Sierra Club Honors
Bay Mills Indian Community President Whitney Gravelle
Sierra Club Michigan is proud to recognize Whitney Gravelle, president, Bay Mills Indian Community as the Jane Elder Environmentalist of the Year for exceptional leadership in environmental protection in Michigan. Gravelle is a passionate leader in the fight to protect the Straits of Mackinac from oil pipeline giant Enbridge, standing alongside Sierra Club in the yearslong fight to shut down Line 5 once and for all.
Gravelle, who graduated from Michigan State University College of Law in 2016, teamed up with Native American Rights Fund, Sierra Club and Earthjustice in the legal battle to protect the sacred land along the straits and enforce treaty rights as Enbridge attempts to barrel ahead with plans to build a tunnel around their aging oil pipeline. Gravelle also holds a certificate from the Indigenous Law Program and previously worked for the Department of Justice with the Environment and Natural Resource Division in the Tribal Resources Section. She served as Chief Judge of Bay Mills Tribal Court and as In-House Counsel for Bay Mills Indian Community before running for president at the age of 28.
The fight against Enbridge did not start with Line 5 for Gravelle. Following the Canadian oil company’s disastrous 2010 Kalamazoo River oil spill, Gravelle became an advocate for Indigenous people and a voice against the potential dangers of oil pipelines. At the center of Gravelle’s work as an environmentalist is her identity as a member and leader of the Bay Mills Indian Community, ever reminding us of the intersection between human rights, environmentalism and social justice.
Sierra Club Michigan 2026 Awards Event
Friday, July 17
Northern Center, Marquette, MI
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Award Descriptions
Michigan Chapter Awards and Descriptions
(note: not all awards are given each year):
Jane Elder Environmentalist of the Year Award
In recognition of exceptional leadership in environmental protection in Michigan. This is the highest award presented by the Michigan Chapter.
Chairman's Award
Presented by the Chapter Chair to honor a Michigan Chapter leader for exceptional work in support of Sierra Club's work in Michigan.
Ed Steinman Digital Excellence Award (formerly Cyberpunk Award)
This award is given to recognize outstanding efforts by an volunteer activist to raise awareness and disseminate information about Michigan's environment by the use of electronic media.
Centennial Award
To recognize a dedicated long-time Sierra Club member. Issued only once in celebration of the Sierra Club's 100th Anniversary.
Bunyan Bryant Award
Awarded to recognize outstanding leadership in the field of environmental justice.
Burton V. Barnes Award
Established in 2004 to recognize academic excellence.
Trillium Award (formerly Cougar Award)
Established in 1993 to recognize outstanding efforts by or with students.
Environmental Journalism Award
For environmental reporting or editorials. As of 2000, we have both a broadcast award and a print journalism award.
Life of the Party Award
This award is given to gratefully acknowledge those volunteers who take seriously the Sierra Club's credo to enjoy the wild places of the Earth.
Marlene Fluharty Award
This award is given to a Chapter member who has served the Sierra Club on at least two levels (Group, Chapter &/or National) over an extended period of time and has made significant contributions or is responsible for a major project which has significantly benefited the Club.
Service Award
This is given to Chapter and Group volunteers and/or leaders who have contributed a significant amount of time and effort to the Club. No Service Awards will be given to active Chapter Executive Committee members except for a specific achievement or contribution.
Sylvania Award
Established in 1990, this award recognizes a Sierra Club volunteer who is new on the scene but who has already demonstrated great enthusiasm, hard work and dedication.
Vince Smith Award
Established in 1992, this award recognizes outstanding contributions to the Chapter outings program.
Virginia Prentice Award
This award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the preservation of wilderness and/or the protection of public lands in Michigan. This award is open to both members and non-members.
White Pine Award
Given to a non-member, organization or group that has shown extraordinary dedication to protection of the environment.
Please join us for the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Annual Awards Ceremony on September 20, 205 at 1 p.m. at Kemeny Recreation Center (2260 S. Fort St., Detroit, MI 48217 ).
2026 Sierra Club Michigan Award Honorees
Additional 2026 Sierra Club Michigan Award Honorees
The Michigan Chapter will recognize several additional awardees for their outstanding commitments to the organization:
Legislative Environmental Legacy Award (new in 2026): Given to a legislator who has been a true environmental champion during their tenure. Senator Rosemary Bayer, Senate District 13.
Bunyan Bryant Award: Awarded to recognize outstanding leadership in the field of environmental justice. Rhonda Anderson, Sierra Club Volunteer, Environmental Justice Grassroots Leader, Sierra Club Black Action Team.
Trillium Award: Recognizing efforts by or with students. Alex Seidleck, Spartan Sierra Club Alumni and Sierra Club Michigan Volunteer.
Environmental Journalism Award For environmental reporting or editorials. As of 2000, we have both a broadcast award and a print journalism award. Broadcast: Lester Graham; Print: Lucas Smolcic Larson, Energy & MI Utilities (MLIVE Investigator Team).
Life of the Party Award: This award is given to gratefully acknowledge those volunteers who take seriously the Sierra Club's credo to enjoy the wild places of the Earth. David Holtz, Sierra Club Board of Directors, Sierra Club Michigan Emeritus Executive Committee Member.
Marlene Fluharty Award: This award is given to a Chapter member who has served the Sierra Club on at least two levels (Group, Chapter &/or National) over an extended period of time and has made. Fred Miller, Sierra Club Michigan Conservation Committee Chair, Sierra Club Southeast Michigan Group Volunteer Leader.
Virginia Prentice Award: This award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the preservation of wilderness and/or the protection of public lands in Michigan. This award is open to both members and non-members: John Rebers, Chapter Wildlife and Wildlands Committee Chair, Chapter Conservation Committee Member
Please join us for the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Annual Awards Ceremony on July 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.