Steve Bonspiel, co-publisher Eastern Door, accepts the 2010 Michener Citation of Merit from Governor General David Johnston on behalf of his newspaper - a finalist for the 2010 Michener Award. The photo was taken during the Michener Award ceremony held at Rideau Hall on June 14, 2011.
The Quebec newspaper was honoured for its sustained reporting which contributed to a change in direction of the execution of a decision by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake to evict non-Native residents living on the reserve.
The distinction between the Michener Award and other media awards is primarily the emphasis on the degree of arm's-length public benefit that is generated. Journalistic excellence alone is not enough. Other criteria include the resources available to the news organization - an effort to level the playing field for small, medium, and large-size organizational applicants.