Thank you very much.
I’m going to go off script here and acknowledge some of the people in the audience who have inspired me at some point along the way of my long career exploring the Arctic.
First of all a couple of lunatic paddlers, Tim Kotcheff and Craig Oliver, who did some ridiculously difficult Arctic trips over the years and inspired me to follow in their footsteps and try to do better than they did and introduced me to parts of the country that have wowed me. And my wife who is here tonight and our children.
I’d also like to acknowledge John Honderich who wrote a terrific book 25 years ago on Arctic sovereignty and I was extremely jealous of that book because I was the Arctic correspondent for Southam news at the time. Over the years, John has in one way or another continued to inspire me and help me and I thank him for that.
I also like to acknowledge my publisher John McDonald who is really giving me the opportunity to continue doing this in these very difficult times. I really appreciate that.
I would also like to acknowledge her Excellency for reminding the world recently, that we are an Arctic nation.
Thank you
Ed Struzik
2009 Michener-Deacon Fellowship recipient
Michener Awards ceremony
Rideau Hall
June 10, 2009