Nominations are now open for The Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s Massey Medal, which honours outstanding career achievements in the exploration, development or description of the geography of Canada. 

The Massey Medal is one of the Society’s most highly-coveted awards, says RCGS CEO John Geiger.

From the first winner in 1959 (awarded to RCMP officer Henry Asbjorn Larsen for leading the first west to east voyage through the Northwest Passage) to the 2016 medalist (Steven Blasco, who recently retired after four decades of studying Canada’s marine environment with the Bedford Institute of Oceanography), the Massey Medal recognizes exemplary work in the field of geography. Other previous winners include celebrated anthropologist Diamond Jenness and governmental science advisor Fred Roots.

 In a memo to the Society’s fellowship, Geiger writes,

“Our Society was founded in 1929 with the essential mandate of making Canada better known to Canadians and to the world. To that end, we continue to be one of the country’s leading voices in connecting Canadians with their vast and diverse geographical heritage.

One of the ways in which [the] Society helps to promote the importance of geography and geographical learning is through our awards program. Each year, we recognize exceptional individuals for their outstanding contribution to geography, exploration, geographic education, or contributions to the Society.”

Only Canadian citizens are eligible to win the Massey Medal, although it may be awarded to a non-Canadian under special circumstances, as determined by the Massey Foundation. Nominations for the Massey Medal are open to public until the January 15th, 2017 submission deadline. 

Know a deserving candidate? Visit rcgs.org/awards/massey_medal/nominations.asp to submit a nomination.