The Narwhal’s news coverage, analysis and feature storytelling have earned four nominations for the 2025 Jack Webster Awards, which honour the best of British Columbia journalism. 

An on-the-ground feature by northwest B.C. reporter Matt Simmons about Gitanyow’s efforts to restore traditional fire practices is a finalist for environment reporting. He’s nominated with photographer and frequent collaborator Marty Clemens, along with Narwhal contributors Sarah Cox, Lindsay Sample and Michelle Cyca. 

In the category for best news reporting, B.C. politics and environment reporter Shannon Waters is a finalist for her explainer tackling the provincial and federal flip-flopping over carbon pricing.

Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood is among the nominees for excellence in feature reporting for her story about Namu, the ancient Heiltsuk village at the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, where an abandoned cannery is leaching contaminants into the protected waters.

Lastly, Michelle Cyca, bureau chief for conservation and fellowships, is a finalist for commentator of the year for her columns analyzing the province’s responses to Indigenous Rights and environmental issues. 

“It’s great to see these stories recognized among the best in the province,” B.C. bureau chief Lindsay Sample said. “Making sense of environmental and climate issues can be overwhelming, particularly with back-to-back provincial and federal elections upending political priorities. We know British Columbians need in-depth, critical coverage to understand what’s happening in our province, particularly in regions where important stories would otherwise go unreported.” 

In June, Waters’ reporting on carbon pricing took home the Canadian Association of Journalists’ award in the category of daily excellence.

We’re grateful to The Narwhal’s 7,100 members, whose contributions make it possible for our reporters to tell beautiful, in-depth and original stories about B.C.’s irreplaceable lands and waters.

Other outlets nominated alongside The Narwhal include The Globe and Mail, The Canadian Press, the Vancouver Sun/Province, CBC Vancouver, Knowable Magazine and Smithsonian Magazine. 

The winners of the Jack Webster Awards will be announced at a gala in Vancouver on Monday, Nov. 3. 

The Narwhal’s reporters are telling environment stories you won’t read about anywhere else. Stay in the loop by signing up for our free weekly dose of independent journalism.