The International Sailors Society of Canada (ISSC) is a national charitable organization that supports seafarers while they are away from home. This year, the ISSC proudly presents the inaugural Captain Oscar G. Pinto Seafarer Welfare Excellence Award to its namesake, Capt Pinto at the recent Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) 11th annual Dry Bulk & Commodities Conference on November 6, 2025 at the Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre. As Canada’s first endowed award dedicated to seafarer welfare, this award was established through a generous endowment from Capt. Shri Madiwal. The award honours Capt. Pinto’s visionary leadership, whose mentorship and advocacy had brought lasting improvements to the health, happiness, and well-being of seafarers.
About the artwork
Artist: The design used for the plaque was created by Musqueam artist Thomas Cannell and created in 2019.
Artwork: Custom Designed Powder Coated, Polished and Sealed Aluminium and Copper Plaque with Canoe Shaped Badges for Engraving
Artist Statement: “Before the City of Vancouver grew, there was a city of Indigenous peoples. I feel the best way to embody the Coast Salish people of Metro Vancouver is by using the spindle whorl shape. Along with the characteristic shape of the spindle whorl, I’ve chosen patinated bronze colours for the plaque/spindle whorl. I want it to appear like a shield; this is because the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority protects the environment. I want to show a person with their arms/hands up in a traditional Coast Salish welcome gesture, which also symbolizes friendship and welcome. But in this design, I placed people with their hands raised in place of hands to identify the four nations that live around the delta: Musqueam, Squamish, Tsawwassen and Tsleil-Waututh. The central figure represents all peoples, physically in the region.”