Lucassie Arragutainaq receives the 2022 Northern Science Award for advancing Inuit research and scientific knowledge

News release

December 9, 2022 – Toronto, Ontario

Polar Knowledge Canada was proud to present the 2022 Northern Science Award to Lucassie Arragutainaq, of Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, at the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting.

Mr. Arragutainaq is widely known and respected for his numerous and unique contributions to Inuit research and environmental stewardship. He has documented Indigenous ecological knowledge and participated in scientific studies of the changing environment of Hudson Bay, influencing the course of research in the region and bringing community voices and priorities to the forefront.

For over three decades, Mr. Arragutainaq has worked tirelessly for the benefit of Northerners and Indigenous People and the wildlife on which they depend. Through his leadership, experience, and expert facilitation of community-driven research, he has been a mentor and an inspiration to young researchers and many others who have worked with him.

The Northern Science Award is presented annually to recognize a significant contribution to meritorious knowledge and understanding of the Canadian North and, in the spirit of the last International Polar Year (2007-2008), recognizes the transformation of knowledge into action.

Quotes

“I am very pleased that Lucassie Arragutainaq’s distinguished contributions to Canada are being honoured with the Northern Science Award. For over three decades, Mr. Arragutainaq has been bringing science and Indigenous knowledge together to produce research and knowledge that is meaningful for northern communities and decision-making.”

Hon. Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs

“It gives me great pleasure to recognise the fundamentally important contributions of Lucassie Arragutainaq to research in the Hudson Bay region. By integrating Indigenous priorities and expertise into scientific research, he has raised the quality of research to a new level, bringing enduring benefit to Hudson Bay communities, and setting an example for others to follow."

Jennifer C. Hubbard, President and CEO, Polar Knowledge Canada

Quick facts

  • Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) is a Government of Canada agency reporting to the Minister of Northern Affairs responsible for strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and technology. It operates the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.

  • POLAR’s mission is to conduct world-class Arctic research, advance knowledge of the Canadian Arctic, and strengthen Canadian leadership in polar science and technology. POLAR has a unique role to advance our collective understanding of polar environments by mobilizing current knowledge produced by others, in a meaningful and accessible way, to address the gaps and concerns of Northern communities.

  • Laureates of the award receive the International Polar Year Centenary Medal and $10,000.

  • A five-member selection committee reviews all nominations and recommends the recipient for the award based on the quality and significance of the knowledge created; the contribution to advancement of northern knowledge; the relevance to northern societies or communities, with an emphasis on transforming knowledge into action; and training or participation of Northerners in the work.

Associated links

Contacts

Polar Knowledge Canada
Email: communications@polar.gc.ca
Telephone: 343-548-5456

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