A resident of the Northwest Territories is about to receive an award for his dedication to the North.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will present honours to 40 recipients during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Thursday, September 12, 2019, at 10:30 a.m.
Recipients will be recognized for their excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service with one of the following honours: a Decoration for Bravery, a Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division), a Polar Medal or a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
Dr. Curtis Brown from Fort Smith will be awarded the Polar Medal. The Polar Medal recognizes those who have contributed to or endeavoured to promote a greater understanding of Canada’s northern communities and their people.
It also honours those individuals who have withstood the rigours of the polar climate to make significant contributions to polar exploration and knowledge, scientific research, and the securement of Canada’s northern sovereignty.
Dr. Brown has worked in education in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories for more than 30 years. Currently serving as superintendent of the South Slave Divisional Education Council (SSDEC), he strives to improve the state of education in Canada’s northern communities.
As an advocate for alternative programming and expanded opportunities for students, he has contributed to above-average student outcomes, notably through the SSDEC’s award-winning Leadership 4 Literacy initiative. Dr. Brown’s efforts have stimulated the revitalization of local Indigenous languages and their use in schools and in the broader community.
 For more information or to nominate a deserving Canadian, visit polar.gg.ca.
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