"I believe that strong community laws can help to create ecological justice for everyone as it means that apathy will no longer be an option, from both the government and communities," Knutson said in a release from WCEL. "Although climate change affects everyone, youth and their voices are crucially important as the state of this world will greatly impact their future."

For the past three years, Knutson has also been a key contributor to School District 83's Environmental Advisory Working Group and co-developed the Environmental Stewardship Action Plan with teachers, administrators and district leaders. 

The ATA, named after one of B.C.'s groundbreaking environmental lawyers, honours people between ages 16 and 35 who are trying to create effective changes through the law. Knutson's recognition demonstrates that students can have a voice in creating a sustainable future.