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.
2023
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
Dr. 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.
Col. 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 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
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.
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).
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.
Thomas Edward Kierans
Thomas Edward Kierans is a major figure in Canadian business and a national leader in public policy development and in the area of advanced research.
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 president of the James Caird Society and vice patron of the U.K. Antarctic Heritage Trust.
Anthony Hendrie
Anthony Hendrie is a philanthropist and lawyer (now retired), as well as a RCGS Advancement Committee member.
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 Fellow 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 celebrates the discoveries of women explorers and supports scientific exploration.
