Inuit Medal
Medal Presentation
The Lieutenant Governor's Medal associated with the Inuit is part of a program that:
- celebrates positive Inuit role models by highlighting the commitment, talent, and remarkable contributions of recipients to the vitality of Inuit communities and Québec as a whole;
- advances reconciliation and recognition by celebrating Inuit traditions, knowledge, and commitment;
- strengthens ties between Québec institutions and the Inuit, notably through collaboration with artists and the holding of ceremonies in Inuit villages, fostering respectful dialogue between peoples.
No financial reward is associated with the Lieutenant Governor's Honours and Recognition Program.
Visual Design of the Inuit Medal
This medal depicts a polar bear standing on its hind legs, poised on an ice floe, set against a backdrop of an endless sky evoking the iconic landscape of Nunavik, in the breathtaking Far North of Québec.
On the obverse of the medal, the province of Québec is represented and adorned with dots indicating the location of each Inuit village.
Description of the Beaded Lanyard
The choice of colours pays respectful tribute to Inuit culture and environment. It reflects a harmony with nature and a respect for the elements that define their way of life.
White represents the snow and ice that are central to the Arctic environment where the Inuit live. It symbolizes purity, peace, and light in Inuit culture. This colour is also associated with the polar bear, a sacred and deeply respected animal.
Blue evokes the vast Arctic sky and the importance of water in the daily life of the Inuit, whether for fishing, transportation, or survival more broadly. It symbolizes the deep bond between the Inuit and their land.
Submitting Nominations
The nomination period runs from November 1st to February 1st. After this date, the form will no longer be accessible in order to allow for the processing of nominations.
Before submitting a nomination for review, the individual or organization putting forward the nomination is invited to consult the eligibility criteria below to ensure that the nominations being submitted meet the requirements and fully reflect the values of this distinction.
We invite individuals and Inuit organizations wishing to submit nominations who have not received our email to write to us at the following address: distinctions@mce.gouv.qc.ca.
Eligibility Criteria
For an individual to be eligible for nomination by a person, Inuit organization, or Indigenous or non-Indigenous body, they must meet the following six (6) criteria:
- Be a member of the Inuit Nation.
- Have played an essential role in raising the profile of their nation or community, in Québec, across Canada, or internationally.
- Have contributed to the well-being of the Inuit people through their commitment or achievements.
- Be recommended by an individual or an organization.
- Never have previously received this medal.
- Be an individual person (not an organization).
Only nominations for living individuals will be accepted. However, if the individual passes away after the nomination has been submitted, the nomination remains eligible.
PLEASE NOTE: The Lieutenant Governor reserves the right to reject any nomination that does not meet the eligibility criteria or for any other reason deemed relevant.
A Few Guidelines Before Completing the Form
Before completing the form, the individual or organization putting forward the nomination must take note of the following essential information:
Maintain the confidentiality of each nomination in order to avoid any disappointment or discomfort for the administration of the educational institution should the nomination not be selected. At the end of the selection process, the Chief of Staff and Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor will inform recipients by letter and official invitation. The awarding of the medal is not automatic.
Verify the exact spelling of the first name and birth surname of the nominated individual, as this information will be reproduced exactly for the official designation of the recipient.
Ensure correct use of accents, hyphens, upper case, and lower case letters.
All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory. Leaving a required field blank will prevent you from proceeding to the next step.
Do not write the text entirely in capital letters, as this is not permitted and may result in the form being rejected.
- Write the text in the language (French or English) in which you wish the recipient's introduction to be delivered at the ceremony.
Writing the Nomination Text :
The nomination text must be written in an appropriate manner and must not exceed 850 words.
It must describe how the nominated individual meets the eligibility criteria listed above and what sets them apart.
Summary Text for the Ceremony: :
In keeping with the writing guidelines, you will also be required to produce a summary text of no more than 75 words highlighting the nominated individual's key achievements and their contribution to raising the profile of their village, their nation, or Indigenous peoples in Québec, across Canada, or internationally.
This text may be used to introduce the person at the medal presentation ceremony.
Submitting a Nomination
The nomination period is currently closed.
La prochaine période de candidature ouvrira le 1er novembre 2026, dans :
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Submitting a Nomination
La période de candidature est ouverte jusqu’au 1er février inclusivement.
To submit a nomination, click the button below to access the nomination form directly.
Grounds for Rejecting a Nomination
- The person has already received the same medal for which their nomination is being submitted.
- The nomination form was completed by the recipient themselves.
- The presentation text is too brief, incomplete, or written in the form of a curriculum vitae.
- The text supporting the awarding of the medal was written by the nominated individual; it must be written in the third person singular.
PLEASE NOTE: The Lieutenant Governor reserves the right to reject any nomination that does not meet the eligibility criteria or for any other reason deemed relevant.
About the Ceremonies
The Inuit Medal ceremonies draw from the model established for the Lieutenant Governor's distinctions, providing a recognized framework for honouring remarkable contributions.
In order to respect the cultural, social, and geographic realities of Indigenous communities, practices and documents are adapted accordingly. Organized in close collaboration with the villages and Nation, the ceremonies may incorporate various symbolic and ceremonial elements — songs, speeches, offerings, or other traditions — reflecting the values and customs of the Inuit people.
This approach fosters celebrations that are meaningful, respectful, and authentic for all those in attendance.
About Attendance at the Ceremony :
Upon receiving the official invitation, the recipient is required to attend in person in order to receive their medal. This ceremonial occasion represents a privileged moment of recognition, sharing, and celebration of the journeys and achievements being honoured.
When a distinction is awarded posthumously, in accordance with the established criteria, the medal may be presented to a family member or designated representative, in order to honour the memory, commitment, and legacy of the distinguished individual.
This attendance requirement helps preserve the solemn, authentic, and respectful character of the honours presentation ceremonies.