Michelle ValbergCM is a Canadian nature and wildlife photographer who has documented Canada's landscapes and wildlife, especially the Arctic. In 2022, she was appointed a Member of the
Order of Canada for her contributions in photography and philanthropy, particularly in raising awareness of Canada's North.[1]
Valberg's photographs have been used on
Canada Post stamps[2] and a coin from the
Royal Canadian Mint.[3] She has received the Louie Kamookak Medal from the
Royal Canadian Geographic Society,[4] Gold Medal for wildlife from World Photographic Cup,[5] and the Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women Photographers from The Worldwide Photography Gala Awards.[6]
Early life and education
Michelle Valberg was born and raised in
Ottawa,
Ontario, Canada. She was influenced by the work of photographers in National Geographic.[7]
Valberg is involved in wildlife and landscape photography, particularly in the Canadian Arctic.[9]
In 2017, she was involved in the
Canada C3 expedition for Canada's 150th anniversary, organized by
Students on Ice. She was a part of Leg 8 of the journey, aboard the former Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker,
Polar Prince. The expedition traveled from
Qikiqtarjuaq to
Pond Inlet, focusing on the impact of climate change, community engagement, and reconciliation.[10] She documented the expedition, its delivery of sports equipment to northern communities, and environmental changes.[11]
Valberg participated in InFocus Canada's Athena Collection, turning wildlife photographs into wearable art. Photographs were printed on fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, to raise awareness and funds for conservation charities. Her contribution was directed towards Raincoast Conservation and The Nature Foundation at the Canadian Museum of Nature.[12] During the COVID-19 pandemic, Valberg started Planet Hope, a photography project capturing the impact of the health crisis on individuals. Planet Hope consists of black and white portraits of people affected by the pandemic, conveying hope and solidarity.[13]
She is a supporter and member of the event committee for the
Jane Goodall Institute of Canada.[14] She provides photos and film footage for the institute's Canadian content[15] and has organized a benefit to raise funds for the institute.[16]
Project North
In 2009, Valberg founded Project North, a not-for-profit aiming to enrich the lives of youth in the arctic. The organization provides educational and fitness programs, including donating sports equipment to remote northern communities. It has delivered more than $1 million worth of new hockey equipment and educational opportunities to thousands of children across the Arctic regions of Canada.[17]