Pictured above: An Innalik School representative presents the Governor General Medal to Gary Metuq during the ceremony.

A Northern Store staff member in Inukjuak, QC has been awarded the Governor General’s Medal for his academic excellence and being an inspirational role model to other youth in the community.

Gary Metuq graduated from Secondary 5 – the final year of secondary school in Quebec – at Innalik School last year, but the award presentation was delayed due to the pandemic. He was awarded his Governor’s General Medal for academic excellence in a small ceremony held on February 4 for the Class of 2020 graduates. 

Lord Dufferin, Canada’s third Governor General after Confederation, created the Academic Medals in 1873 to encourage academic excellence across Canada. Since then, they have become one of the most prestigious awards that a student in a Canadian educational institution can receive. The medals are awarded to a student graduating with the highest average from a high school or an approved college or university program.

Tom Jones, Inukjuak’s Northern store manager is very proud of Gary’s achievement and said, “Gary has been working with us for a year now and has held several positions. He is a valued team member who is a great worker with super attitude, gives staff a great insight on the community and always has a smile on his face. We are so lucky to have him on our team!”