Northern Medal
Governor General's Northern Medal
In 2005, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, then governor general of Canada, created the Governor General’s Northern Medal, a medallion to be awarded annually to citizens whose actions and achievements have contributed to the evolution and constant reaffirmation of the Canadian North as part of our national identity.
Eligibility
Canadian citizens who have made outstanding contributions to Canada’s northern communities in one or more fields; whose achievements have benefited the North; who have strengthened Canada’s recognition of this region and its peoples; or who have promoted a greater awareness and understanding of the North are eligible. An advisory committee consisting of seven representatives of Aboriginal and northern communities and/or individuals who have a special expertise or knowledge of northern affairs will advise the governor general on the award and recommend recipients.
Description of the medallion
The observe depicts a snowy owl, which represents a watchful guardian spirit whose flight symbolizes many possibilities arising from movement in different directions. The whole North and the splendours of its unique natural phenomena are encompassed by the aurora borealis. A small Canadian Arctic diamond refers to the North Star. The aurora radiates around the diamond, illustrating the diverse possibilities and discoveries found in the region, and how they enrich us all in return. The crystal base recalls an iceberg, an icon of the power and beauty of the northern land and seascape.
On the reverse, the words "Governor General’s Northern Medal / La Médaille du Gouverneur général pour la nordicité" appear with the name of the recipient.
The medallion measures 90 mm in diameter and was designed by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin, Fraser Herald, at the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
The Governor General’s Northern Medal is not part of the Canadian Honours System.
Recipients of the Medal to date are:
- Sheila Watt-Cloutier, O.C., Iqaluit (Nunavut)
- Nellie Cournoyea, O.C., Inuvik (Northwest Territories)
- Bertha Allen, C.M., Inuvik (Northwest Territories)
- Georges Henry Erasmus, O.C., Yellowknife (Northwest Territories)
- Zacharias Kunuk, O.C., Igloolik (Nunavut)
- Mary J. May Simon, O.C., O.Q., Kangiqsualujjuaq (Quebec) and Ottawa (Ontario)
- Stephen Kakfwi, Yellowknife (Northwest Territories)
