Winter Games Announce Medal Design Winner

Jennifer Pighin of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation is the winner of the 2015 Canada Winter Games Medal Design Competition. Jennifer’s medal design was selected from 39 submissions from across Canada that was received over the summer of 2014 through the Canada Games Teck Medal Design Competition.

Stuart Ballantyne, CEO of the 2015 Canada Winter Games told the media “Jennifer’s design captures the essence of the 2015 Canada Winter Games,.”

He continues “Her design will help us tell the northern story to thousands of athletes who will receive medals during the 2015 Canada Winter Games – leaving a legacy in both our community and with the athletes.”

Teck, Canada’s largest diversified resource company and the exclusive metals supplier for the Canada Games, is providing the metal for every gold, silver and bronze medal for the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

The majority of the metal is sourced from their metallurgical operation in Trail, British Columbia.

“As a proudly Canadian company for over 100 years, Teck is honoured to help celebrate the achievements of athletes from coast to coast who inspire us through their dedication and commitment to excellence,” said Don Lindsay, President and CEO, Teck.

Tom Quinn, Canada Games Council Chairman states “The medal design competition is always such an exciting initiative for every Canada Games Host Society.”

He continues “The creativity of Jennifer’s design truly captures the Northern BC spirit and will certainly resonate with every athlete that will reach the podium at the upcoming 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George.”

An artist and educator from Prince George, BC, Jennifer grew up near the Nechako River where she developed an enduring bond with nature—a common theme that surfaces within her work.

Ms. Pighin holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design as well as a Bachelor of Education Specialization in Art from the University of British Columbia.

“As an emerging artist and member of the first Official Host First Nation in Canada Games history, I am truly honoured and extremely excited that my design was chosen from amongst many Canadian artists for the medals of the 2015 Canada Winter Games,” says Pighin. “

We are all working hard and looking forward to hosting this event on our traditional territory and it is truly an amazing opportunity for Prince George to show all of Canada how we do winter!”

‘‘The opportunity to design the athlete’s medals for the 2015 Canada Winter Games is a rare honour for any artist,’’ says His Worship Lyn Hall, mayor, City of Prince George.

‘‘Prince George and our region are very fortunate to have a large number of talented artists to choose from, and Jennifer’s design truly exemplifies our region and the Games. Congratulations Jennifer!’’

The complete set of medals will be officially unveiled on the morning of February 13, 2015, at the Media and Broadcast Centre in the Wood Innovation and Design Centre Lecture Theatre, located at 499 George St.