FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ruby Lake, B.C., July 2, 2025 —On a serene summer evening at the Ruby Lake Resort, nestled on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canadian music legend Joni Mitchell received the Gold Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS)—for her extraordinary contributions to Canadian and international culture.
Presented in an intimate ceremony on Canada Day, attended by close friends and community members, the award was delivered personally by RCGS CEO John Geiger and President the Hon. Lois Mitchell. The setting was as poetic as Mitchell’s lyrics—surrounded by nature, art, and a sparkling lake, the perfect place to honour one of Canada’s most iconic singer-songwriters.
“Joni Mitchell’s work has painted emotional landscapes for generations,” said John Geiger. “Her songs speak to the soul of this country—and far beyond our borders. She is one of the world’s greatest artists and we are honoured to welcome her into the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s Fellowship through this honour.”
“This is a great honour, thank you very much…I am so happy to be back home, my native land. I have never been happier, or prouder to be a Canadian than I am right now. Happy Canada Day,” said Joni Mitchell in an interview on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia.
Attending the celebration were Candace Campo and Elder Zoey Quinn of the Shíshálh Nation, the Premier of British Columbia David Eby and his wife Dr. Cailey Lynch, celebrated academic and author Naomi Klein, filmmaker and RCGS Fellow Dianne Whelan, and RCGS Fellows Kim Gray, David Gray, Marina Jimenez, Katherine Smalley and Derek Lee.
Born in Alberta and raised in Saskatchewan, Mitchell’s journey as a singer-songwriter began in 1965 at the Mariposa Folk Festival in Ontario. From her early days playing in coffee houses to the world’s most prestigious stages across Canada and around the world, Mitchell has become a beacon of creativity, resilience, and authenticity. Her influence spans decades, genres, and continents.
Her 1971 album Blue, ranked as one of the top 3 albums of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, features a love song entitled “A Case of You,” and includes the line “I drew a map of Canada / Oh Canada”—a lyrical moment that captures the essence of the RCGS’ mission: “to make Canada better known to Canadians and to the world.”
From Big Yellow Taxi—a song embraced by new generations through shows like Friends—to her groundbreaking collaborations and Grammy-winning career, Mitchell has forever changed the cultural fabric of Canada and inspired artists worldwide.
This honour also reflects the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s broader mission, and its role to inspire national unity through its new campaign entitled, “Our Country–Notre Pays,” launched by Canadian Geographic earlier this year which asks Canadians what their favourite place in the country is and why?
The project invites Canadians—artists, writers, leaders—to share stories of the places that shaped them, and celebrates connection to land, memory, and identity, themes that echo throughout Joni Mitchell’s work.
The RCGS is grateful for the support of the Government of Canada for supporting the “Our Country-Notre Pays” project at this pivotal time in Canadian history.
Canadian Geographic, the media arm of the RCGS, reaches over 4.4 million readers each month and through its educational programmes connects with 28,000 teachers nationwide—ensuring that the land, people, and stories of Canada are passed down to future generations.
Canadian Geographic, the media arm of the RCGS, reaches over 4.4 million readers each month and through its educational programmes connects with 28,000 teachers nationwide—ensuring that the land, people, and stories of Canada are passed down to future generations.
To explore the stories featured in Our Country–Notre Pays, visit:
ENGLISH: https://ourcountry.canadiangeographic.ca/
FRENCH: https://notrepays.canadiangeographic.ca/
Media Contact:
Rosemary Thompson
Vice President
[email protected]
613-240-6739
About Canadian Geographic
Canadian Geographic is published by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), a non-profit organization dedicated to making Canada better known to Canadians and to the world. With award-winning storytelling, trusted educational resources, and impactful public programs, Canadian Geographic is a powerful voice for the land, people, and stories of Canada.
