The award was created in 2020 by VAdm (Ret’d) Mark Norman to recognize a serving shipmate of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) whose outstanding efforts made a significant contribution to the overall quality of life and well-being within the broader naval community. 

Past winners, featured below, have proven their merit through their generous actions both then and now.

In 2025, the organization marked a new chapter in its story with a new brand. The award followed suit, adopting the new name and becoming the Navalis Leadership Award.  

Today, the Navalis Foundation works with the RCN to select a sailor whose volunteerism and desire to improve the life and working environment of fellow sailors earn them recognition through the RCN Certificate of Achievement Program (Bravo Zulu).

The RCN leadership honours the recipient with a plaque. The foundation makes $5,000 available to the winner to donate to the charity of their choice, preferably to support activities that enhance the wellbeing of naval veterans, serving members, and/or military families.

Please note: All nominations must be submitted through the RCN chain of command for endorsement; no submissions are received directly by the Navalis Foundation.