Wasn’t that a gala! I speak of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society extravaganza that erupted in Ottawa on November 4. Others have written extensively about the Geogaphica Gala, which paid tribute to astronaut Marc Garneau and celebrated Canada’s Legacy in Space and the Heroic Age Shipwreck Expedition.

But the awarding of the Kamookak Medal! That’s what most excited Our Hero, since he was the one who received it for his “contribution to northern literature.” In a nutshell, for his six books on Arctic exploration.

Ken, Ken: tell us more! Oh, all right. The rationale runs as follows:

“Your books on Arctic exploration history have served to stimulate wide interest in one of the great epochs of global exploration, and your emphasis on important yet too often  neglected figures in polar history, such as John Rae and Samuel Hearne, further illustrates the importance of your work. This coupled with your novel, sometimes provocative new takes on Arctic themes, has challenged accepted wisdom, stimulated public interest and ultimately shifted historical memory. The Kamookak Medal seems particularly appropriate given your experience in the field with Louie, a cherished friend and former honorary vice president of RCGS.”

Cut to RCGS headquarters at 50 Sussex Drive. Here we see Ken arriving on stage at the Honours Ceremoney and posing with Chief Perry Bellegarde and RCGS President Lois Mitchell. Photos by Travis Steffens.