In 1972, during his last expedition, Jean Poirel guided Pierre Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, who came in person to evaluate this mysterious and fascinating region. Pierre Trudeau discerned the award of The Explorers to Jean Poirel, declaring: "It required an uncommon determination to venture there and bring to our knowledge this still untouched portion of Canadian territory. In doing so, Jean Poirel linked his name to the Nahanni as the Verendrye and his sons linked his name to the Rocky Mountains."