Harper, Aglukark among those recognized at Royal Canadian Geographical Society gala

Kenn Harper, the Nunatsiaq News columnist and Arctic historian, was among those honoured at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s 96th annual Geographica Gala, held Nov. 5 at Canada’s Centre for Geography and Exploration in Ottawa.

Harper received the Louie Kamookak Medal, named after the late Inuk historian and educator, to honour individuals or organizations that have made Canada’s geography better known to Canadians and to the world.

Harper was one of three recipients of the 2025 medal, alongside Susan Aglukark and classically trained Indigenous tenor and composer Jeremy Dutcher.

Harper, who lived in the Arctic for more than 50 years and now resides in Ottawa, is a historian, writer and linguist.

He is the author of the books Give Me Winter, Give Me Dogs: Knud Rasmussen and the Fifth Thule Expedition and Thou Shalt Do No Murder, and writes Taissumani, a Nunatsiaq News column recalling events of historical interest.

Others from Nunavut were also recognized at the gala.

Dennis Tigullaraq of Clyde River accepted the Martin Bergmann Medal for Excellence in Arctic Leadership on behalf of the Ittaq Heritage and Research Centre, which is based in Clyde River.

The centre was honoured for its work in Arctic leadership through research, multimedia, land-based programming and cultural and heritage initiatives that empower youth and the community.