UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
UNBC Professor receives Polar Medal for advancing understanding of Canada's North and the Arctic

University of Northern British Columbia Political Science Professor Dr. Gary Wilson has been awarded the Polar Medal, one of Canada's highest honours recognizing exceptional contributions to strengthening understanding and awareness of the nation's North and polar regions. 

Wilson received the medal from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada, during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on June 25. He is the first member of the UNBC community to receive this distinction. 

Dr. Gary Wilson was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Pin for Community Service in 2022 and a UNBC Excellence in Service Award in 2014.

"I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful to receive this award. I am indebted to my family and colleagues for their support over the years, and I am grateful to UNBC, which helped shape me as a northern and Arctic scholar," says Wilson. "Throughout my travels across the North, I have had the privilege of meeting remarkable people whose dedication to their communities and regions has inspired and motivated my work. This recognition reflects not only my own efforts, but also the many relationships, collaborations and learning opportunities that have shaped my career." 

Over more than two decades at UNBC, Wilson has established himself as a leading scholar of northern governance, Indigenous-state relations and Arctic politics. His research has focused extensively on the evolution of self-government in the Inuit regions of the Canadian Arctic, culminating in the co-authored book, Nested Federalism and Inuit Governance in the Canadian Arctic. His work has also explored comparative Indigenous-state relations in Norway, Sweden and Russia, as well as Indigenous diplomacy and internationalism across the Circumpolar North. 

"Dr. Wilson's research has informed public discourse, contributed to evidence-based policymaking and strengthened connections among governments, Indigenous communities, researchers and citizens. It has helped ensure northern perspectives are not only heard but respected in conversations that shape the future of Canada and the Circumpolar North," says UNBC Interim President Dr. Bill Owen. "Beyond his scholarly contributions, Gary has been a dedicated educator, mentor and colleague whose work exemplifies the values of engagement, collaboration and service that define UNBC." 

In addition to his scholarship, Wilson has played a significant leadership role in advancing northern studies and Arctic research through his involvement in academic associations including the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies, the International Arctic Social Sciences Association and the University of the Arctic. 

"Dr. Wilson's ability to engage with communities and collaborate widely has built capacity at the regional, national and international level, deepening understanding of the issues and challenges facing northern communities and the people who live there," says UNBC Provost and Vice-President, Academic Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu. "On behalf of the University community I congratulate Gary on this remarkable achievement. His receipt of the Polar Medal reflects not only the impact of his scholarship and leadership, but also the vital role universities play in generating knowledge that informs public policy, strengthens communities and fosters respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples." 

Wilson has worked to improve the quality of education on the Circumpolar North at UNBC and beyond. He currently chairs the Political Science Department and coordinated the Northern Studies Program for more than 15 years, recently returning as Acting Program Coordinator. Additionally, Wilson introduced an annual Polar Day at UNBC's Prince George campus to expand students' awareness of northern issues and, at the graduate level, worked with Nord University in BodØ, Norway to develop a master's degree that saw Canadian and Norwegian students spend exchange semesters at the other institutions. 

"Dr. Wilson has had an impact on the Canadian North through the education, training and inspiration of Canadians who are actively making a difference today in the North, in their roles with organizations like the First Nations Health Authority, Carrier Sekani Family Services and as university researchers in Indigenous governance just to provide a few examples," says UNBC Professor Emerita Dr. Gail Fondahl, a colleague and co-collaborator with Wilson. "Gary is a natural mentor. He is highly committed to Northern Canada and its people, to its good governance and to educating his fellow citizens about it in a multitude of ways and through myriad activities."