MANITOULIN ISLAND—Manitoulin Island’s very own Dr. Roy Jeffery, who has worked as a family physician on Manitoulin Island for more than 40 years and has been a board member of Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) for more than 20 years, has been awarded the Ontario Parks Association (OPA) President’s Award for 2023. He now serves as an EBC officer and director of Land Stewardship.
Dr. Jeffery and his wife Cathy have played a significant role in every land acquisition on Manitoulin Island. Dr. Jeffrey has created and cared for nearly every public hiking trail on the Island while also advocating for engaging traditional Indigenous stakeholders in the management and stewardship process to ensure Indigenous voices are elevated and their inherent rights protected.
The OPA is a registered charity founded in 1936 that offers hands-on education for persons working in the parks and open spaces sector, advocates for the importance of open spaces in all communities and celebrates the achievements of students, organizations and individuals for their contribution with annual awards recognitions programs.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the OPA and its members for bestowing this incredible honor upon me,” Dr. Jeffery in his acceptance speech. “First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the incredible team of individuals from the EBC who have supported me throughout my journey in the field of parks and conservation. The EBC board, chair, directors and staff, past and present, without your unwavering dedication, hard work and passion, none of what we have achieved together would have been possible. This award is a testament to our collective efforts to preserve and protect Ontario’s natural beauty and heritage.”
“I also extend my deepest gratitude to the Indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands have provided the foundation for many of the preserves and parks we cherish today,” Dr. Jeffery continued. “We recognize and honor the enduring connection they have with these lands, their rich cultural heritage, and the traditional knowledge they have generously shared with us. Our work in parks and conservation is built upon their wisdom and we must continue to engage in meaningful partnerships and reconciliation efforts such as those we enjoy with the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network.”
“Ontario is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders, from pristine lakes and forests to breathtaking trails and diverse wildlife,” he added. “Our responsibility as stewards of these precious resources is paramount. This award serves as a reminder of the essential work we do in ensuring that these treasures are preserved for future generations to enjoy.”
Dr. Jeffrey’s vision for the future is collaborative, promoting conservation, accessibility, inclusivity and reconciliation to make community open spaces “a source of inspiration, education and healing for all.”
