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.
2024
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.
2023
Chief Wilton Littlechild
This 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.
Dr. Joseph MacInnis
Dr. Joseph MacInnis is a physician and scientist who has developed innovative diving systems used to explore the world’s oceans.
Paul Martin
Awarded the Gold Medal for his career in public service, including as Prime Minister, and his vision of global humanitarianism, premised on the principle of equity of opportunity for all.
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 (presented in 2021)
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.
Richard Boudreault
Richard Boudreault is an internationally recognized leader in Arctic science and research. He has demonstrated an irrefutable commitment to improving Northern research and integrating traditional knowledge of First Nations and Inuit communities in current and future polar research.
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.
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.
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.
Harrison 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.
Dénis St-Onge
An experienced researcher and scientist, he has contributed to the geological exploration and interpretation of Canada.
Geological Survey of Canada
2015
Jacob Verhof
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
(Roberta Bondar, Marc Garneau, Jeremy Hansen, Steve MacLean, David Saint-Jacques, Robert Thirsk, Bjarni Tryggvason and Daffyd Rhys Williams)
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
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.
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.
James Cameron (presented in 2023)
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
2009
Dr. Wade Davis
Wade Davis is RCGS Honorary Vice-president and a writer, photographer and filmmaker whose work has taken him from the Amazon to Tibet, Africa to Australia, Polynesia to the Arctic.
2007
The Nature of Québec/Le Québec au naturel
The first of a four-volume series, this book (and DVD) was distinguished by the Society for its portrayal of the geography of Quebec through scientific detail, poetic prose and artistic aerial photography as well as 3D animation and an original soundtrack.
2006
The Atlas of Canada
The Atlas of Canada celebrated its centennial in 2006, having first been published in 1906. It was recognized for its contribution to Canadian cartography over one hundred years.
2004
Jean Lemire
Lemire’s documentary, The Great Adventure, portrayed his five-month sailing expedition through the North-West Passage. His work was eloquent in its depiction of the effects of climate change on the flora, fauna and people of the Arctic.
Edryd Shaw
Edryd Shaw worked for the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) between 1980 and 1988, as they were developing technology to capture images of the globe beyond those already illuminated by the sun. Shaw’s contributions were vital to the technology’s success.
2003
Roger F. Tomlinson
Tomlinson invented GIS, a computer system for displaying, integrating and analyzing information about the Earth based off of maps and charts: this was a revolutionary way to involve computers in cartographical number-crunching instead of working it out by hand.
2002
Gordon Slade
Battle Harbour, the only intact historic salt-fishing village in Newfoundland and Labrador, was revitalized by Slade, who founded the Battle Harbour Historic Trust to preserve the island community.
2001
Norman Hallendy
Hallendy was recognized for his passionate research into inuksuit, the plural of inuksuk, which refers to the stone figures Inuit have used for millennia as navigational tools and objects of veneration.
2000
Bernard Voyer
The Montréal-based adventurer was celebrated for his adventures on both poles, North and South, as well as his climbing of the “Seven Summits,” the highest peak on each continent- including Mount Everest.
1998
Mary Simon
Canada’s first Indigenous governor general, Mary Simon was at the time awarded the RCGS Gold Medal for her success in bringing Arctic issues to the forefront of governmental agendas worldwide.
1997
Peter Gzowski
As a former CBC radio host, Peter Gzowski was said to have “Canada’s most recognizable voice” by the RCGS President of the time, Dénis St-Onge. He was highlighted for his ability to make Canadians much more aware of their own country.
1996
Gilbert M. Grosvenor
Grosvenor played a key role in the establishment of the The Great Canadian Geography Challenge (now known as the Can Geo Challenge) as well as the Canadian Council for Geographic Education. His efforts earned him the RCGS Gold medal.
1995
Harold K. Eidsvik
Harold Eidsvik was integral to the creation of the Canadian National Parks System Planning Framework, a set of guidelines that ensure all of Canada’s diverse ecological environments are included in its park systems.
Dr. Lawrence W. Morley
Dr. Morley was chosen for the RCGS Gold Medal for his pioneering research on plate tectonics and remote sensing. He is also known for his contribution to the Matthews-Morley hypothesis regarding the magnetic field recorded along the ocean floor.
Dr. Victor K. Prest
Long employed at the Geological Survey of Canada, he was selected for his extensive studies of Canada’s glaciation.
1994
The Historical Atlas of Canada, Volumes II and III
(R. Louis Gentilcore, Donald Kerr, Deryck W. Holdsworth)
Gentilcore, Kerr and Holdsworth each received a Gold Medal for their work as editors of the second and third volumes of this highly acclaimed historical atlas.
1988
The Historical Atlas of Canada, Volume I
(William G. Dean, Richard Colebrook Harris, Geoffrey J. Matthews)
The first volume of the Historical Atlas of Canada, described as the most innovative volume ever produced on the history of Canada, was recognized with a medal each for William G. Dean, project director; R. Cole Harris, the editor of Volume I; and Geoffrey J. Matthews, the books’s cartographer and designer.
1986
Dr. Derek C. Ford
The professor of geography who taught at McMaster University was particularly highlighted for his contribution to scientific analysis of subterranean features and processes. The president of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society at the time, Denis M. Coolican, called him “Canada’s foremost speleologist.”
1980
Selma Barkham
Historical-geographical research was the claim to fame for Selma de Lotbinière Barkham. Having spent three years learning Spanish, she used her new fluency within Spain’s archives to uncover fascinating parts of Canadian history, such as a Basque Galleon sunk in Labrador.
1978
Dr. J. Tuzo Wilson
J. Tuzo Wilson was recognised for his total work in the geosciences. He had a particular interest in continental drift and plate tectonics, aerial photography and mapping.
1976
National Atlas of Canada, 1974 Edition
(Canadian Department of Energy, Mines and Resources)
The Canadian Department of Energy, Mines & Resources accepted this medal on behalf of the Atlas itself. The work was noted for its value in multiple areas: in the teaching of geography, in scientific endeavours, in political decision-making and even the cultural development of Canada.
1975
Major General William J. Megill
Appointed editor of the Canadian Geographical Journal in 1959, Megill nearly doubled circulation over the following 15 years. A longtime member of the Canadian Armed Forces who served in WWII, the eventual executive secretary of the Society was awarded the Gold Medal for his efforts to make Canadians more aware of the geography of their country.
1972
Dr. Stainislaw Lesczychki
Dr. Lesczynchki was the first recipient of the RCGS Gold Medal. He was recognized for his leadership of the International Geographical Union as well as the distinguished service he rendered in his own country of Poland.
