Gwaii Haanas superintendent Ernie Gladstone has received a cultural resource achievement award from an American society, the first time this particular award has ever been given to someone from outside the United States.The George Wright Society presented the award to Mr. Gladstone March 17 at a conference about parks and protected areas held in New Orleans. Mr. Gladstone said he had been invited to the conference to speak about conservation from a Canadian perspective.Mr. Gladstone said the award recognizes the special relationship that has developed between Canada and the Haida Nation in their co-management of Gwaii Haanas over the past 18 years."We've been able to highlight the cultural aspects of Gwaii Haanas," as well as the natural values, he said. "We've been working well together since 1993. It's a success."Mr. Gladstone said that while the cooperation between Canada and the Haida Nation has been widely lauded, it remains unique. Each government has made it very clear that it is not giving up any title to the area, while maintaining a strong relationship through the Archipelago Management Board, the four-member board that manages Gwaii Haanas.Mr. Gladstone is co-chair of the board as well as being superintendent of Gwaii Haanas."Effective leadership is a key part of any success," said Dave Harmon, executive director of the George Wright Society. "Ernie and all those involved in the management of Gwaii Haanas have played a critical role in the success of the reserve's management and we are pleased to be able to offer this recognition for their exemplary and important work."