On the occasion of Finland's Independence Day on 6 December 2006, the President of the Republic of Finland, Tarja Halonen, awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal to ten artists. One of the recipients was fashion artist Jukka Rintala.

Jukka Rintala was recognised for his three decades of meritorious work for the Finnish design, clothing and textile industry. Rintala's versatile talent is evidenced by his extensive body of work. As a fashion artist, he is known as a creator of both unique festive wear and elegant everyday clothes as well as for his theatrical costume designs. In addition to clothing, Jukka Rintala has designed jewellery, cutlery, fabrics and other interior textiles. His works have been displayed in numerous exhibitions in Finland and abroad. For Marimekko, Jukka Rintala has designed clothing since 1991.

The Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland is the most prestigious recognition in the field of culture in Finland. The first Pro Finlandia Medal was awarded in 1945.