Ottawa, ON, April 2, 2025 – Canadian North President and Chief Executive Officer Shelly De Caria was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal in a ceremony on April 2, 2025. The medal is a Canadian honour recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community.

Shelly has led Canadian North as its President & CEO since 2023 with a focus on enhancing the reliability of air service across the communities Canadian North serves. Born and raised in Kuujjuaq, Québec, with Inuktitut as her second language, Shelly became Canadian North’s first Inuk President and CEO in 2023. She has led partnerships with Inuit and other Indigenous organizations to make positive contributions to the health, education and emotional well-being of the communities served by Canadian North.

Shelly was nominated for the King Charles III Coronation Medal by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national organization protecting and advancing the rights and interests of Inuit in Canada.

“I am deeply honoured by this award,” Shelly says. “My journey has only just begun. I will continue to advocate for the critical infrastructure investments necessary to ensure the longer-term viability of Northern aviation – ensuring that the communities we serve have the lifeline that they need and deserve.”