Award recipients for the last 10 years
MASSEY MEDAL
2024
Dr. Marie-Josée Fortin
Professor Fortin received the Massey medal in recognition of her significant contributions to the transformative field of spatial analysis in ecology.
2023
Ellsworth LeDrew
Dr. LeDrew has made major contributions to the understanding of the changing climate in the Arctic and has spearheaded an Arctic data management system that is available to both scientists and citizens. He is a geographer, climatologist and remote sensing specialist.
2022
Dr. John England
Professor Emeritus John H. England (University of Alberta) is a distinguished scientist who has made contributions to environmental change in the Arctic region from the last Ice Age to the current period.
2021
Yvan Bédard
Yvan Bédard, geomatics engineer and pioneering researcher in geographical/geospatial science, has pioneered the way we think about geospatial data — from creating better database design to enhancing data definition. The energy Dr. Bédard brought to his career in geographic data modelling has persisted into his passion for fine art landscape photography, in which he seeks to educate people about Canada’s geography and advocate for protection of the environment.
Dr. Barbara Sherwood Lollar
Geologist Dr. Barbara Sherwood Lollar has advanced our understanding of the history of Earth’s geography. From the billion-year-old water that Dr. Sherwood Lollar collected from deep beneath the surface of the Canadian Shield — now residing at the Ingenium Centre, Ottawa — to her research into the microbial communities in the deep gold mines of South Africa, her work is transforming our understanding of Earth science.
2020
John Smol
Awarded to Queen’s University professor John Smol, paleolimnologist specializing in responses of Arctic and alpine ecosystems to environmental change.
2019
Dr. Derek Clifford Ford
Derek Ford is recognized internationally as Canada’s leading expert on karst and cave resources in the Canadian context.
2018
Arthur J. Ray
Professor Ray, FRSC is a distinguished, internationally-recognized, historical geographer who pioneered the use of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s vast archives to derive economic and ethno-historical data to interpret the historical geography of Canada’s First Nations from the time of first European contact.
2017
Dr. David Morrison
Dr. David Morrison is one of the world’s foremost scholars in Arctic archeology and a leader in the museum field. Much of what is known about the long-term history of Inuit and Inuvialuit culture across the Canadian Arctic results directly from his prolific fieldwork and ground-breaking publications.
2016
Dr. Steve Blasco
Dr. Blasco has recently retired from the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Geological Survey of Canada, after a career of more than 39 years focused on scientific research in marine environments of Canada.
2015
Brian Osborne
As well as inspiring students with his enthusiasm for geography since he started teaching at Queen’s in 1967, Osborne has published extensively about Kingston’s history, and has researched settlement in Wales, Colorado, Western Canada and Ontario.
2014
Dr. Derald Smith
Dr. Smith earned an international reputation as the leading authority on anastomosing rivers — a distinct type of multi-channeled and stable river pattern found in low-gradient conditions such as deltas, but also for his pioneering work on ground-penetrating radar.
2013
David Ley
A social and urban geographer, David Ley is known for his formative research on ‘gentrification’ in North American cities. He is also recognized for his work as founding director of the Vancouver Metropolis Centre of Excellence, an interdisciplinary research centre founded in 1996.
2012
Graeme Wynn
Graeme Wynn is a world-renowned historical geographer and environmental historian. Over his nearly 40-year career, Wynn has contributed to the study of forest exploitation, conservation and management; histories of migration and settlement; and the intersections of environment and empire.
2011
David Livingstone
David Livingstone knows full well the challenges of treading a fine line between the conflicting interests of resource development and conservation. At one point during his 16 years as director of Renewable Resources and Environment for the federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in the Northwest Territories, he was responsible for mining development as well as the remediation of abandoned, contaminated mine sites.
2010
Raymond Price
Price, a professor emeritus of geology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., has devoted a large part of his career to determining how mountains form, particularly in the southern Canadian Cordillera.
2009
Michael Church
For his thought-provoking and rigorous science, Michael Church — a specialist in how rivers and streams shape the landscape, and professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia — has been awarded the 2009 Massey Medal for outstanding achievement in Canadian geography.
2008
Bruce Mitchell
Bruce Mitchell is a Professor of Geography in the Faculty of Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo. He is a well-respected leader in the field of resource and environmental management, with a focus on water resources.
GOLD MEDAL
2025
Joni Mitchell
Mitchell was recognized for her incredible contributions in making Canada known to the world and within our own borders. She is a Canadian and American musician behind hits like Big Yellow Taxi, A Case of You and Help Me.
2014
Jameel Janjua
A decorated former RCAF fighter pilot and experimental test pilot who flew Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity into space on the Galactic 07 mission, becoming only the second Canadian to pilot a spaceflight.
Murray Sinclair
From his early years as a lawyer, to being appointed the first Indigenous Judge in Manitoba, to teaching aspiring young lawyers at the University of Manitoba, Sinclair has dedicated his career to the assertion and protection of the legal and human rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
2023
Willie Littlechild
A Canadian lawyer and former Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and Member of Parliament was recognized for his lifelong dedication to advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world.
2022
Jean Chrétien
Lawyer and former Prime Minister of Canada, he was honoured for his long career in public service and commitment to strengthening Canadian democracy.
Joshua Kutryk
A Canadian astronaut, RCAF lieutenant colonel, and engineer highlighted for his contributions to exploration and. Canada’s space program.
Joseph B. MacInnis
Joe MacInnis is a physician and scientist who has developed innovative diving systems used to explore the world’s oceans.
Mark Pathy
A businessman, philanthropist and astronaut, in recognition for his generous support for Society programming.
2021
Students On Ice Canada C3
In recognition of the organization’s leadership, engagement and inspiration of youth in polar education.
Sara Seager
In recognition of her incredible work exploring the frontiers of our universe. Seager is a global leader in the study of exoplanets — the planets lying beyond the realm of our own solar system. She may well be “the woman who might find us another Earth,” according to the New York Times.
Jenni Sidey-Gibbons
Sidey-Gibbons is the third Canadian woman and youngest Canadian to become a NASA astronaut. While studying in the U.K., she co-founded the Cambridge chapter of Robogals, an international organization to encourage young women to get involved in STEM subjects reaching over 3,000 girls in that country.
William Shatner
An internationally recognized philanthropist, actor, author, musician, director and producer, Shatner received the Gold Medal for his body of work.
2020
Brian Mulroney
Recognized for his leadership on bold, forward-looking initiatives that became templates for similar policies around the world, including the Canada-U.S. Fair Trade Agreement, the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Canada-U.S. Acid Rain Treaty and, notably, the Canada-U.S. Arctic Cooperation Agreement.
2019
Jennifer Baichwal
Jennifer Baichwal is a celebrated documentary filmmaker, director, producer and writer whose body of work has garnered national and international acclaim. Jennifer shaped the premise and production of Anthropocene: The Human Epoch, which brings to the forefront evidence of the interplay between humans and the planet.
Edward Burtynsky
Edward is one of the planet’s most respected photographers. His signature large-scale photographs are widely acclaimed for their captivating and provocative depictions of the interplay between humans and the natural world, and are represented in the collections of museums and galleries around the world.
Joe Clark
A statesman, businessman, writer, education and politician, he has been awarded numerous honorary degrees and accolades that acknowledge his consensus diplomacy and the contributions he has made to shaping Canada.
Adrienne Clarkson
Adrienne Clarkson, journalist, author, honorary chief, and co-founder of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, has played an inestimable role in fashioning an understanding of Canadian identity.
Nicholas De Pencier
Director of Photography for the film Anthropocene: The Human Epoch, Nick married his expertise with an appreciation for the gravity and importance of the subject: the deep and lasting impact of humankind on the natural landscape.
Andrew Feustel
Andrew Jay “Drew” Feustel is a geophysicist, astronaut, aquanaut and musician who holds dual Canadian and American citizenship. On his most recent mission, he commanded the International Space Station on Expedition 55/56. During the flight, he used Canadarm 2 to capture the Japanese HTV7 cargo spacecraft.
Jane Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall, anthropologist, primatologist, author, educator and environmentalist, is known internationally for her ground-breaking research with wild chimpanzees in Africa and for her indefatigable advocacy on behalf of the environment.
David Johnston
David Johnston is a statesman, legal scholar, educator and author who served with distinction as Canada’s 28th Governor General. His commitment to education, learning and innovation, and to a caring Canada, are second to none, and his dedication to equality is evident in the Rideau Hall Foundation, which he established and continues to serve.
Dr. Jack Schmitt
Dr. Harrison Hagan “Jack” Schmitt is an American geologist, astronaut, academic, author, politician and consultant in business, geology, space and public policy. He lent his expertise in lunar geology to NASA’s lunar program and joined the Apollo 17 mission as a civilian scientist.
Michael Ulica
Awarded for his work as President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Geographic Society. A global geographic leader, Michael was also a driving force behind a new strategic partnership between the NGS and the RCGS, The Trebek Initiative.
The W. Garfield Weston Foundation
Honoured for its transformative role in northern science through its generous support of accomplished and emerging scholars and its collaboration with governments, scientists, Inuit communities and not-for-profit organizations.
2018
Trans Canada Trail
The Great Trail has been called the contemporary equivalent of the national dream, connecting millions of Canadians and exposing them to their natural heritage and remarkable geography, to new people and communities.
Perry Bellegarde
National Chief Bellegarde is a strong advocate for honouring and implementing inherent rights and Treaty rights, title and jurisdiction. Drawing on the strong beliefs and traditions instilled in him by the many Chiefs and Elders he has known, National Chief Bellegarde is passionate about creating real, measurable progress on priorities that matter most to First Nations and that will close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations and the rest of Canada.
Clément Chartier
Clément Chartier is a lawyer, writer, activist, lecturer, and leader who has served in both political and administrative capacities with Indigenous Peoples’ organizations in Canada and abroad.
Natan Obed
Natan Obed has devoted his career to working with Inuit representational organizations to improve the well-being of Inuit in Canada. He has been instrumental in working towards a renewed relationship with the Government of Canada based on mutual respect.
Ry Moran
As the founding director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, Ry Moran has worked tirelessly to build a vibrant, dynamic and effective organization that generates awareness and understanding among all Canadians about Indigenous issues, past, present and future.
Roberta Jamieson
Roberta Jamieson is an inspirational leader who has garnered national acclaim and recognition for her role in shaping public policy and good governance in Canada and for her successful efforts to advance the educational outcomes of Indigenous students nationwide.
2017
Sir David Attenborough
Presented in recognition of his lifelong contributions to advancing public awareness of the natural world.
Gordon Lightfoot
Lightfoot is a singer-songwriter and prolific Canadian cultural ambassador with more than 20 bestselling albums.
John Turner
John Turner is Canada’s 17th Prime Minister; served for decades as a public servant and has travelled extensively in the Arctic.
2016
Marc R. St-Onge
Marc is an experienced field geologist and petrologist interested in documenting the origin of continents and the plate tectonic evolution of the Arctic.
Paul F. Hoffman
Canadian tectonic and sedimentary field geologist and Professor Emeritus of Geology at Harvard University.
Denis St-Onge
An experienced researcher and scientist, he has contributed to the geological exploration and interpretation of Canada.
The Geological Survey of Canada
2015
Dr. Jacob Verhoef
The society is pleased to award the 2015 medal to Dr. Jacob Verhoef. As Director of the Geological Survey of Canada, Atlantic, Dr. Verhoef recognized the unique role of Natural Resources Canada in this endeavor and spearheaded Canadian efforts for the UNCLOS Extended Continental Shelf mapping program.
Graeme Gibson
A tireless advocate for Canadian writers, Graeme Gibson has been instrumental in the foundation and the development of major writers’ organizations.
Margaret Atwood
Her contribution to literature through a remarkable and globally celebrated body of work, Margaret Atwood has deepened our understanding of the relationship between literature and geography.
2014
Canada’s Astronauts and the Canadian Space Agency
From brain surgeons to rocket scientists, each one of the eight former and current Canadian astronauts honoured with this medal has made achievements in the broad field of geography and been a part of important national and international events.
2013
Michael Palin
For his contribution to geographical literacy.
Robert Bateman
For his work to make the RCGS a leading educational force in Canada.
Yvan Desy and Sylvain Lemay of The Mapping Information Branch of Natural Resources Canada
For the completion of the topographic mapping of Canada at the 1:50 000 scale.
2012
Phil Currie
Philip J. Currie is a Professor and Canada Research Chair of Dinosaur Paleobiology at the University of Alberta in Canada. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary.
2011
Sir Christopher Ondaatje
For his long abiding support for geography.
Jerry Linenger
For his outstanding contribution to furthering geographic education around the world as a NASA Astronaut.
Parks Canada, the Dehcho First Nations and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
For their collaborative efforts to protect the Nahanni Wilderness Reserve.
2010
Alex Trebek
For his outstanding contribution to popularizing geographic education.
James Cameron
Canadian filmmaker and undersea explorer celebrated for his achievements in ocean exploration.
Canadian International Polar Year National Committee
For its guidance and vital role in ensuring the success of Canada’s IPY 2007-2008 program
CAMSELL MEDAL
2025
Paul VanZant
This educator’s service to the Society has been enduring and well-appreciated. He has not only been a Fellow for some time but has more recently acted as the Chair of the Can Geo Education Committee.
John Pollack
Pollack’s efforts as a past Chair of the Expeditions Committee and RCGS Governor were recognized with the Camsell Medal.
2024
Sandra Smith
Sandra Smith, who retired from her position of Executive Assistant to the CEO in June 2024, has been a fixture of the RCGS for thirty-five years.
2023
Mary Jane Starr
This medal was granted for her leadership in geographic education, support of programs and mentorship of the Canadian Geographic Education team.
Anthony Hendrie
Anthony has been a generous contributor to and ongoing supporter of the Society and its programs.
2022
Lynn Moorman
Lynn Moorman is a professor at Mount Royal University; for her dedication to the Society in the roles of Governor and Can Geo Education Executive, and creating learning resources used in educational outreach.
Gavin Fitch
For his service to the Society as a Governor, Vice-President and two-term President, in addition to serving as a member on a number of committees, Fitch won this medal.
2021
Alison Gill
Gill is a former governor and committee member.
Susan Taylor
Susan Taylor was recognized a designer and producer of many of the Society medals featured here.
2020
Keith Exelby
The medal was awarded to Keith Exelby in recognition of his many contributions to the Society. Exelby served several terms as Treasurer and chaired the Finance Committee, CGE Management Board and Audit Committee.
Joan and Doug Heyland
Joan and Doug Heyland are exemplary volunteers who have given many years of tireless work on various Society committees. Doug served on the Research & Grants Committee for eight years and the Audit Committee for eight years. Joan, an educational consultant in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, served on both the Research & Grants Committee and the Fellows Committee.
2019
Beth Dye
Beth Dye, teacher, educator, coach, administrator and Fellow, has served the Society in a range of capacities for more than twenty years.
Joe Frey
Joseph Frey is an explorer, diver, writer, speaker, world traveler, and tireless advocate for the Society and its mission.
2018
Dr. Paul Ruest
Ruest has been an active volunteer and contributor to the Society for 15 years. In 2011, he became vice-president of the Society and in 2014, he assumed the role of president. His focus and determination have resulted in a stronger, more diverse, dynamic and enterprising organization.
Élisabeth Nadeau
Élisabeth Nadeau became a Fellow over 20 years ago, and so began two decades of incomparable service to the Society. From her ardent support of Géographica, and through her many contributions to the Board of Governors, Awards Committee, Endowment Fund, Nominating Committee and By-Law Committee, Nadeau strengthened and enhanced the Society.
2017
Jody Decker
During a period when the Society was functioning under severe financial constraints, Jody Decker was a passionate and constant advocate for the funding of the research and grants program, emphasizing its importance to university students over the course of their geography studies.
Philip Howarth
As a long-standing member and chair of the Lectures Committee, Howarth delivered a national outreach program that engaged Canadians, served the Society’s educational mission, and raised the profile of the RCGS by establishing innovative new partnerships.
2016
Mark Graham
Vice-president, research and collections, Canadian Museum of Nature.
Peter Harrison and Christine Duverger-Harrison
Long-serving Society volunteers; Harrison is a past vice-president of the RCGS.
2015
Bruce Amos
Bruce Amos speaks and thinks passionately about Canada, Canadian Geography and the RCGS and our role in the Canadian fabric to promote Canada to the world. As photographer Bruce was the driving force behind the Can Geo Photo Club (2008).
Louise Maffett
Louise Maffett became the Executive Director of the RCGS in 1995 a position she occupied until December 2010. During that period she was instrumental in the rapid and significant increase in membership, and very importantly in helping to raise the funds to launch Géographica.
2014
Dr. Christopher Burn
Christopher Burn has served the Society for more than 20 years in positions including vice president and the chair of the Nominating, Research and Grants, and Policy and Planning committees.
Dr. Iain Wallace
Iain Wallace has served the Society for 31 years in board positions including the Awards, Editorial Advisory, Research and Grants, and Policy and Planning committees.
2013
Sir Christopher Ondaatje
After immigrating to Canada in 1956, Sir Christopher Ondaatje became a member of the Canadian Olympic bobsleigh team in 1964. He then moved on to a successful career in finance and publishing before becoming a writer and global adventurer.
2012
Jean Fournier
A Fellow and Governor of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) for more than 15 years, Jean Fournier has helped in fundraising efforts and was involved in the creation of the Canada Post envelope that marked the Society’s 75th anniversary in 2004.
2011
Gisèle Jacob
Gisèle Jacob was the first female president of the Society, a position she held from 2004 to 2010. A number of notable developments occurred under her leadership, including the launch of The Canadian Atlas Online and the publication of Canadian Geographic Travel.
Arthur E. Collin
Arthur E. Collin was president from 1998 to 2004, the year of the Society’s 75th anniversary and several special initiatives, including the joint publication of The Canadian Atlas with Reader’s Digest Canada.
2010
Pierre Bergeron
A journalist and former book and newspaper publisher, Bergeron offers an invaluable perspective on the publishing industry as a member of the Canadian Geographic Enterprises (CGE) Management Board and the Society’s Finance and Audit committees.
Helen Kerfoot
An Ottawa-based geographer with an unparalleled expertise in geographical names, Kerfoot has served on the Board of Governors and numerous committees. As a member of the Editorial Advisory Committee, she helped form Canadian Geographic’s policy regarding Canadian place names.
LAWRENCE J. BURPEE MEDAL
2025
Stephen Fry
Actor, writer and comedian known for roles in works that range from Blackadder to Jeeves and Wooster to V for Vendetta to Wilde, the latter of which earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the Golden Globes. Fry has also performed for audiobooks, presented podcasts, produced documentaries and played in live theatre.
John Hemming
Known for his work connecting with previously unknown peoples in the Amazon Basin, Hemming is also an expert on the Inca. He is an author, historian and explorer with numerous accolades and was the director of the Royal Geographical Society in Britain from 1975 to 1996.
2024
Zita Cobb
Cobb, a businesswoman and social entrepreneur, is the Innkeeper of the award-winning Fogo Island Inn and the founder and CEO of the registered charity Shorefast.
2023
Paul Nicklen
A Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist.
David McKay
President and CEO of the Royal Bank of Canada.
2021
Maydianne Andrade
Recognized in the science community for her expertise on the mating habits of spiders, she is also well-known for her advocacy work towards racial equity in STEM.
2020
Bryan Adams
Known for his music, photography and environmental stewardship.
Jan Morris
This distinguished journalist, essayist and historian has created groundbreaking work throughout her career, from her reportage on the conquest of Mount Everest to her 1974 autobiography Conundrum, which was one of the first autobiographies to record the journey of a personal gender transition.
2019
Anne Innis Dagg
Anne Innis Dagg, biologist, zoologist, feminist, author and publisher, is acknowledged internationally as the founder of giraffe science. Her ground-breaking field work and subsequent academic study have led to her being credited with the establishment of the fields of giraffology and behavioural biology.
Dr. Frederic Jackman
Eric Jackman is a businessman, psychologist and longtime supporter of the Society. With his generous support, the Society was able to complete its share of the renovations at its new headquarters at 50 Sussex Drive.
Brian May
The legendary lead guitarist of Queen, who is also an astrophysics PhD and author, received this honour for his efforts to promote science.
2018
Chris Cran
Chris Cran is a internationally recognized and widely exhibited visual artist, teacher and mentor. His art is represented in major galleries around the world and has been featured in solo and group exhibitions.
André Préfontaine
André Préfontaine, as president and publisher of Canadian Geographic Enterprises and latterly as executive director of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, led the Society through a critical period of financial upheaval and dramatic shifts in the world of magazine publishing.
Peter Suedfeld
Dr. Peter Suedfeld is a globally celebrated psychologist, professor emeritus of the University of British Columbia, and scholar of human adaptation to extreme environments.
Richard Wiese
President of the Explorer’s club: he became the youngest president in the history of the Club when he was elected for his first term in 2002.
2017
President Jimmy Carter
Former United States President Jimmy Carter has been awarded the Lawrence J. Burpee medal in recognition of his role in expanding the U.S. national parks system and ongoing work with Habitat for Humanity.
Andrew Prossin
Andrew Prossin is an entrepreneur from Nova Scotia with a passion for conservation and environmental protection. Andrew Prossin is the founder and managing director of One Ocean Expeditions (OOE), the exclusive travel partner of the RCGS.
2016
Simon Winchester
Simon Winchester is a geologist, journalist and acclaimed author who has enhanced the ability of the RCGS to fulfill its mission and assisted in the general advancement of geography.
2015
Louie Kamookak
Louie Kamookak has dedicated his life to exploring the geographical legacy of the Canadian North and sharing his learning with Canadians and with the world.
Wendy Cecil
Since becoming a RCGS Fellow since 2012, Wendy Cecil has worked tirelessly to support the Society’s efforts to make the Society’s work better known to Canadians.
Alex Trebek
While many of us know Alex Trebek as the celebrity host of Jeopardy! Trebek was also a champion of geographic learning and education. Through a generous donation, Alek Trebek reinstated the Can Geo Challenge’s face-to-face competition.
2014
Parks Canada Victoria Strait Dive Team – Marc-Andre Bernier, Ryan Harris, Jonathan Moore and Andrew Campbell
The 2014 Victoria Strait Expedition made headlines around the world for its discovery of HMS Erebus, one of two exploration ships abandoned in 1848 while searching for the Northwest Passage.
SIR CHRISTOPHER ONDAATJE MEDAL FOR EXPLORATION
2025
Greg Horne
Ski mountaineering, canyoneering, cave exploration and high altitude climbing are only some of the methods Greg Horne has used in his exploration of the Arctic.
2024
Karsten Heuer and Leanne Allison
Heuer was a wildlife biologist, writer and conservationist before his death in 2024. Allison was recognized as an award-winning documentary filmmaker who draws inspiration from long wilderness journeys in Canada in support of conservation.
2023
Ray Zahab
Zahab is a Canadian long-distance runner and public speaker as well as our RCGS Explorer-in-Residence.
2022
John Baldwin
John Baldwin, a ski pioneer who has explored and documented the landscape of the Coast Mountains of B.C., increasing international awareness of the area through his writing.
2021
Jacqueline Windh
Jacqueline Windh, a geoscientist, athlete, photographer and author.
2020
David Jones
David Jones, mountaineer, explorer, climber, photographer, writer and mentor; for his prowess in exploration of, and education about, Canada’s mountain ranges.
2019
Dr. Charles (“Chas”) Yonge
Dr. Charles (“Chas”) Yonge has made significant contributions in Canada and internationally as a climber, cave explorer, scientist, entrepreneur and author for over forty years.
2018
Chic Scott
Chic Scott is an adventurer, mentor, historian and writer, whose unwavering dedication to the pursuit, exploration, and enjoyment of mountaineering has led him to influence generations of Canadians through his work.
2017
Pat and Baiba Morrow
Mountaineers, photojournalists and filmmakers; Pat was the first climber in history to reach the Seven Summits.
Wade Davis
Anthropologist, “plant explorer” and prolific author; has studied Indigenous cultures around the globe.
2016
Richard Weber
Richard Weber is an Arctic explorer and first Canadian to reach the North Pole on foot.
2015
Jean Lemire
Jean Lemire was leader of the expeditions Arctic Mission (2002), Whale Mission (2003), Antarctic Mission (2005) and The Last Continent (2007), all four carried aboard the Sedna IV. He has over 20 years of experience in marine biology and his filmography work includes 18 films.
2014
George Hobson
George Hobson is a geophysicist and seismic explorer. In his position as Director of the Polar Continental Shelf Project, Hobson’s logistical support contributed enormously to scientific and exploratory work in Canada’s Arctic.
2013
Jill Heinerth
Jill Heinerth is a Canadian cave diver, underwater explorer, writer, photographer and film-maker.
CAPT JOSEPH-ELZÉAR BERNIER MEDAL
2025
Ron Hallman
President and CEO of Parks Canada celebrated for his leadership and fervent support of the Society’s mission and programming.
2024
David Mearns
The 2024 Shackleton Quest Expedition relied on this deep-ocean expert to find its eponymous ship. He is not only an award-winning author but a chartered marine scientist known for discoveries like that of Esmerelda, the oldest colonial shipwreck ever found, or Lucona, which was an important piece of a contemporary murder trial in Europe.
2022
Loreena McKennitt
Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for Celtic and Middle Eastern influences in her music.
Capt. Alfred MacLaren
Former president of the Explorer’s Club and retired Captain of the U.S. Navy.
2021
Cory Trépanier
Arctic landscape artist; for his contributions to the fields of art, geography and the environment, in recognition for his body of work, which has been exhibited, broadcast and published to international acclaim.
2020
Ken Hedges
Dr. Ken Hedges served as medic on the British Trans-Arctic Expedition in 1969 — the first undisputed expedition to reach the Geographic North Pole on foot. He donated the Nansen sled, tent and wolf-skin parka he used on the expedition to the Society to display at their headquarters.
Brian Hodgson
Brian Hodgson served as Sergeant-at-Arms and Director of Visitor Services at the Legislative Assembly of Alberta through eight general elections and 11 by-elections, and has dedicated his time to the Society in his capacity as Governor (2009-2015), member of the Fellows Committee (2008-2017) and Advancement Committee; for his contributions to strengthening and raising the profits of the Society.
2019
Elizabeth A. Campbell
A photogrammetrist and pilot, Elizabeth Campbell has dedicated her life to enhancing Canadians’ knowledge of this country’s geography and has written extensively on cartography and satellite imagery.
James Fordyce
Explorer, sailor, business leader and philanthropist who has supported Society programming and Canadian Geographic Education, enhancing geographic literacy and understanding of Canada.
2018
Laureen Harper
A Fellow and a fervent supporter of the Society, Laureen Harper has lent her talents to helping foster connections between the Society and other like-minded organizations, most notably the Trans Canada Trail (TCT).
Coeur de Pirate (Béatrice Martin)
Awarded to the musician Coeur de Pirate, also known as Béatrice Martin, for her revival of la chanson française. The singer-songwriter’s impact on the cultural landscape of Canada was recognized not only with the Bernier medal but a spotlight at the inaugural Sights, Sounds and Tastes of Canada gala dinner in Toronto.
2017
Phyllis Arnold
Phyllis Arnold, a former Governor of the society, has invested in geography education by establishing an endowment fund in her name to strengthen pedagogy and practice in geographic education in Canada.
Shelagh and Jon Grant
Shelagh Grant, an educator, historian and author, and Jon Grant, a business leader, are longstanding supporters of Can Geo Education.
Bob Ramsay
A legendary connector in many spheres, Bob Ramsay has been instrumental in introducing The Royal Canadian Geographical Society to prospective supporters and in forging major partnerships between the Society and corporate partners.
Mike Robinson
As Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, Mike Robinson has been responsible for modernizing, relocating, re-structuring and re-invigorating one of Scotland’s oldest educational charities.
2016
Alexandra Shackleton
Alexandra Shackleton is a philanthropist and lawyer (now retired), as well as a RCGS Advancement Committee member.
Anthony Hendrie
Anthony Hendrie is president of the James Caird Society and vice patron of the U.K. Antarctic Heritage Trust.
Thomas E. Kierans
Thomas E. Kierans is a business leader and dedicated supporter of Canadian culture, scientific research and public policy.
2015
Kathryn McCain
Kathryn McCain has served as chair of the McCain Foundation and as chair of the University of New Brunswick’s Board of Governors. She is a ellow and former Governor of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
Milbry Polk
Milbry Polk worked for fifteen years as a photojournalist in the Middle East , South America and Asia.She co-founded Wings Trust, an educational organization and Wings WorldQuest which which celebrates the discoveries of women explorers and supports scientific exploration.
MARTIN BERGMANN MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN ARCTIC LEADERSHIP
2025
Ittaq Heritage and Research Centre
This organization received acclaim for its incredible work in the Arctic, particularly in the vein of land-based programming designed to enrich local communities.
2023
Dr. Jackie Dawson
Recognized for her outstanding contributions to northern research and visionary leadership on Arctic policy: Dr. Jackie Dawson, professor in Human and Policy Dimensions of Climate Change at the University of Ottawa.
2022
Christopher Burn
Dr. Christopher Burn, a professor at Carleton University, received this medal for his leadership in long-term permafrost investigations in the Canadian Arctic, as well as mentorship of young scientists and community partnerships with northern communities and organizations.
2021
Trevor J. Bell
The founding director of the SmartICE program, which trains Inuit youth in the use of satellite imagery and local knowledge to make maps for safer travel on sea ice, Dr. Trevor Bell is a successful field scientist. He specializes in the geography of the Arctic and Atlantic Canada, working as a professor of geography at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
2020
Jason Edmunds
Jason Edmunds is known as an expert Arctic guide. As an Inuk from Nunatsiavut, Edmunds was awarded the Bergmann Medal not only for his advocacy of Arctic peoples and environments but also for his leadership and mentorship qualities.
2019
Dr. Wayne Pollard
Dr. Wayne Pollard is an accomplished member of the permafrost research community who describes himself, first and foremost, as a field scientist.
2018
Dr. James Drummond
Dr. James Drummond’s contributions in furthering Arctic research include his establishment of PEARL (Polar Environment Atmospheric Research), the globally-recognized Arctic flagship observatory that has contributed to a significant body of research. He is a highly sought-after and active contributor in the national and international scientific community, including his work on multiple high-level committees.
Dr. Derek Muir
Dr. Derek Muir is a leading Canadian environmental scientist and is considered a world leader in his field. For more than 35 years, Dr. Muir has contributed to the understanding of contaminants in the North and the impacts they have on Arctic ecosystems and people.
2017
Martin Fortier
Martin Fortier is the executive director of the Université Laval’s transdisciplinary research program Sentinel North. As the former executive director of ArcticNet, Fortier demonstrated exceptional leadership and forever changed the way Arctic research is done in Canada.
2016
Warwick Vincent
Warwick Vincent is a professor of biology and Canada Research Chair in biology at the Université Laval. where he studies polar aquatic food webs.
2015
Dr. John Smol
Dr. John Smol is a Professor of Biology and the Canada Research Chair in Environmental Change at Queen’s University.
2014
Dr. Donald Forbes
Dr. Donald Forbes has contributed to the Arctic through dozens of studies and mapping projects, and advanced our knowledge of climate change through his own work and by championing interdisciplinary collaborations.
2013
David Hik
David Hik is a professor of biological sciences at the University of Alberta, and has been instrumental in fostering international collaboration on Arctic issues and the development of extensive research networks.
2012
Martin “Marty” Bergmann
Marty Bergmann was a great Canadian “networker”, and the network he built, based on passion for the Arctic, was his greatest career accomplishment. He connected hundreds of people with resources and with each other and in so doing, became a central lynch-pin of Canada’s pursuit of northern goals during two decades.
LOUIE KAMOOKAK MEDAL
2025
Susan Aglukark
Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark caught the nation’s attention in 1995 with “O Siem,” which hit the top of country and adult contemporary charts at the time. Her music blends Inuit folk traditions with pop and country elements and reached a worldwide audience.
Jeremy Dutcher
The two-spirit activist Jeremy Dutcher wears many hats: musicologist, composer, performer and classically trained Indigenous singer are but a few. He began his musical career with efforts to ‘bring home’ archival recordings of traditional Wolastoqey/Maliseet songs, demonstrating the ways that music can be used to preserve language and culture.
Kenn Harper
This historian, educator and businessman was recognized for his work to make Canadians more aware of Arctic stories.
2024
Steven Page
The lead singer for the band “Barenaked Ladies” performed to massive applause at the 2024 Geographica Gala. He was also a founding member, primary songwriter, guitarist and record producer of that musical group mentioned above.
2023
Diana Beresford-Kroeger
This climate change visionary brings to the table a PHD each in botany and medical biochemistry alongside Celtic understandings of the world around us. Her work to change humanity’s relationship with nature varies from creating books and documentaries to running a private arboretum to successfully co-leading the campaign to have Pimachiowin Aki, a massive area of virgin boreal forest, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage and Cultural Site.
Ruth Abernethy
Canadian sculptor known for pieces like that of Oscar Peterson, which was unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2010. Abernethy is an active participant, through her art and otherwise, in discussions about Canadian culture like the connection between public art and who deserves legacy and recognition.
Roy MacGregor
Younger readers may know him as the author of the Screech Owls series, which revolves around hockey teammates who solve mysteries. On the nonfiction side of things, MacGregor is an author, columnist and feature writer for the Globe and Mail, having also put in the time at publications like Maclean’s and the Ottawa Citizen.
2022
Antoine Normandin
Antoine Normandin is a geographer who has been an active member of the Fellows Committee and instrumental in maintaining up-to-date information on the Fellows of the Society.
David Kajganich
An American screenwriter celebrated for his work on The Terror, a fictionalized account of Captain Sir John Franklin’s expedition of 1845-1848.
Russell Potter
Franklin expedition scholar and author.
Geir Kløver
The Director of the Fram Museum in Oslo is an expert on Norwegian polar history.
Adam Shoalts
Adam Shoalts is bestselling author and Westaway Explorer-in-Residence with the RCGS.
Alanna Mitchell
A well-renowned science journalist, playwright and contributing editor to Canadian Geographic.
2021
Sylvain Voyer
Known for his rural landscape paintings, Voyer was a leading force in championing Alberta’s provincial art collection and is a founding member and the inaugural president of the Canadian Artists’ Representation.
Kathy Dembroski
Dembroski is the co-founder of Canada Blooms and a strong supporter of the Toronto Botanical Gardens and the Canadian Canoe Museum.
Gaajiiaawa Linda Tollas
Linda Tollas of Haida Gwaii is renowned as a seeker and sharer of ancestral knowledge, an educator on Haida culture and an interpreter.
Gurdeep Pandher
With a smile as infectious as his Bhangra dance moves, Pandher brings joy, hope and healing to newsfeeds across Canada and beyond. He was recognized for the national impact he has had by bridging cross-cultural divides, promoting inclusivity and spreading optimism and joy during the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020
Elizabeth Dowdeswell
Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell is a steadfast supporter and a valued Fellow.
Nellie Taptaqut Kusugak
Nellie Kusugak was commended for her extensive contribution to Canadian Education. She is a Canadian educator who served as Commissioner of Nunavut from 2015 to 2020, having served as Deputy Commissioner of Nunavut for five years beforehand.
2019
George Jacob
George Jacob is an author, museum designer, environmentalist and cultural thought leader.
Ron Difrancesco
Difrancesco’s experience as the last survivor out of the Twin Towers on September 11th was shared in John Geiger’s book, “The Third Man Factor: Surviving the Impossible.”
Cecil Paul
This Haida Elder, activist and storyteller is known for his efforts to fully protect the Kitlope, on the Pacific Coast, from logging and other extractive industries.
Jessie Jean Isberg
Isberg’s specialty is as a singer-songwriter: her album “talk to me” can be found on Bandcamp.
Lorie Karnath
Served as the 37th president of the Explorers Club and co-founder of the Explorers Museum.
Genesis Beyer P-Orridge
This nonbinary poet, artist and occultist was cited as an icon within the avant-garde art scene.
Andrew Pritchard
Pritchard was steadfast in his role as RCGS Counsel.
HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie of Ethiopia
His Imperial Highness received the Kamookak medal for his family’s efforts to strengthen Ethiopian-Canadian relations.
Michelle Valberg
Valberg is one of the world’s best female wildlife photographers: she was the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s inaugural Photographer-in-Residence.
2018
Josephine Kamookak
Josephine Kamookak is an educator whose appreciation for the value of Inuit traditional knowledge was shared by her partner and ally, celebrated historian Louie Kamookak.
Michael Palin
Michael Palin is a great ambassador for geography, and his book Erebus is a rollicking account, filled with derring-do, at times funny at times harrowing and tragic.
Gregory Copley
Gregory Copley, historian, author, editor, strategic analyst, and president of the International Strategic Studies Association, is a long-standing supporter of and staunch advocate for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
Jared Harris
Harris is a celebrated English actor best known for his brilliant work both in film and television. His spell-binding portrayal of Captain Francis Crozier in the AMC series The Terror brought the story of Sir John Franklin’s tragic British Arctic expedition of 1845-48 to a wider audience.
Anne Kari Ovind
Her Excellency, Anne Kari Ovind, was prior to her posting as Norway’s Ambassador to Canada, Director of the Section for the High North, Polar Affairs and Marine Resources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kim Wallace
Kim Wallace is a teacher, author, mentor and leader in geographic education in Canada. As a Fellow of the Society, Kim has worked tirelessly to successfully develop and implement a forward-looking geography curriculum for Ontario.
GILES GAGNIER INNOVATION IN GEOGRAPHY TEACHING AWARD (PREVIOUSLY JUST THE ‘INNOVATION IN GEOGRAPHY TEACHING AWARD’)
2025
Andre Boutin-Maloney
2024
Joanna Thompson-Anselm
2023
Wade Leonard
2022
Sarah Gallah
2021
Margaret Leland
2010
Peter Cameron
2019
Mary Ellen Gucciardi
Mary Ellen Gucciardi is an accomplished educator with a passion for Canada’s North. Gucciardi is dedicated to experiential learning and to increasing understanding of the High Arctic between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth.
2018
Breanna Heels
Educator, adventurer, mentor and advocate, Breanna Heels’ innovative educational practice is informed and energized by the philosophy of “think globally, act locally.”
2017
Paula Huddy-Zubkowski
Paula Huddy-Zubkowski teaches Grade 2 at St. Joseph School in Calgary, where she inspires her students to take on big projects, such as starting a school composting program.
2016
Greg Neil
Greg Neil is a teacher at Connect Charter School in Calgary, where he has provided exemplary contributions in fostering geographic engagement and increasing the geographic literacy of his students.
2015
Janet Ruest
Janet Ruest has been teaching geography since 1988 and her commitment to her craft shows. Her students learn how to develop case studies based on collected flora and fauna samples, photographs, sketches, maps and graphs they’ve produced; note human and physical interactions; and make recommendations about how humans can reduce their impacts on the environment.
2014
Mike Farley
A geography teacher since 2001, Mike Farley is currently the Department Coordinator of Canadian and World Studies at University of Toronto Schools in Toronto.
2013
Andrew Young
Andrew Young is the geography and social science teacher you wish you’d had. At G.P. Vanier Secondary School in Courtenay, B.C., and as a summer sessional geography instructor at the University of British Columbia, Young uses real-world examples to bring the discipline to life.
ALEX TREBEK MEDAL FOR GEOGRAPHIC LITERACY (PREVIOUSLY JUST THE ‘MEDAL FOR GEOGRAPHIC LITERACY’)
2025
Claude Tremblay Brun del Re
2024
Ewan Geddes
2023
ESRI Canada K-12 Education Group
(Jean Tong, Arabelle Sauvé, Susie Saliola and Angela Alexander)
2022
David Hik and Zac Robinson
2021
Randall Wilkie
2020
Diz Glithero
2019
Andrew Young
Andrew Young is the geography and social science teacher you wish you’d had. At G.P. Vanier Secondary School in Courtenay, B.C., and as a summer sessional geography instructor at the University of British Columbia, Young uses real-world examples to bring the discipline to life.
2018
Rob Langston
Rob Langston is an energetic, creative and accomplished educator at École secondaire Neelin High School in Brandon, Manitoba. He combines his passion for geography with a unique skill set, which has made a profound impact on the geographic literacy of his students, colleagues, and the wider educational community in Canada.
2017
Beth Dye
Beth Dye has been a teacher and a leader in geographic education for nearly 30 years. Beth Dye is the vice-principal at Twin Rivers Education Centre in Kamloops, B.C.
2016
Doug Koegler
Doug Koegler is a lecturer in the faculty of education at Wilfrid Laurier University, and previously an elementary and secondary teacher in Waterloo, Ontario.
2015
Zachary Vanthournout
Zachary Vanthournout is fearless in his commitment to finding innovative ways of making geography relevant to his students and the larger community of educators in Atlantic Canada.
2013
Anne Simth Mansfield
Anne Smith Mansfield instructs future geography teachers in the faculty of education at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. She is credited with being the first person in Canada to use giant floor maps as teaching aids.
2012
James Boxall
James Boxall is director of the Geographical Information Sciences Centre at Dalhousie University, in Halifax, and helped co-found Can Geo Education (formerly Canadian Council for Geographic Education) in 1993.
2011
Al Friesen
Over 30 years of teaching, Al Friesen has focused on linking textbook learning with observation in the real world, starting a Geo-Fair at his school, discussing urban planning challenges through field study and building this experience into Manitoba’s geography curriculum.
2010
Stuart Semple
An adjunct professor of geography at Mount Allison University, in Sackville, N.B., Stuart Semple (right) has taught geography in Canada and his native Australia and has trained about 500 Canadian geography teachers, as well as International Baccalaureate teachers in Africa, North America and Europe.
2009
Eric Kramers
While the web was still in its infancy, Eric Kramers realized its potential for raising the level of geographic instruction in Canadian schools. Since then, the Ottawa-based cartographer has applied his technological savvy to promote the use of digital mapping and online resources in the classroom.
2008
Linda Gollick
Linda Gollick is head of the Canadian and world studies department at Toronto’s Loretto College School and has been Ontario coordinator for The Great Canadian Geography Challenge for the past 15 years.
2007
Robert Twerdoclib
For more than 20 years grade-nine social studies teacher Robert Twerdoclib, or “Mr. Geography” as he’s affectionately called by his peers, has worked tirelessly to advance geographical studies in the Alberta curriculum.
2006
Paul VanZant
Paul VanZant is head of geography and history at Mayfield Secondary School in Caledon, Ont.. During almost two decades of teaching, he has helped his students understand and appreciate the world around them and the place they have in it.
2005
Dick Mansfield
Dick Mansfield, from Kingston, Ontario, played a major role in the creation of the Great Canadian Geography Challenge and was a key player in the development of the Canadian Geographic Education, which he chaired through its early years.
2004
Dale Gregory
A retired geography, social studies and physical education teacher from Port Coquitlam, B.C., Dale Gregory is a founding member of the CCGE and has been chair of its B.C. chapter for six years. He also writes all the questions for The Great Canadian Geography Challenge, a process that has him compiling trivia 10 months a year.
2003
Lew French
Lewis French dedicated 34 years to geographic education. Today a a lecturer with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, he co-authored textbooks, helped write geography curricula and now instructs aspiring teachers at the University of Toronto.
2002
Margaret North
During her 38-year career, Margaret North rarely missed an opportunity to show her students how to apply what they learned in the classroom to the world surrounding them. As a specialist in vegetation mapping, she often lectured in the bogs and forest on the University of British Columbia campus’s fringe.
2001
Phyllis Arnold
Phyllis Arnold’s Arnold Publishing has sold about a million innovative and highly visual geography (left), history and social sciences texts nationwide.
2000
John Trites
When John Trites is not teaching geography at Horton High School in Wolfville, N.S., he is writing textbooks, collaborating with the provincial Department of Education on curriculum planning or speaking at workshops all over North America.
EREBUS MEDAL
Established by The Royal Canadian Geographical Society in 2015, the Erebus Medal recognizes participants in the 2014 Victoria Strait Expedition and their contributions to the discovery of HMS Erebus, the exploration ship commanded by Sir John Franklin and lost during his ill-fated 1845-48 expedition. All participants in the discovery, including those in the field and those who worked behind the scenes are recognized with the Erebus Medal. Together, they have rewritten the history books and underscored the importance of the geography of Canada’s Arctic.
Click here for a full listing of recipients of the Erebus Medal
