RESTON, Va. — The National Wildlife Federation announced the recipients of its 2023 Environmental Justice 21st-Century Awards, which recognizes the people and programs at the National Wildlife Federation that have gone above and beyond to advance environmental justice in the conservation movement. The awards were given out during the organization’s 87^th annual meeting, held in Lake Tahoe.

"These awards are a moment for the Federation to pause and honor the exceptional individuals and programs that tirelessly champion environmental justice, while amplifying the voices and narratives of Black, Latine, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, and communities of color," said Dr. Adrienne Hollis, vice president of environmental justice, public health, and community revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation. "We are thrilled to recognize these remarkable leaders who advocate passionately for people, wildlife, and justice.”

The awards and recipients include:

• The Environmental Justice 21st-Century Outstanding Board Member Award to Butch Blazer, who has been instrumental in establishing the Tribal and Indigenous Partnerships and Enhancement Strategies that are currently being implemented by a team of staff across the Federation. Butch’s experience in conservation stewardship has ranged from state, federal, and Tribal leadership, where he has always carried forward his community.
• The Environmental Justice 21st-Century Outstanding Board Member Award, was also awarded to Kent Salazar, who has dedicated his life to conservation and wildlife stewardship in both his home state of New Mexico and across the country and helped cultivate a movement to empower thousands of Hispanic and Latine conservation champions.
• The Environmental Justice 21st-Century “For The People Award,” was awarded to Audrey Peterman, who has dedicated her life to connecting the mainstream conservation community and policymakers with environmental justice communities. Her work bridges a critical gap by ensuring that those most impacted by climate change and environmental degradation are engaged in policymaking.
• The Environmental Justice 21st-Century “For The People Award,” was also awarded to Dr. Na’Taki Osborne-Jelks, for her work on the NWF Environmental Justice Advisory Council and her work protecting the West Atlanta watershed. Dr. Osborne-Jelks is also co-founder of the Federation’s Earth Tomorrow program that has engaged urban youth in environmental leadership for over 30 years.
• The Environmental Justice 21st-Century “For The People Award,” was also awarded to Dr. Bunyan Bryant, who established the first nationally recognized academic program on environmental justice to further bridge the gap between the environment, race, and health. In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Bryant led advocacy work in Michigan and across the country to raise awareness on environmental hazards and racial injustice while mentoring hundred of students who have gone on to become environmental leaders.
• The Environmental Justice 21st-Century “Outstanding Program Award,” was awarded to the communications program. Under the leadership of Mike Saccone, the communications program has worked to uplift the work of the environmental justice program while ensuring the equity and justice are at the center of their work.