YOUR SOCIETY
Geography’s biggest night was bigger and better than ever, with more than 500 guests attending The Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s Annual College of Fellows Dinner at the Canadian War Museum on November 16. The following are some highlights of an evening filled with exciting announcements and tributes to geography’s best.
We honoured outstanding geographers and educators
The Hon. Lois Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, presided over the medal ceremony, which recognized 17 individuals who have made significant contributions to geography or assisted the Society in fulfilling its mandate. Learn more about the winners at rcgs.org/awards.
We elected 115 new Fellows
Among the diverse and accomplished group are singersongwriters Susan Aglukark and Bruce Cockburn, former MP and federal cabinet minister Leona Aglukkaq and Memorial University geography professor Trevor Bell.
We celebrated 175 years of the Geological Survey of Canada
The Hon. Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, presented the Geological Survey of Canada with a special Gold Medal in recognition of their 175th anniversary and innumerable contributions to our understanding of Canada’s geography.
We appointed a new Honorary Vice-president
Just a week after he was inducted into the Order of Nunavut, Inuit oral historian Louie Kamookak, of Gjoa More than 500 guests listen as Lois Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, addresses The Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s Annual College of Fellows Dinner at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa last November. Haven, was made an Honorary Vice-president of the RCGS for his contributions to enhancing Canadians’ understanding of the cultural heritage of the North and for his mentorship of Inuit youth.
We chose a national bird
In what was perhaps the night’s most-anticipated moment, Canadian Geographic publisher Gilles Gagnier announced that the grey jay was chosen to potentially become Canada’s newest national symbol. Friendly, smart, found in every province and territory, and able to thrive in sub-zero conditions, the grey jay is a bird that truly belongs to Canada.
We enjoyed the wit and wisdom of Simon Winchester
Author and journalist Simon Winchester, recipient of the 2016 Lawrence J. Burpee Medal, delivered the keynote address to conclude another incredible Fellows Dinner. Winchester recounted his adventures in Canada and suggested that if we’re looking to update our national anthem next, Stan Rogers’ “Northwest Passage” would be an ideal choice.