Awards

Massey Medal

The Massey Medal was established to honour those who have contributed to the exploration, development or description of Canada’s geography.

2024 recipient: Marie-Josée Fortin

Awarded to Marie-Josée Fortin, accomplished academic professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Spatial Ecology; in recognition of her significant contributions to the transformative field of spatial analysis in ecology. 

2023 recipient: Dr. Ellsworth LeDrew

Awarded to Dr. Ellsworth LeDrew, geographer, climatologist and remote sensing specialist. 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.

Gold Medal

The Gold Medal was created to provide an opportunity for the Society to recognize a particular achievement by one or more individuals in the general field of geography or a significant national/international event.

2025 recipient: Joni Mitchell 

Awarded to Joni Mitchell, a Canadian and American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and painter, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to Canadian and international culture.

2024 recipient: Jameel Janjua

Awarded to 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.

Martin Bergmann Medal

The Martin Bergmann Medal, established in 2012, recognizes achievement for excellence in Arctic leadership.

2025 recipient: Ittaq Heritage and Research Centre 

Awarded to the Ittaq Heritage and Research Centre in recognition of the Centre’s work in Arctic leadership through research, multimedia, land-based programming and culture and heritage to empower the community.

2023 recipient: Dr. Jackie Dawson

Awarded to Dr. Jackie Dawson, professor in Human and Policy Dimensions of Climate Change at the University of Ottawa, for her outstanding contributions to northern research and visionary leadership on Arctic policy.

Lawrence J. Burpee Medal

Awarded to recognize an outstanding contribution or other achievement that greatly enhances the ability of the Society to fulfill its mission of making Canada better known on a national or international level, and/or contributes to the general advancement of geography.

2025 recipient: Stephen Fry

Awarded to Stephen Fry, English actor, broadcaster, comedian, director and writer.

2025 recipient: John Hemming

Awarded to John Hemming for his work as an explorer, historian and expert on the Incas and Indigenous peoples of the Amazon Basin.

2024 recipient: Zita Cobb

Awarded to Zita Cobb, a businesswoman and social entrepreneur who is the founder and CEO of the registered charity Shorefast, as well as the Innkeeper of the award-winning Fogo Island Inn.

Camsell Medal

The Camsell Medal recognizes outstanding volunteer service to The Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Only RCGS Fellows may nominate individuals for the Camsell Medal.

2025 recipient: Paul VanZant 

Awarded to Paul VanZant, a passionate educator, RCGS Fellow and Chair of the Can Geo Education Executive Committee, in recognition of his dedication, mentorship and outstanding service to the Society, which spans decades.

2025 recipient: John Pollack

Awarded to John Pollack, a former senior research scientist for the B.C. provincial government and former RCGS Governor who served for many years as Chair of the Expeditions Committee.

2024 recipient: Sandra Smith

Awarded to Sandra Smith, a former employee of the RCGS for 35 years, most recently as the executive assistant to the CEO, before her retirement in June 2024. 

Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration

Established in 2013, the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration recognizes singular achievements and the pursuit of excellence by an outstanding Canadian explorer or a non-Canadian for exploratory achievements within Canada.

2025 recipient: Gregory Horne

Awarded to Gregory Horne in recognition of his exploration and scientific research in remote Arctic regions by way of ski mountaineering, cave exploration, canyoneering and high altitude climbing.

2024 recipient: Karsten Heuer

Awarded to Karsten Heuer, a wildlife biologist, writer and conservationist.

2024 recipient: Leanne Allison

Awarded to Leanne Allison, an award-winning documentary filmmaker who draws inspiration from long wilderness journeys in Canada in support of conservation.

Joseph-Elzéar Bernier Medal

The Joseph-Elzéar Bernier Medal, established in 2014, recognizes an exemplary deed or activity that has enhanced or aided the Society in fulfilling its mandate at the international, national, provincial or headquarters level.

2025 recipient: Ron Hallman

Awarded to Ron Hallman in recognition of his leadership as President and CEO of Parks Canada and strong support of the Society’s mission and programs.

2024 recipient: David Mearns

Awarded to David Mearns, a chartered marine scientist, award-winning author and expedition leader of deep ocean projects. Mearns was the Search Director for the 2024 Shackleton Quest Expedition.

Louie Kamookak Medal

The Louie Kamookak Medal: A distinction named for the Inuit historian and educator, awarded by the Society to any person or organization which has been brought to the attention of the Executive Committee, Awards Committee, or to the CEO, as having made Canada’s geography better known to Canadians and to the world. It is also awarded for a noteworthy deed that has served to advance the discipline of geography.

2025 recipient: Jeremy Dutcher

Awarded to Jeremy Dutcher, a classically trained Indigenous tenor, composer, musicologist and activist.

2025 recipient: Susan Aglukark

Awarded to Susan Aglukark, a June Award-winning Inuk singer and songwriter.

2025 recipient: Kenn Harper

Awarded to Kenn Harper, an educator, businessman and historian whose powerful body of work has shed light on the Arctic.

2024 recipient: Steven Page

Awarded to Steven Page, a Canadian musician, record producer, and founding member, lead singer, guitarist and primary songwriter of the music group “Barenaked Ladies.”

Alex Trebek Medal for Geographic Literacy

Many people work beyond the expectation of their professions toward heightening geographic literacy. This award is to recognize and honour their contributions.

2025 recipient: Claude Tremblay Brun del Re

Awarded to Claude Tremblay Brun del Re in recognition of her long service to the geography education community, particularly through her participation in OAGEE/l’AEGEO and work with the Ontario Ministry of Education.

2024 recipient: Ewan Geddes

Awarded to Ewan Geddes, a Canadian and world studies teacher in the Toronto District School Board and longstanding member and past president of the Ontario Association of Geography and Environmental Education.

Gilles Gagnier Medal for Innovation in Geographic Education

Previously called the Innovation in Geography Teaching Award, this award honours the memory of Canadian Geographic publisher and COO Gilles Gagnier, who passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 10, 2021. The award recognizes an inspirational educator who is committed to advancing geographic literacy through innovative teaching and learning strategies.

2025 recipient: 

Awarded to Andre Boutin-Maloney, who transformed  Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask., into a living classroom with ‘Finding Common Ground: A Treaty Walk (& Roll) of Fort Qu’Appelle.’

2024 recipient: Joanna Thompson-Anselm

Awarded to Joanna Thompson-Anselm, a passionate teacher dedicated to advancing geographic thinking and developing innovative programs like Urban Solutions, which focuses on real-world challenges and uses novel approaches to get students thinking about sustainable development goals.