People & Culture

Michelle Valberg on the magic of photographing Canada’s North

Episode 45

Award-winning Canadian wildlife photographer, Michelle Valberg joins the podcast to discuss her new appointment to the Order of Canada, philanthropic work and early days as a photographer

  • Published Aug 09, 2022
  • Updated Feb 23, 2024
Photo courtesy Michelle Valberg
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We’re thrilled to have Michelle Valberg with us on the podcast, just after her appointment to the Order of Canada for her photography and philanthropy, and her work raising awareness about the beauty and fragility of Canada’s North.

Her career as a photographer and explorer has spanned most parts of our globe and this great nation of ours. Her work regularly features in leading magazines and media around the world, including Canadian Geographic magazine, where she is Photographer-in-Residence.

There is a very good chance you’ve seen her work, even if you’re not aware of it. Her series of wildlife portraits of bears have been featured on Canadian stamps. And her iconic image of an Inuit drum dancer is on the coin by the Royal Canadian Mint commemorating the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation.

She’s also produced multiple award-winning wildlife books, especially featuring the Canadian arctic, a place which holds a special place in her heart. 

The Canadian arctic is also home to the charity she set up, Project North, which donates hockey and sports gear to youth in remote Inuit and First Nation communities, a big part of the reason she was appointed to the Order of Canada.

Be BOLD. Go COLD.

Join Michelle in the annual RCGS Polar Plunge!

This year on March 4th we will be joined again by notable Canadians, adventurers, and RCGS Fellows. The #RCGSPolarPlunge will help the Society raise important funding for the rich storytelling and engaging interviews that take place under the banner of Canadian Geographic and its Explore podcast.

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