One of Canada’s greatest writers and an acclaimed polar documentarian were among those recognized for their contributions to geography at The Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s annual College of Fellows Dinner on Nov. 18 at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que. The 2015 award winners are listed below.

Gold Medal (achievements in geography)
Margaret Atwood, award-winning novelist and literary critic Graeme Gibson, novelist and conservationist Jacob Verhoef, continental shelf mapping, Natural Resources Canada

Massey Medal (outstanding career achievement in Canadian geography)
Brian Osborne, historical and cultural geographer, Queen’s University

Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration
Jean Lemire, biologist and documentarian

Martin Bergmann Medal (excellence in Arctic leadership and science)
John Smol, pioneering paleolimnologist and Arctic researcher, Queen’s University

3M Environmental Innovation Award
GreenBug Energy, innovative micro hydroelectric projects

Camsell Medal (outstanding volunteer service to the RCGS)
Louise Maffett, past Executive Director and Governor, RCGS
Bruce Amos, former Governor and Chair, RCGS

Lawrence J. Burpee Medal (outstanding achievement that enhances the Society’s ability to make Canada better known)
Louie Kamookak, historian
Wendy Cecil, philanthropist, business and community leader
Alex Trebek, Jeopardy! host and philanthropist

Capt. Joseph-Elzéar Bernier Medal (exemplary deed or activity that aids the Society in fulfilling its mandate)
Kathryn McCain, philanthropist and community leader
Milbry Polk, WINGS WorldQuest founder

Geographic Literacy Award
Zachary Vanthournout, teacher at Moncton High School, Moncton, N.B.

Innovation in Geography Teaching Award
Janet Ruest, teacher at Chemainus Secondary, Cobble Hill, B.C.

Watch for a story on the Society’s new award winners in the January/February 2016 issue of Canadian Geographic.