Trent University Canada Research Chair Receives Polar Medal From Governor General of Canada

With his work for Arctic sovereignty and northern security, Trent University’s Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer has been awarded the Polar Medal from Mary Simon, former Trent chancellor and Governor General of Canada.

Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer (right) stands with fellow Polar Medal recipient Marie-Pierre Parenteau (left) and Governor General Mary Simon (middle) after the medal presentation ceremony. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Whitney’s work on polar policy and research has helped shape Canada’s understanding and engagement in the North at a pivotal moment for our country,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Through leadership service and his role with the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, he is advancing Canada’s work in Arctic sovereignty and security. It is an exception honour for Trent to see Whitney recognized with the Polar Medal.”

The Polar Medal is awarded to individuals who have provided outstanding service in support of scientific research and exploration relating to Canada’s polar regions and interests. A professor in the School for the Study of Canada at Trent University, Prof. Lackenbauer’s award-winning research explores the historical and socio-political dimensions of Arctic governance and the relationships between Northern peoples, their environment and federal policy.

“In 2026, I cannot say strongly enough how vital this work is—how much it matters to our country and to our shared future. For a long time, there was a disconnect between the needs of Arctic peoples and the decisions that shaped their lives, not to mention the legacy of colonialism,” said Simon. “Today, the Arctic is seen as a region of opportunity. Issues of security and sovereignty are coming to the forefront. Dr. Lackenbauer: thank you for your research on Arctic governance and for your commitment to security, notably as honorary lieutenant-colonel of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.”

“With a proliferation of perceived security and sovereignty challenges through, to, and in the Arctic, it is more important than ever to characterize threats appropriately and to ensure that the right actors are empowered with the right tools to mitigate risks and respond as needed,” said Lackenbauer.

Prof. Lackenbauer has worked with the Canadian Ranger Patrol Group forovern a decade, which has been a source of knowledge and guidance for much of his work on community-centred policy and advancing knowledge of Arctic governance, Northern sovereignty and security. In 2025, he published TAKUNIQ: The Canadian Rangers and Canada’s High Arctic in an Era of Strategic Competition, based on his ongoing engagement in this capacity, working alongside Northern communities.

“The Canadian Rangers are the Canadian Armed Force’s eyes, ears and voice in the North, and Northern communities’ voice in the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Prof. Lackenbauer. “Most of the ‘exploring’ that I have done is with experts who are operating in their homeland, which they know intimately. If anything, I have learned to become an ‘expert’ in following their lead, listening to them and then being entrusted with telling stories of what they or we have experienced in hopes that this will improve policy, practice and public awareness.”

Created in 2015 as part of the Canadian Honours System, the Polar Medal was last awarded in 2019. Prof. Lackenbauer is the second Trent faculty member to receive the honour, following the late Arctic historian and author Dr. Shelagh Grant, one of the medal’s inaugural recipients in 2015.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.