Michelle Valberg on the Magic of Photographing Canada's North

Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast

We’re thrilled to have Michelle Valberg with us on the podcast, just after her appointment to the Order of Canada for her photography and philanthropy, and her work raising awareness about the beauty and fragility of Canada’s North.

Her career as a photographer and explorer has spanned most parts of our globe and this great nation of ours. Her work regularly features in leading magazines and media around the world, including Canadian Geographic magazine, where she is Photographer-in-Residence.

There is a very good chance you've seen her work, even if you're not aware of it. Her series of wildlife portraits of bears have been featured on Canadian stamps. And her iconic image of an Inuit drum dancer is on the coin by the Royal Canadian Mint commemorating the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation.

She’s also produced multiple award-winning wildlife books, especially featuring the Canadian arctic, a place which holds a special place in her heart.

The Canadian arctic is also home to the charity she set up, Project North, which donates hockey and sports gear to youth in remote Inuit and First Nation communities, a big part of the reason she was appointed to the Order of Canada.