Rideau Hall honours Canadians for work in Arctic

Inuit in Canada are building new institutions and expanding self-government, says Gary Wilson, one of the country’s newest Polar Medal recipients.

Wilson, a political scientist at the University of Northern British Columbia, was one of four Canadians awarded the Governor General’s Polar Medal Thursday in recognition of contributions to Canada’s North and polar regions.

“There seems to be a very positive momentum within Canada,” said Wilson after receiving the medal from Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour at Rideau Hall. “Inuit are building new institutions in the North and carving out greater autonomy.”

Presiding over her first Canadian honours ceremony as Governor General, Arbour said the recipients she honoured have done work that reflects Canada’s strengths in the Arctic and beyond.

Also receiving the medal was elder Martha Koneak Greig of Kuujjuaq, who has for decades supported healing in Nunavik as a social worker and community leader.

A residential school survivor, Greig has shared her story internationally to raise awareness of the lasting impacts of residential schools.

Ottawa ethnographer and author David Pelly was also invested as a member of the Order of Canada.

For decades, Pelly has documented Inuit history, culture and traditional knowledge, preserving stories entrusted to him by Inuit elders.

His works include The Ancestors Are Happy: True Tales of the Arctic, Sacred Hunt: A Portrait of the Relationship Between Seals and Inuit, and Uvajuq: The Origin of Death, which he co-edited.

The ceremony also included presentations of Meritorious Service Decorations and Sovereign’s Medals for Volunteers.

Canadian Ranger Oscar Kringayark, who helped rescue two stranded French travellers during a blizzard near Naujaat in March 2020, received the Medal of Bravery. He could not attend the ceremony and will receive the medal at a later date.

Canadian Arms Forces Sgt. Ayrton Balfour and ranger Danny Sanertanut, who also helped in the rescue, received their medals in March. Rangers Robert Kopak and Laurent Kringayark have yet to receive theirs.