It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Louis-Edmond Hamelin, geographer at the origin of northern studies in Quebec and founder of the Centre d'études nordiques de l'Université Laval, of which CIÉRA is the heir. All researchers working on the North are deeply indebted to him.
He travelled the North on foot, by canoe, train and plane, but also mentally by creating a lexicon that allowed Quebec to express its nordicity and its autochthony, words he created to describe these too often unknown realities of Quebec. He has also put poetry into research by creating words such as glaciel or hivernité, which allow us to reconcile with our winter. Our debt to him is immense and we can only continue to clear the path he left us.
We also want to emphasize that Louis-Edmond Hamelin was one of the great intellectuals of the Quiet Revolution, but above all a man of integrity, generosity and who, despite all the recognition he received, kept a simplicity and curiosity that made him endearing and always pleasant.
Thank you for everything.
To view or review the discussion at the Louis-Edmond Hamelin Tribute Evening, organized by Caroline Desbiens, Chaire de recherche du Canada en patrimoine et tourisme autochtone, on February 11, 2021, click here.
