A CALL FOR HELP

T“TO OFFER A NEW MAGAZINE to a world already overwhelmed with a multiplicity of periodicals needs justification. The Canadian Geographical Society feels, however, that it has perfectly sound reason for doing so. Its purpose is to use the Journal as a means of information in the field of Geography, interpreting that subject in its widest sense.”

So noted the “Foreword by the Editors” in the May 1930 Canadian Geographical Journal, Canadian Geographic’s predecessor. As we celebrate a monumental anniversary in the magazine world — 90 years! — little has changed. Today, we publish multimedia content in a world overwhelmed by a multiplicity of media outlets. The goal of covering the subject of geography in its widest sense remains.

In the six years I’ve had the incredible privilege of overseeing this venerable brand alongside an amazing team,

Canadian Geographic has worked to establish a national bird, covered the historic discovery of Sir John Franklin’s HMS Erebus and won numerous National Magazine Awards for our stories, photography and maps, interviewing the nation’s brightest minds along the way. (There’s similar great content in this issue, which I’ll let you discover on your own.)

That original foreword concluded with the following request to readers: “a duty to help the Editors not only by pointing out defects but by suggesting ways and means of bringing the Journal closer to its ideal.” I echo that still, but add a responsibility: to be our greatest supporters at a time when our brand of journalistic storytelling is threatened. Let’s celebrate many more anniversaries together.