Kunuk, Simon named winners of Governor General’s Northern Medal

The Northern Medal depicts a snowy owl to represent ‘a watchful guardian spirit whose flight symbolizes many possibilities arising from movement in different directions,” while “the whole North and the splendours of its unique natural phenomena are encompassed by the aurora borealis,” says a description of the medal on the Governor General’s website. 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,” it reads. 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. (IMAGE FROM GG.CA)

Nunavut filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Mary Simon are the newest recipients of the Governor General’s Northern Medal.

The medal, created in 2005 by former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, honours “citizens whose actions and achievements have contributed to the evolution and constant reaffirmation of the Canadian North as part of our national identity.”

Kunuk, founder of Igloolik Isuma Productions and best known for his feature films Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, The Journals of Knud Rasmussen and Before Tomorrow.

“A unique storyteller, Mr. Kunuk has shared his passion and love for the cultural, traditional and spiritual values of the North, allowing it to be embraced worldwide,” said a Rideau Hall news release.

Simon, currently the president of the national Inuit organization Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, has also served as an ambassador and a negotiator on the Constitution Act of 1982.

“Through her diplomacy and leadership, Ms. Simon has gained the respect of many heads of governments and international organizations,” the release said.

“She is a valued advisor on important northern issues such as sovereignty, the environment, economic development and social policy.”

In a statement, Simon said “I owe this award to many people I have worked with and to Inuit across Canada and around the world.”

Kunuk and Simon will receive their medals at a later ceremony with Governor General David Johnston.

Previous winners for the Northern Medal include Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Nellie Cournoyea, Bertha Allen and Georges Erasmus.