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Medal created in honour of Arctic scientist

By Staff 21/02/2012 18:17:00

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The Royal Canadian Geographic Society will recognize Martin Bergmann, the director of the Polar Continental Shelf Program who died in a plane crash in Resolute last year, by creating a medal for excellence in Arctic leadership, science and exploration. (CBC)

The Royal Canadian Geographic Society will recognize scientist Martin Bergmann, who died in a plane crash in Resolute last year, with a medal in his honour.

Bergman, who lived in Winnipeg, was the director of the Polar Continental Shelf Program in Resolute. The award will recognize excellence in Arctic leadership, science and exploration.

Mary-Ellen Thomas, executive director of the Nunavut Research Institute, said she hopes the award inspires Northerners to continue Bergmann's work.

Thomas said his gift was his ability to lead and break down barriers between agencies and organizations.

"This award is to recognize Marty's leadership in science, his innovation, just his ability to communicate with Northerners. I'm quite excited that the award has been initiated. I think it will be a great opportunity for Northerners to try to achieve."

Danielle Labonte, who worked with Bergmann, said his friends were looking for a way to remember him.

"He was really very passionate about everything related to the Arctic and the people who live there. He spent a lot of time living in the Arctic himself and he managed to infuse many of us with his passion," she said.

The Royal Canadian Geographic Society's first recipient of the medal is Bergmann himself. Bergmann's wife, Sheila, will accept the award at a ceremony in Montreal in April.

The Ottawa Community Foundation is now fundraising to pay for future recipients' medals and travel to award ceremonies.

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