Consul-General Wajima Presents Commendation on Mr. Michael Kenneth Mortimer and Mr. Robert William Sandford
2026/6/3
On June 3rd, Consul-General Wajima attended a ceremony in Canmore, Alberta where the former Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) Vice-President Robert William Sandford was conferred Honorary Membership in recognition of his longstanding contributions to Canadian mountaineering history and international alpine cooperation.
During this event, congratulatory messages were offered by many attendees celebrating Mr. Sandford's receipt of Honorary Membership. Consul-General Wajima also presented the Consul-General’s Commendation to former ACC President Michael Kenneth Mortimer and former ACC Vice-President Robert William Sandford in recognition of their significant contributions to strengthening ties between the Alpine Club of Canada and the Japanese Alpine Club.
The commendation recognized their efforts of both individuals in preserving and promoting the shared mountaineering history between the two countries through exchanges between the two alpine clubs. In 1925, a Japanese expedition successfully completed the first ascent of the mountain, leaving an ice axe on the summit as a marker of their achievement. Decades later, the ice axe was discovered to have broken into two pieces, — one recovered by an American mountaineering party and the other by a Japanese mountaineering party —and the two halves were kept separately for many years. Through the dedication of individuals on both countries, including Mr. Mortimer and Mr. Sandford, the two halves were reunited in 1997. The ice axe is now on permanent display at the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum, where it stands as a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship between Canada and Japan.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the first ascent in 2000, the Alpine Club of Canada and the Japanese Alpine Club organized a series of celebratory events in Jasper, Alberta, bringing together climbers from both countries. Mr. Mortimer and Mr. Sandford played instrumental roles in fostering international collaboration, ensuring that the story of the historic ascent continued on.
Furthermore, Mr. Mortimer continues to contribute to the relationship between the two alpine clubs, including his active involvement in the 100th anniversary commemorations held in 2025.
During this event, congratulatory messages were offered by many attendees celebrating Mr. Sandford's receipt of Honorary Membership. Consul-General Wajima also presented the Consul-General’s Commendation to former ACC President Michael Kenneth Mortimer and former ACC Vice-President Robert William Sandford in recognition of their significant contributions to strengthening ties between the Alpine Club of Canada and the Japanese Alpine Club.
The commendation recognized their efforts of both individuals in preserving and promoting the shared mountaineering history between the two countries through exchanges between the two alpine clubs. In 1925, a Japanese expedition successfully completed the first ascent of the mountain, leaving an ice axe on the summit as a marker of their achievement. Decades later, the ice axe was discovered to have broken into two pieces, — one recovered by an American mountaineering party and the other by a Japanese mountaineering party —and the two halves were kept separately for many years. Through the dedication of individuals on both countries, including Mr. Mortimer and Mr. Sandford, the two halves were reunited in 1997. The ice axe is now on permanent display at the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum, where it stands as a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship between Canada and Japan.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the first ascent in 2000, the Alpine Club of Canada and the Japanese Alpine Club organized a series of celebratory events in Jasper, Alberta, bringing together climbers from both countries. Mr. Mortimer and Mr. Sandford played instrumental roles in fostering international collaboration, ensuring that the story of the historic ascent continued on.
Furthermore, Mr. Mortimer continues to contribute to the relationship between the two alpine clubs, including his active involvement in the 100th anniversary commemorations held in 2025.
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| Mr. Sandford presented with the Honorary Membership for the Alpine Club of Canada | Mr. Sandford receiving the Consul General’s Commendation |
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| Mr. Mortimer receiving the Consul General’s Commendation | Consul-General Wajima, Mr. Sandford, and Mr. Mortimer with their Commendation in front of a painting of Mount Alberta |
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| Alpine Club of Canada President, Isabelle Daigneault and Consul-General Wajima | Everyone engaging in fruitful conversation after the event |