Massey Medal

Established in 1959 by the Massey Foundation, the Massey Medal is awarded annually by the Society. Its purpose is to recognize outstanding career achievement in the exploration, development or description of the geography of Canada. Eligibility is restricted to Canadian citizens, although in special circumstances, the Medal may be awarded to a non-Canadian, subject to agreement by the Massey Foundation. It is always awarded to an individual, never a group. In a year in which no nominee is deemed to qualify, the Medal may be withheld.

The presentation of the Massey Medal is usually made at Rideau Hall by the Society’s Patron, the Governor General, when His/Her Excellency’s schedule permits. In years when this is not possible, a special award ceremony is held at the College of Fellows Annual Dinner in Ottawa, with the President of the Society presiding.

2009 MASSEY MEDAL RECIPIENT Michael Church Church has been “instrumental in turning fluvial geomorphology from a descriptive discipline into an analytical science,” says Chris Burn, a professor of geography at Ottawa’s Carleton University and a vice-president of the Society who has known Church for more than 20 years. “He’s brilliant because he sees the crux of an issue and can explain it to people in terms they can understand.” For his thought-provoking and rigorous science, Michael Church — a specialist in how rivers and streams shape the landscape, and professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia — has been awarded the 2009 Massey Medal for outstanding achievement in Canadian geography. Learn more »

NOMINATE SOMEONE How to nominate Please look outside your organization, as well as within, when considering who might be an outstanding nominee. You may submit one or more nominations for the medal. Learn more »

LISTING OF RECIPIENTS