The Royal Canadian Geographical Society appoints Emily Choy as its latest Explorer-in-Residence

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society has appointed an Arctic researcher as its newest Explorer-in-Residence. Emily Choy studies the impacts of climate change on Arctic marine predators — from belugas and narwhals to murres and kittiwakes. 

“It is a tremendous honour to be named an Explorer-in-Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and as the first female scientist!” says Choy, who added that she hopes her appointment will inspire youth from diverse backgrounds to develop an interest in wildlife issues in the North. 

Read the story here.

Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon receives Louie Kamookak Medal

With a smile as infectious as his Bhangra dance moves, Gurdeep Pandher brings joy, hope and healing to newsfeeds across Canada and beyond.

Using the natural and geographic splendour of the Yukon as a backdrop, Pandher dances Bhangra — a traditional dance from Punjab. The dance celebrates connection to the land and to nature — and Pandher has used the dance form to spread positivity and showcase multiculturalism in Canada.

On Tues., July 6, 2021, Pandher was recognized by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society with the 2021 Louie Kamookak Medal for the national impact he has had by bridging cross-cultural divides, promoting inclusivity and spreading optimism and joy during the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more here.

Behind the National Day for
Truth and Reconciliation

A bill creating a national holiday to commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada received royal assent on Thurs., June 3, 2021. September 30 will become the first national day for truth and reconciliation, a statutory holiday for employees in the federal government and federally regulated workplaces.

The announcement comes in the wake of the heart-wrenching discovery of the remains of hundreds of children in unmarked graves at a former residential school across the country.

Canadian Geographic took this moment to re-share powerful words and thoughts of just a few of the Indigenous Peoples (such as Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Jack-Webstad, above) who have helped the magazine to tell the stories of residential schools and move forward the process of truth and reconciliation.

10 birds to look for in Canada this summer

A big hello to all of the Canadian bird lovers out there! Ornithologist David Bird here. Check out my choices for the top 10 birds (such as the Canada jay, above) you should try to see this summer, from coast to coast. The search for these birds can take you to some of the most scenic places that Canada has to offer.  

Read the story here.