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 or international event.

2024 recipient: Jameel Janjua

Awarded to Jameel Janjua, a decorate 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 recipient: Chief Wilton Littlechild

Awarded to Chief Wilton Littlechild, a Canadian lawyer and former Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and Member of Parliament, for his lifelong dedication to advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world. 

2023 recipient (awarded in 2010): James Cameron 

Presented to James Cameron, Canadian filmmaker and undersea explorer, for his achievements in ocean exploration.

Martin Bergmann Medal

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

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.

2022 recipient: Christopher Burn 

Awarded to Dr. Christopher Burn, a professor at Carleton University, 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. 

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.

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.

2023 recipient: David McKay

Awarded to David McKay, President and CEO of RBC.

2023 recipient: Paul Nicklen

Awarded to Paul Nicklen, Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist.

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.

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. 

2023 recipient: Anthony Hendrie

Awarded to Anthony Hendrie for his generous contributions to and ongoing support of the Society and its programs.

2023 recipient: Mary Jane Starr

Awarded to Mary Jane Starr for her leadership in geographic education, support of programs and mentorship of the Canadian Geographic Education team

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.

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.

2023 recipient: Ray Zahab

Awarded to Ray Zahab, Canadian long-distance runner and public speaker, and RCGS Explorer-in-Residence.

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.

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.

2023 recipient: Loreena McKennitt

Awarded to Loreena McKennitt, Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist and Honorary Colonel with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

2023 recipient: Alfred McLaren

Awarded to Alfred McLaren, retired Captain of the US Navy and former President of the Explorers Club. 

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.

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.

2023 recipient: Roy MacGregor

Awarded to Roy MacGregor, author, columnist and feature writer for the Globe and Mail.

2023 recipient: Ruth Abernethy

Awarded to Ruth Abernethy, Canadian sculptor.

2023 recipient: Linda Tollas

Awarded to Linda Tollas, a passionate educator, heritage interpreter and ambassador of Haida culture.

2023 recipient: Diana Beresford-Kroeger

Awarded to Diana Beresford-Kroeger, renowned biochemist, botanist and bestselling author.

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.

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.

2023 recipient: Esri Canada K-12 Education Group

Awarded to the Esri Canada K-12 Education Group (Jean Tong, Arabelle Sauvé, Susie Saliola, and Angela Alexander), an education and research group that develops teaching and learning resources to promote spatial understanding at all levels of Canadian 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.

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. 

2023 recipient: Wade Leonard

Awarded to Wade Leonard, a geography and science teacher who developed and implemented the curriculum for “Introduction to Spatial Technologies” using drone technology in the ‘Above and Beyond’ course.