Northern Science Award

Centenary Medal Commemorating the international Polar Year 1882-1883

The International Polar Year, 1882-1883, was the first world-wide co-ordinated scientific enterprise and a significant event in the founding of the science of geophysics. Between August 1, 1882 and September 1, 1883, 11 countries established 12 stations in the Arctic and two in the Antarctic to carry out carefully planned and simultaneous observations in the earth sciences. This extension of scientific field work into the polar regions enhanced the value of the work of already established observatories in the world and permitted the first study of meteorological conditions above the Atlantic Ocean.

CENTENARY MEDAL

The Centenary Medal was created to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the International Polar Year, 1882-1883. The medal, together with a prize of $10,000, is awarded annually by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to give prominence to the importance of scientific knowledge and its applications to Canada's North.

ELIGIBILITY

Until 1997, the award was presented to an individual who had made distinguished contributions to Northern Canada through their scientific work. In recognition of the contribution of indigenous knowledge to the scientific understanding of the North, the eligibility requirements for the award were expanded to include indigenous groups who themselves possess and share indigenous knowledge for the benefit of all.

The award is presented annually to an individual or to a group of indigenous people who have made a significant contribution to meritorious knowledge and understanding of the Canadian North.

DEFINITION OF NORTHERN SCIENCE

For the purpose of this award, science refers to all fields of inquiry, including those based upon indigenous knowledge, that advance our understanding of the natural world and society.

Northern is defined as a zone of high latitude in Northern Canada, north of the southern limit of discontinuous permafrost where, because of the natural environment, people experience distinctive living conditions. (See map)

SELECTION COMMITTEE

A five-member selection committee appointed by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development recommends the recipient for the award. Committee members, which include northerners, are appointed for overlapping three-years terms. They are chosen from outside the public service for their broad understanding of northern science.

MAKING A NOMINATION

Anyone may make a nomination. The nominator should provide to the selection committee:

• A letter of nomination clearly setting out the case in favour of the candidate;*
• The candidate's basic personal data;
• Documentary evidence of the candidate's scientific achievements in northern science (research activities, publications, other awards and distinctions, professional and public services, sharing of indigenous knowledge);
• The candidate's other contributions or experience relevant to achievements in northern science; and
• Three letters of reference highlighting the candidate's achievement(s).

* the term candidate includes either an individual or an indigenous group

As part of the selection process, the selection committee will judge each candidate on the following combination of achievements:

• wide recognition of the quality of the work;
• productivity in field(s) of activity;
• significant contribution to advancement of northern knowledge;
• relevance to northern societies or communities; and
• training or participation of northerners in the work.

THE AWARD IS PRESENTED TO THE WINNING CANDIDATE AT AN ANNUAL CEREMONY

ONCE NOMINATED, A CANDIDATE WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.

Inquiries should be directed to:

Jean Villeneuve
Northern Science and Contaminants Research Directorate
(819) 997-8314 or VilleneuveJ@ainc-inac.gc.ca

Nominations can be forwarded to:

Northern Science Award
Northern Science and Contaminants Research Directorate
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Room 658
10 Wellington
Gatineau, Quebec
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H4

Published under the authority of the
Hon. Jim Prentice, PC, QC, MP
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Ottawa, 2007

List of Recipients
(Year of Award and Field of Distinction)

• Michel Allard, Ph.D (2006, Geomorphology)
• Donal Russell (2004, Caribou Biology)
• Charles J. Krebs, Ph.D (2003, Ecology)
• Ian Grote Stirling, Ph.D (2002, Polar Bear Ecology)
• Bernard Saladin d'Anglure Ph.D (2001, Ethnology)
• Donald E. Thomas Ph.D (2000, Caribou Biology)
• Inullariit Elders' Society (1998, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit)
• Graham W. Rowley D.Sc (1997, Science Policy)
• Shelagh Grant (1996, History)
• Branco Ladanyi Ph.D (1995, Engineering)
• E. Fred Roots Ph.D (1994, Geology, Science Policy)
• Josef Svoboda Ph.D (1993, Botany)
• Andrew Taylor Ph.D (1992, Geography)
• George Hobson (1991, Arctic Logistics)
• Thomas Qumaq (1990, Linguistics)
• William O. Pruitt, Ph.D (1989, Ecology)
• Guy Mary-Rousselière OMI (1988, Archeology)
• Otto Schaefer M.D (1987, Medicine)
• Maxwell J. Dunbar Ph.D (1986, Biological Oceanography)
• Louis-Edmond Hamelin Ph.D (1985, Geography)
• Ross Mackay Ph.D (1984, Geomorphology)