Michelle Valberg

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Michelle Valberg
CM
Michelle Valberg in 2023
Born
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
NationalityCanadian
EducationUniversity of Ottawa, Algonquin College
OccupationPhotographer
Known forNature and wildlife photography
Spouse
Scott MacLennan
​
(m. 2000)​
Children1
Websitewww.michellevalberg.com

Michelle Valberg CM 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[edit]

Michelle Valberg was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She was influenced by the work of photographers in National Geographic.[7]

She studied fine art/photography at the University of Ottawa, and later, photography at Algonquin College.[8]

Career[edit]

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[edit]

Valberg and Jeff Turner with the Stanley Cup.

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]

Project North has partnered with Scotiabank and the National Hockey League to bring the Stanley Cup across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Baffin Island.[18]

Personal life[edit]

Valberg lives in Ottawa, Ontario, and has a cottage on Sharbot Lake.[19] She is married to Scott MacLennan and they have a son.[19]

Group exhibitions[edit]

  • This is Canada's Arctic, Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Ontario, 2011. Included Valberg's Arctic images.[20]
  • Nature is Calling, Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival, Toronto, Ontario, 2018. Included Valberg's Arctic Images.[21]
  • Wolves: Shape Shifters in a Changing World, Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Ontario, 2023. Included Valberg's images of wolves.[22]

Publications[edit]

  • Look Beyond – the faces and stories of people with HIV/AIDS (1996)
  • Dare to Dream: a celebration of Canadian Women (2000)
  • Ben and Nuki Discover Polar Bears (2012)[23]
  • Arctic Kaleidoscope: the People, Wildlife, and Ever-Changing Landscape (2013)[24]

Awards[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence Michelle Valberg appointed to Order of Canada". canadiangeographic.ca.
  2. ^ Michelle Valberg's Canada Post Stamps CBC News.
  3. ^ "12 oz. Pure Silver Coloured Coin - Celebrating Canada's 150th Coin Series: Drum Dancing (2017)". Royal Canadian Mint. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Presenting the 2019 RCGS award winners". canadiangeographic.ca. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  5. ^ a b "Michelle Valberg". WPC Team Canada. 2024-04-30. Retrieved 2024-05-11.
  6. ^ a b "Announcement of the 16th Julia Margaret Cameron Award". The Gala Awards. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  7. ^ "Michelle Valberg on her career as a wildlife photographer". canadiangeographic.ca (Interview).
  8. ^ "Michelle Valberg". Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology.
  9. ^ "The North Keeps Tugging at the Spirit of Photographer Michelle Valberg". Ottawa Sun. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  10. ^ "Canada C3 Expedition: Qikiqtarjuaq to Pond Inlet". Canada C3. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  11. ^ "Photos: A voyage through the Northwest Passage". Canadian Geographic. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  12. ^ "Turning plastic bottles into gorgeous scarves: Wildlife photographers focus on sustainable fashion". CTV News Ottawa. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  13. ^ "Photo series documents people living through COVID-19". CTV News Ottawa. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  14. ^ "Jane at 90: Birthday Party". Jane Goodall. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  15. ^ Johnson, Alex (2022-02-15). "Get to Know Michelle Valberg: Canadian Treasure and Wildlife Photographer". Jane Goodall. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  16. ^ Phillips, Caroline (2019-09-30). "Exclusive benefit held at 50 Sussex with living legend Jane Goodall". Ottawa Business Journal. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  17. ^ "Exploring Canada's North with photographer Michelle Valberg". Scotiabank. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  18. ^ "Project North makes first hockey gear drop for girls and women". www.scotiabank.com. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
  19. ^ a b Wilson, Janet. "Natural Wonder". Luxe Magazine Ottawa. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  20. ^ "Canadian Museum Of Nature Brings The Arctic To Winterlude In Special Photo Exhibit". Ottawa Life. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  21. ^ "Exploring Canada's North with photographer Michelle Valberg". www.scotiabank.com. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
  22. ^ "New exhibit on wolves opens at Canadian Museum of Nature". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  23. ^ "Photo: Ben and Nuki, meet them in a new children's book". Nunatsiaq News. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
  24. ^ "Book Review: Arctic Kaleidoscope". Nunatsiaq News. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  25. ^ "Community Builders of the Year 2017: | United Way East Ontario". 2020-03-04. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
  26. ^ Taylor, Alan. "Winners of the 2021 BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition - The Atlantic". www.theatlantic.com. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
  27. ^ "Community Celebrates Ottawa Photographer Michelle Valberg for Being Named to Order of Canada". Ottawa Business Journal. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
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