About us

In 1969, a small grassroots group of British Columbians began a campaign to protect the spectacular forests and lakes of the Nitinat Triangle and West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island. Since there were no Canadian environmental groups working on forest and wilderness issues at that time, this group joined forces with the US Sierra Club--the world's first environmental activist organization”, founded in 1892 by legendary naturalist and writer John Muir. This small group became Sierra Club of BC, the first Sierra Club affiliate in Canada, later joined by Sierra Club of Canada when it formed in 1992.

Today, with Sierra Club of BC Foundation, Sierra Club of Canada and Sierra Club US form an international grassroots organization with over 700,000 members.

Sierra Club of BC Foundation has been a registered charity (#11914 9797 RR0001) since 1969 committed to protecting B.C.'s wild places and wildlife through research, science and education for those who love breathtaking B.C., it's spectacular ancient forests, wild salmon and unique natural beauty. The Foundation operates under the management and direction of an independent Board of Directors which ensures adequate resources for the charitable work of the Chapter. The Board is fiscally responsible, staying within charitable parameters.

Since 1969, Sierra Club of BC Foundation has worked to protect and restore the quality of the natural environment, to maintain the integrity of the natural world and to leave a natural legacy for future generations. Its role has been to motivate and financially support organizations involved in environmental research and education, such as the Sierra Club of Canada – BC Chapter.

Sierra Club of Canada - BC Chapter is our principal agent in implementing our programs and projects. Our goal is conservation of natural ecosystems and the sustainable use of land and marine environments at the local, regional and global level. We define sustainable use of land and marine resources as us that:

  • Protects our wildlife and wild places
  • Results in a diversity of healthy ecosystems supporting natural abundance
  • Respects traditional knowledge
  • Ensures sustainable livelihoods and social justice for all peoples while protecting
  • Ecological integrity
  • Fulfills our spiritual need for wild places
  • Leaves a viable natural environment for generations to come

The Foundation employs professional staff in our Victoria office who ensure that contributions from members and donors are professionally administered and assure continuing vigilance for BC’s parks, protected areas and wildlife for the future.

 

Staff

George Heyman, Executive Director, Sierra Club of BC Foundation


George Heyman George Heyman served as president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) for nine years - from June 1999 to June 2008. In more than 30 years as a union and social activist Heyman served as vice-president of the BCGEU, B.C. Federation of Labour and the National Union of Public and General Employees. He was active in the late 1970s and 1980s as a labour and community organizer throughout northwest B.C.

Heyman is a respected negotiator with over 25 years' experience. He was the chief spokesperson in three rounds of negotiations with the B.C. government, representing over 25,000 workers. Heyman is a strong social justice advocate and has been an active participant in campaigns to promote international solidarity among workers.

With a strong record on global warming issues, Heyman was instrumental in introducing a proactive approach to global warming while chair of the B.C. Federation of Labour's Climate Change Working Group (2006-2008). The union began and continues measures to reduce its carbon footprint and encourages members to take steps to deal with global warming through community-based projects such as promoting local food security. The BCGEU was the first union in B.C. to establish an environmental officer.

Heyman is currently a member of the steering committee of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA-BC) Climate Justice Project, a multi-year research project to develop carbon reduction policies which ensure that societal and industrial transitions are equitable and just.

Heyman is a published poet and an avid runner. He enjoys sea kayaking when he gets the opportunity.