2022
Dr. Joseph MacInnis
Dr. Joseph 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.
Joshua Kutryk
A Canadian astronaut, RCAF lieutenant colonel, and engineer for his contributions to exploration and Canada’s space program.
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.
2019
Richard Boudreault
Richard Boudreault is an internationally recognized leader in Arctic science and research.
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.
Dr. 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.
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
Paul F. Hoffman
Denis St-Onge
Geological Survey of Canada
2015
Jacob Verhof
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 Natural Resources Canada
For the completion of the topographic mapping of Canada at the 1:50 000 scale.
2012
Dr. Phillip Currie
2011
Sir Christopher Ondaatje
For his long abiding support for geography.
Dr. Jerry Linenger
For his outstanding contribution to furthering geographic education around the world.
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.
Canadian International Polar Year National Committee
For its guidance and vital role in ensuring the success of Canada’s IPY 2007-2008 program
2009
Dr. Wade Davis
2007
The Nature of Québec/Le Québec au naturel
2006
The Atlas of Canada
2004
Jean Lemire
Edryd Shaw
2003
Roger F. Tomlinson
2002
Gordon Slade
2001
Norman Hallendy
2000
Bernard Voyer
1998
Mary Simon
1997
Peter Gzowski
1996
Gilbert M. Grosvenor
1995
Harold K. Eidsvik
Dr. Lawrence W. Morley
Dr. Victor K. Prest
1994
The Historical Atlas of Canada, volumes II and III
1988
The Historical Atlas of Canada, Volume I
William G. Dean
Richard Colebrook Harris
Geoffrey J. Matthews
1986
Dr. Derek C. Ford
1980
Selma Barkham
1978
Dr. J. Tuzo Wilson
1976
National Atlas of Canada
1973
Maj. Gen. William J. Megill
1972
Dr. Stainislaw Lesczychki
