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Angelsamong us

I n s t I t u t e f o r t h e A d v A n c e m e n t o f A b o r I g I n A l W o m e n

2013Esquao Awards

2 1 8 t h A n n u A l e s q u A o A W A r d s A n g e l s A m o n g u s 3

Message from theLieutenant Governor of Alberta

MessagesI n s t I t u t e f o r t h e A d v A n c e m e n t o f A b o r I g I n A l W o m e n

e are an Alberta-based non-profit organization, incorporated in 1995. our head office is in edmonton with several chapters in Alberta communities. IAAW has 300 members and 357 esquao Award and circle of honour recipients from over 75 communities.

mIssIon stAtement

We honour the “Angels Among Us” – Aboriginal women who have played a largely unsung role in society. We reach out to Aboriginal women in Alberta, recognizing them for their significant accomplishments in their communities. We provide opportunities for Aboriginal women through educational and self-development programs.

boArd of dIrectorsPresident & founder....................... muriel stanley venne c.m b.A (hon.) (edmonton)vice President .....................................................................marggo Pariseau (edmonton)treasurer ..............................................................................Irene v. loutitt (Wetaskiwin)director ............................................................................. martha campiou (edmonton)director ..................................................................................P. gayle mcKenzie (edson)director ..................................................................vi roberts-marten (fort chipewyan)director ........................................................................................ bee schadeck (calgary)director ........................................................................................Josie nepinak (calgary)

IA AW ProvIncIAl cIrcle of honour elders

bertha clark Jones (Athabasca)eva ladoucer (edmonton)nellie carlson (edmonton)cora fedyk (red deer)christine Joseph (cochrane)mary brown (slave lake)margaret macdonald (fort mcmurray)myrtle calahaisn (edmonton)

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2013 Progr Ams• leadership development• financial education• community based training & outreach

marion lerat (calgary)mary Kappo (sturgeon lake)Alma desjarlais (high Prairie)hon senator Thelma chalifoux (st. Albert)Joy loyer (edmonton)lorrette bowen (edmonton)lorraine savard (edmonton)

• Pre-employment• business development• Increasing safety for Aboriginal Women

Angels among usEsquao Awards 2013

contentsMessages 3-7

Award Recipients 8-13

Masters of Ceremony 14

Agenda 15

Circle of Honour 16-17

Acknowledgements 18

Messages 19-23

Entertainment 24-25

Past Recipients 26-27


Messages

Message from Honourable Alison M. Redford, QCPremier of Alberta

Messages

I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 18th annual Esquao Awards Gala, organized by the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW). Founded in 1995, IAAW is committed to promoting, advancing, and celebrating Aboriginal women in Alberta. Through its educational programs and services —open to all First Nations, Métis and Inuit women and their families— the organization has encouraged women to reach their full potential and make positive changes in their lives. I offer my sincere congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients, who take their place alongside the 357 Aboriginal women who have been honoured to date. Your hard work and commitment to excellence have made your communities, and our country, a better place in which to live. Your achievements will serve as an inspiration to future generations of Aboriginal women. Please accept my best wishes for a memorable evening.

The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P. OTTAWA 2013


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Message from the President and Founder,Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women

Welcome to the recognition ceremony for wonderful Aboriginal women in our province! The Esquao Awards give each woman a tremendous message of loving support of her family and friends and indeed the whole world as she accepts the honour bestowed on her. Congratulations!

In our eighteenth year of celebrating the strength and beauty of Aboriginal Women we acknowledge the significant contribution the eighteen honoured tonight have made to our province as well as the three hundred and fifty-seven recipients that have come before them. This year, our Circle of Honour Elders open their arms to the courageous, ground-breaking woman, Marilyn Buffalo!

We offer of prayers and condolences to our Patron Dr. Colleen Klein who has lost her husband and who has done so much to help us as an organization. She brings dignity and charm to all and continues to do so.

Thanks to our corporate sponsors, Aboriginal Leaders and friends who support this special event in very tangible ways. We deeply appreciate your commitment in helping us achieve our goals.

Sincerely,

Muriel Stanley Venne C.M.,B.A.(Hon.)

President & Founder Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women

Messages s Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations, I congratulate the many women being honoured here at the Esquao Awards. Since time immemorial, First Nations women have been the centre

of the community and leaders in all respects. With this in mind, the respect and dedication granted to our women was once again brought to light with the various social movements in the last year, which were captained by strong life-givers. However, this re-ignition of tradition must continue, First Nations women are being plagued today by indecencies, and it is up to us all as men, women, elders and youth to work together to create a better future for all First Nations. I would also like to thank the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women for their dedication to recognizing these champions, and for hosting this fine event today. Progress is being made in Aboriginal issues, and the elders have always stated it would be the women to lead the way.

grand chief craig makinawconfederacy of treaty six first nations

ood evening Elders, special guests, fellow Circle of Honour Recipients, Muriel and the countless volunteers and sponsors who dedicate their time to improve the lives of Aboriginal Women.I am honoured to be part of this Annual Gala which is celebrating its 18th year of recognizing Aboriginal

Women for their contributions to their communities.Like you, as an Aboriginal woman I have experienced many of the challenges you have faced. You have shown

us once again that through activism and not accepting status quo you have overcome these challenges.The Esquao Awards celebrates the success of Aboriginal women who took the challenge and triumphed rather

than giving in to failure. It is a pleasure to participate in honouring you who have made positive contributions to improve the lives of people in our community.

I commend IAAW for their efforts in promoting leadership roles as Aboriginal women strive to enhance their culture through further education, language preservation and renewed appreciation of the traditional arts.

I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to all of the generous sponsors gathered here. You make it possible for IAAW to recognize the phenomenal successes of these women and to honour them as they so richly deserve.

I hope you have a wonderful evening and thank you once again for inviting me.

Audrey PoitrasPresident, metis nation of Alberta

n behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, Alberta’s Capital City, it is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the 18th annual Esquao Awards Gala.Since its inception, this gala has honoured more than 350 Aboriginal women from 75 communities across

Alberta. It is an important opportunity to showcase the distinct cultural identity, incredible talent and excellent leadership of Alberta’s Aboriginal women, bringing First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities together to recognize their significant contributions. The Esquao Awards Gala challenges negative stereotypes, facilitates connections between women and girls and inspires attendees to make positive changes in their lives. Uniting award-winners, community members, government and business leaders alike, this truly uplifting event celebrates the great spirit, skills and hopeful future of Alberta’s Aboriginal community.

Thank you to the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women for organizing this event and for your dedication to investing in the lives of Aboriginal women. Your commitment to recognizing, respecting and supporting Aboriginal women helps make our city – and our province – a more vibrant, dynamic place to call home.

Congratulations to all award winners and enjoy the gala!

stephen mandel mayor, city of edmonton

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AwardRecipients

ruby fermaniuk is a court worker for native counseling services in red deer. she is a persistent advocate for fair treatment of Aboriginal people in the justice system who has won the respect of lawyers on both sides and the judges. she is a long standing member of the Youth Justice com-mittee, serving as an example of how resilience and strength of character can pull you through the tough times. she is a mentor and leader and her nominators cite her dedication, willingness to go that extra mile and open-door policy as their inspiration.

ruby fermAnIuK,red deer

Dorothy Daniels Justice

colleen chalifoux has worked with many communities in her field of so-cial work over the years. she currently works as the Aboriginal coordinator at the Peace river correctional cen-ter, where her caring and practical attitude has helped many inmates improve their lives. Through her hard work, and determination, she turns lives around. colleen understands that an inmate is a family member and a part of a larger network. she helps people connect to knowledge, healing, and training. her nomina-tors cite her faith and determination, empathy and compassion as their inspiration.

colleen chAlIfoux,PeAce rIver

Dorothy Daniels Justice

As the Aboriginal liaison for the foothills medical centre, eileen booth mentors and counsels people in challenging situations. Whether it’s informing others of their rights, providing referrals to support services or advocating, she ensures they get the help they need. Those who work with eileen describe a tireless and selfless person who maintains a posi-tive and life-affirming philosophy and using humour, gentleness and loving support. her nominators cite her professionalism, selflessness, gentle touch, and intelligence as their inspirations.

eIleen booth,cAlgArY

Health & Medicinebetty lafferty comes from Imperial mills, Alberta. This former small-town girl is one of the founders of the council of elders Advisory commit-tee. betty was instrumental in the establishment of the council, which works with the edmonton catholic school board and trustees, district leadership, staff and students. she is one of ten individuals who have worked diligently over the past six years to forge and maintain strong links between the school board and Aboriginal community and to pro-vide support for Aboriginal students and their families. As a cree elder, she is also a tremendous resource for her community. her nominators cite her passion for education, Aborigi-nal youth and compassion as their sources of inspiration.

betty lAfferty,edmonton

Rose Auger Lifetime Achievement

As an independent and joyful métis elder, Jean Johnson is known for her bright smile and light-hearted spirit. she is a teacher, leader and loving Kokum who is always willing to butcher an entire moose, collect wild medicines and berries in order to feed her community. she has overcome prejudice and poverty, utilizing her strong traditional values to beautify the community and share her knowl-edge with everyone she encounters. As a volunteer with her métis local, an entrepreneur and craftswoman, her nominators cite her loving heart, her strong cups of hot, healing tea, and her humility as their inspiration.

JeAn m. Johnson,vAlleYvIeW

Madge McRee Culture

As a cree cultural advisor within Alberta’s criminal justice system, dora Palmer brings a wealth of tra-ditional guidance to people who may feel lost and abandoned. Working with people who have been labelled as offenders, dora sees the whole and loving spirit inside. dora has spent decades fostering, caring for and inspiring others to re-connect to their culture. dora brings sweat lodges, pipe ceremonies and healing ceremonies to those who can’t bring themselves to her. she is an advocate for healing, education and recovery. her nominators cite her work ethic, leadership qualities and traditional values as their inspiration.

dorA PAlmer,sherWood PArK

Madge McRee Culture

AwardRecipients


AwardRecipients

blue eyes simpson is a passionate advocate for elders’ rights. she has helped establish several committees to address elder abuse and improving care. she has been an active partici-pant at municipal meetings, com-mittees and task forces to make her vision of healthier, dignified lives for elders a reality. she has also worked on behalf of youth and victims of sex-ual violence over the years. blue eyes has gained respect from her peers and community members by going the extra mile to get things done.

blue eyes sImPson,fort chIPeWYAn

Clara Woodbridge Community Involvement

As a mother and grandmother, ur-sula has raised over 30 children in her home in raymond. she has encour-aged all her family to pursue excel-lence through scholastic achievement and spiritual development. she has worked in addictions prevention and treatment, and has been an active and supportive presence for her family and community in the need for heal-ing and non-judgemental support. her nominators cite her steadfast and unconditional love of the children in her care, and her caring support for people as they struggle with addic-tions as her strengths.

ursulA brAss,rAYmond

Colleen Klein Children’s Future

charline cardinal has worked as the child Youth and family enhance-ment director for the Western cree tribal council for over a decade. she makes sure the children outside the community maintain a connection with their families, and provides sup-port for members of sturgeon lake cree nation, horse lake first na-tion, and duncan first nation. she is described as a woman of tremendous heart, who sits on many committees and serves as an advocate for children in care.

chArlIne cArdInAl,vAlleYvIeW

Colleen Klein Children’s Future

Juanita murphy is an excellent example of the power of healing. This enoch cree nation member has become an outspoken opponent of sexual exploitation who coura-geously shares her own experiences. her tireless efforts on behalf of people struggling with mental illness and addictions have made a differ-ence with countless survivors. she continues to work as an educator and liaison in and out of institutional settings, on the streets of edmonton and with governmental bodies. her nominators cite her courage, honesty, and strength of character as their inspiration.

JuAnItA murPhy,edmonton


michelle nieviadomy works with children and youth at risk, helping them recognize their own strengths. she is a natural leader who has brought others closer to indepen-dence, employment, sobriety and improved health using innovation and a natural ability to connect with others. michelle is a social activist and an entrepreneur, running her own fitness company in her leisure time. her nominators cite the diver-sity of michelle’s many talents, her initiative and leadership skills as their inspiration.

mIchelle nIevIAdomy,edmonton


brianna olson is dedicated to mak-ing the world a better place as an Anishnabe woman steeped in her tra-ditions and as a social worker helping others in edmonton. brianna’s daily contributions range from finding beds for the homeless to advocating for pregnant teens. she is a dancer, a martial artist and an active citizen with a sunny and loving presence. she was one of the youngest gradu-ates in her social work class, and brings an excellent understanding of the cycles of addiction, the impact of residential schools to her work. her nominators cite her inspiring example and exhaustive efforts to help people as their inspiration.

brIAnnA olson,edmonton


AwardRecipients


AwardRecipients

This Alexander first nation teen has danced the powwow circuit since she was very young. sage can be found promoting her cree culture at school and other large events. sage has won awards as an outstanding traditional, Jingle and fancy dancer, is an honor roll student and mentor to her peers, always willing to share her knowledge of traditional crafts, beading and regalia design. sage has been recog-nised for her artistry in both canada and the united states, but also for a positive exuberance which makes her a delight to be around.

sAge ArcAnd-roAn,morInvIlle

Aspiring Young Woman

university of Alberta psychology student Kristen mcArthur has risen above adversity to pursue and achieve personal and academic excellence. her pride and joy in her Aboriginal culture is obvious to all who come into contact with her, as well as her vulnerability and dramatic stage pres-ence in the theatre. she has been de-scribed as a hard worker, a leader, and a supporter of others. her nominators cite her selflessness, confidence, and courage as their inspiration.

KrIsten mcArthur,edmonton

Aspiring Young Woman

AwardRecipients

dr. Phyllis cardinal has been work-ing hard to promote Aboriginal pride and education from her home in edmonton for over a decade. As the principal of both Amiskwaciy Academy and Kitaskinaw schools, she advocates for the development of new technologies and access to smart boards and computer labs. Phyllis assists her students by advocating for the potential she sees and never gives up on them. her nominators cite her positivity, her uncompromising vision of the future, and her commit-ment to the next generation as their inspiration.

dr. PhyllIs cArdInAl,edmonton

Education

elizabeth ferguson is a familiar and friendly face at the university of le-thbridge for first nations, metis and Inuit students. As the coordinator of native student Advising she has been instrumental in creating a welcome space for Aboriginal students. her participation in numerous commit-tees has led to the creation of services that students can not only participate in, but also profit from. elizabeth’s commitment to building bridges by creating and hosting events to com-bat prejudice have helped ease social tensions and increased the hope for a “shared way” forward.

elIzAbeth Anne ferguson,lethbrIdge

Education

As a mother of three children, Alexander first nation member Jody Kootenay has her hands full; but she still has time to finish two bachelor’s degrees, work full time at the band office and teach at Yellowhead col-lege. she has spent years modeling, teaching healthy living and getting involved in community initiatives, all with an eye towards improving the lives of those around her. Jody has been active in many grassroots move-ments on her first nation, sometimes as a leader, sometimes in the back-ground and her contributions have enriched the landscape for the better. her nominators cite her unyielding commitment, leadership and sharp, creative mind as their inspirations.

Jody KootenAy,morInvIlle

Education


5:30 pm o Pe n I n g michelle Thrush and Keith laboucan, masters of ceremony

g r A n d e n t r y

elder ernie cardinal guest speakers muriel stanley venne, Welcome

6:20 pm dI n n e r nellie carlson, meal blessing larson yellowbird, traditional flute

6:40 pm e n t e r tA I n m e n t metis child & family Jiggers

7:00 pm AWA r d Pr e s e n tAt Io n s rose Auger lifetime Achievement: betty lafferty ............................................................Presenter: MLA Brian Mason madge mcree culture: Jean m. Johnson ........................................................................Presenter: MLA Genia Leskiw madge mcree culture: dora Palmer ............................................ Presenter: Edmonton Young Offender Centre (tbc)

dorothy daniels Justice: ruby fermaniuk ........................................................... Presenter: MLA Mary Ann Jablonski dorothy daniels Justice: colleen chalifoux ........................................................... Presenter: MP Linda Duncan (tbc)

health & medicine: eileen booth ................................................................................ Presenter: MLA Danielle Smith

7:35 pm e n t e r tA I n m e n t leela gilday

7:50 pm AWA r d Pr e s e n tAt Io n s clara Woodbridge community Involvement: Juanita murphy ........ Presenter: RCMP KARE Corporal Joe Verhaghe clara Woodbridge community Involvement: michelle nieviadomy .......................... Presenter: MLA Sohail Quandri clara Woodbridge community Involvement: brianna olson .....Presenter: City of Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel clara Woodbridge community Involvement: blue eyes simpson ...................Presenter: Suncor Energy, Karen Olson colleen Klein children’s future: ursula brass ............................................................ Presenter: Catherine Twinn (tbc)

colleen Klein children’s future: charline cardinal .......................................Presenter: Grand Chief Craig Makinaw

8:20 pm e n t e r tA I n m e n t Kookum martha

8:45 pm AWA r d Pr e s e n tAt Io n s education Award: dr. Phyllis cardinal ............................................................Presenter: EPSB Trustee Dave Colburn education Award: elizabeth Ann ferguson ................................................ Presenter: Chief Charles Weaselhead (tbc)

education Award: Jody Kootenay .........................................................................Presenter: Minister Jeff Johnson (tbc)

Aspiring Young Woman: sage Arcand-roan ...........Presenter: Calgary Stampede Indian Princess Amber Big Plume Aspiring Young Woman: Kristen mcArthur ....................................................................Presenter: MLA Deron Bilous

9:10 pm c I rc l e of ho n ou r dorothy macdonald leadership Award: marilyn buffalo ................................................ Presenter: Syncrude Canada

9:25 pm c l o s I n g

AgendaMasters Ceremonyofm Ich e l l e t hrushmichelle Thrush has been working professionally in film, television and theatre for over twenty years - having experienced her first film role at the age of seventeen. At the age of twenty-one, michelle pursued her dream of acting professionally. ms. Thrush has currently over forty professional credits in the entertainment industry and is an award winning actress with many noted accomplishments.

her latest achievements include:

• 2012 rosie Award for best Performance by an Alberta Actress • Appointed 2012 Alberta Aboriginal role model of the Year • 2011 gemini for best Performance by an Actress in a continuing leading dramatic role for

her character gail stoney from the hit APtn dramatic series Blackstone• 2009 best supporting Actress in san francisco at the American Indian film festival• In 1999, she received the best supporting Actress at the first Americans in the Arts Awards in

los Angeles for her role opposite Jack Palance in the comedy western Ebeneezer

michelle’s other television credits include being a regular on the popular APtn showcase series Moccasin Flats, as well as starring as Kate in two seasons of the comedy hit Mixed Blessings. Well known for her recurring role as sylvie lebret in the hit cbc series North of 60, michelle recently starred opposite oscar Winner benicio del toro in the feature film AKA Jimmy Picard (2013). ms. Thrush has performed in numerous films including Unnatural and Accidental, Pathfinder, Don’t call me Tonto, Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee, and Dreamkeeper. A memorable experience was working opposite Johnny depp and gary farmer in the feature film Deadman which has achieved international cult classic status.

michelle Thrush is an alumni member and an Artistic director of crazy horse Aboriginal Theatre company, she continues to write, act, direct, and produce theatre, film and artistic events.

K e It h l A bouc A nKeith laboucan is a video journalist with the APtn national news edmonton bureau. he received his radio & television Arts diploma from the northern Alberta Institute of technology (nAIt) in 2010 and quickly became a recognizable figure in the capital region.

In addition to gathering news stories, Keith is a successful hip-hop recording artist. since 2002 he has continued to captivate national and international audiences as a member of the multiple-award winning group reddnation.

Prior to skillfully redesigning the landscape of the Aboriginal music scene through catchy lyricism, he toured across north America and europe with the red Thunder native dance Theatre. his early involvement in this renowned dance troupe served as the catalyst for a performing career that has reached many countries with over 1600 performances-to-date…and counting.

Keith currently resides in the city of champions, is a fan of the edmonton oilers, and is enthusiastic to inspire others through his many talents and experiences.


Circle Honourof Circle Honourof his award is given to an Aboriginal Woman in a leadership position who continues to advocate for other Aboriginal women and their issues because they have lived through it.

They have preserved and their courage, strength and beauty are examples for all of us, but especially for young women and girls.

dr. colleen Klein first coined the phrase, “circle of honour” and was brought into the circle by our elders in 2001.

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Others who have received this award are:

2002 honourable Pearl calahasen2003 honourable senator Thelma chalifoux2004 honourable ethel blondin-Andrews2006 grand chief chief rose laboucan2007 Audrey Poitras2008 Kathleen mchugh2009 dr. cora voyageur2010 beverly Jacobs2011 dr. maggie hodgson2002 melissa blake, mayor of the regional municipality of Wood buffalo

marilyn buffalo of edmonton will receive the 2013 dorothy macdonald leadership Award and be welcomed into the circle of honour.

Samson Cree Nation member Marilyn Buffalo spent over 40 years in a life-long pursuit of justice on behalf of Aboriginal people. At the age 25, in 1975 Marilyn was the first Indigenous person appointed as Advisor on Native Affairs to the University of Alberta. As the founding chair of the General Fac-ulties Council Committee on Native Studies at the University, she helped lay the foundation for a format for all Aboriginal programming at the university campus, including the Faculty of Native Studies, and Native Student Services.

In 1985, Ms. Buffalo became the founding chair of the Aboriginal Peoples Commission at the Alberta Liberal Party Convention, and in June 1986, became co-chair of the Aboriginal Liberal Caucus of the Liberal Party of Canada. Seven years later she was appointed Na-tional Director of Aboriginal Policy for the Liberal Party. But when the Liberal party government didn’t fulfill the promises in the policy, she joined many prominent leaders in a public burning of the Red Book.

From 1994 Marilyn Buffalo was senior policy advisor to AFN National Chief Ovide Mercredi, until she was elected President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada in 1997. Then, as now, she fought against the marginalisation of Aboriginal women and spoke with courage and persistence about the plight of the hundreds of Can-ada’s missing and murdered Aborig-inal women. During that tenure, she was one of four indigenous women invited by the Rockefeller Founda-tion to be delegates and presenters, along Desmond Tutu, at the State of

the World Forum in San Francisco, chaired by Mikhail Gorbachev.

In the year 2000, Marilyn was recognised as Canada’s “Role Model of the Year” by Chatelaine magazine. In 2002, she received the Southern Chiefs of Manitoba’s Eagle Feather Award in recognition of her continued dedication to First Nations Land and Treaty Rights. In 2004, The Native Women’s Association of Canada gave her its “Golden Eagle Award” for a life-time of advocacy on behalf of First Nations women.

Marilyn comes from a long trad-ition of leadership and courage; she is a descendant of Yellow Mud Blanket, brother to Chief Pound-maker who signed Treaty 6 and she is the granddaughter of John B. Tootoosis, Treaty activist and one of the founders of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the National Indian Brotherhood, now known as the Assembly of First Nations. She has long been an advocate for women, encouraging generations by her leadership. In 2000, she ran as a candidate for Chief position within the Assembly of First Nations. As one of the few female candidates within the AFN, she brought women’s issues to the forefront of the national political debate.

Marilyn is also active in Cree trad-itions, as a mother and grandmother. Her Cree name, given to her by elder in a sundance ceremony is Morning Sun Woman. Marilyn continues to work as a consultant and policy advisor on women and children’s rights, education and social issues in Alberta.

2013Dorothy MacDonald Leadership Award and Circle of Honour RecipientMarilyn Buffalo


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Messageshank you for the invitation to the 18th Annual Esquao Awards Gala and on behalf of the East Prairie

Metis Settlement, we congratulate this year’s award recipients. As an aboriginal people, we are on the cusp of major change, growth and development. At the heart of all this change there is one constant: the strong women of our communities. The responsibilities of aboriginal women have evolved to include much more than the traditional roles of mothers, daughters and wives. Although these roles are as important as they’ve ever been, many aboriginal women have combined those aspects of daily living to include education, careers, volunteer work, etc. The voice of today’s aboriginal woman has become educated, knowledgeable, proud and strong while remaining true to their traditions and culture. They are making a visible difference and are impacting the lives of young ladies who aspire to be like the recipients of these awards, through the Institute’s acknowledgement and celebration of aboriginal women.

The annual Esquao Awards Gala is an occasion to honour our outstanding women in their respective fields. The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women plays a very important role in the evolving culture of our women.

Once again, on behalf of the East Prairie Metis Settlement, congratulations to the award recipients and best wishes for continued success at this very special occasion.

gerald cunninghamchairman, east Prairie metis settlement

am delighted to offer my congratulations to this year’s Esquao Award recipients!The Esquao Awards offer a wonderful and positive platform to celebrate the hard work and enduring

contributions made by First Nation, Metis and Inuit women in Alberta.Thank you to all recipients (past, present and future!) for the strength and wisdom that you bring to our

families, communities, organizations and governments.

don cunningham chair, metis settlements Appeal tribunal

n behalf of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), I offer our heartfelt congratulations on your achievements! You deserve recognition for your contributions to community, and more broadly, to the

advancement of Aboriginal women everywhere. NWAC was founded almost 40 years ago on a collective goal to enhance Aboriginal women’s engagement

nationally. Our mandate is to achieve equality for all Aboriginal women in Canada. NWAC is actively involved with partner organizations such as the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW) to achieve this goal, and ultimately, to end discrimination against Indigenous women everywhere.

The Esquao Awards recognizes our unsung women, the ‘Angels Among us.’ It acknowledges women like you whose selfless dedication to Aboriginal women’s issues would otherwise go unnoticed. Our hope is that you will accept this award and our appreciation for your continued efforts to ‘give back’, and to make our communities better places to live and raise our children. We need more women like you!

I regret that I was unable to honour you with this Award in person. Your achievements reflect the heart of our nations and give strength to the women who strive to follow in your footsteps.

michèle Audette President, native Women’s Association of canada

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Sponsors

Acknowledgements

tA bl e sP ons or s

enbridge Pipelines

Alberta human services

e s q uA o AWA r d s c o - f o u n d e r s muriel stanley venne and marggo Pariseau

P r o d u c e r rachelle venne

o r g A n I z I n g t e A m sylvia evasiw, connie Iverson, stephanie Williams, bernadette swanson

P r o g r A m & P o s t e r d e s I g n christine Pearce, Poptart design

v I d e o clint reese, Invert 720 Productions

s o u n d blair mcewen, fm systems

m e d I A darryl shott

P h o t o g r A P h e r Amanda mcIntyre

v o l u n t e e r s Paula bailey, Kerri brisson, Thelma carter, taylor hellerud, cst. Kandis hiscock, cheri Jubinville, Jeff landry, robert langton, Anne Pariseau, melissa richards, Jordon reeves, Kristy steinhauer, marina steinhauer, shalena swanson, rick venne, shirley West, cheryle Wong, Joanne Wood, April eve Wyberg

© Esquao is the stylized version for the Cree word for Woman and is copyrighted.


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Messagesn behalf of Alberta’s New Democrat caucus, it is my privilege to send greetings and our heartiest

congratulations to the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women and the honoured recipients of this year’s Esquao Awards.

All of the women receiving awards tonight have made important changes in their communities by their daily and important contributions to address the systemic barriers to full social justice faced by too many Aboriginal women. The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women serves not only to support these community leaders, but also to empower all women in their commitment to positive change. The tireless work that the dedicated staff and volunteers do every day to promote the strength and achievements of Aboriginal women deserves our recognition and our ongoing support.

The women honoured tonight are testament to the great accomplishments of Aboriginal women in Alberta. These awards not only honour the exceptional women on stage but are also a testament to the strength at the heart of Alberta’s indigenous families and communities. Please accept our congratulations and warm wishes for ongoing success.

brian masonleader of the ndP opposition

mlA, edmonton - highlands - norwood

n behalf of my colleagues in the Wildrose Official Opposition and all of our constituents, please accept my enthusiastic best wishes for the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women and the wonderful work

that is being recognized at the 18th annual Esquao Awards Gala. Alberta is fortunate to have an organization like the IAAW dedicated to promoting, recognizing and

empowering Alberta’s aboriginal women leaders. The outstanding work that the Esquao awards have done to improve the lives of aboriginal individuals and

families have a tremendous impact on our great province. Congratulations to all the award recipients – and thank you so much for all you do for Alberta.

danielle smithleader of the Wildrose official opposition

mlA for highwood

ood evening! Welcome all to tonight’s celebration of Aboriginal women at this,, the 2013 Esquao Awards.Congratulations to all worthy recipients! It is rare indeed to be recognized for all that we Aboriginal women

do in our society. So, tonight is so important to all recipients. You join a long list of distinguished women who have proven themselves to be active and influential members of our communities in a wide range of fields. By honouring these strong and dedicated women, we acknowledge the drive and commitment that they have shown in order to build stronger communities and pass on the important values and traditions of our cultures to present and future generations.

As an Aboriginal woman, I know how important it is to provide positive examples and role models within the Aboriginal community to inspire our young women. As a former recipient of the Esquao Award myself, I truly believe that honouring the positive work of Aboriginal women from across Alberta inspires all females to make positive changes and to become leaders in our respective communities.

Again, congratulations to those of you who have been nominated to be honoured at this year’s Esquao Awards.Eh koh sih!

Pearl calahasenmlA, lesser slave lake

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Messagesn behalf of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, we would like to congratulate all recipients of the 18th

Annual Esquao Awards, in recognition of your achievements as Aboriginal Women in Canada and as mentors and leaders of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women. You are builders of stronger communities and give us much needed hope and inspiration.

Ish Nish, Thank you

chief clayton ‘tony’ Alexis Alexis nakota sioux nation

irst of all, I would like to thank you for inviting me to the 18th Annual Esquao Awards Gala. Please accept my apologies for not being able to attend this event. I believe in this event, as well as in the Institute

for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women.It is of utmost importance to honour these women, who have played such an important role – and will

continue to – in strengthening their respective communities, society as a whole, and, ultimately, Canada.I am proud of the accomplishments of all the recipients for not only what they have done – but for the other

women and girls they inspire on a daily basis, who will, in turn, impact their communities in the future.Events such as this one are essential, as they draw attention to and praise the contributions of women whose

work deserves to be noticed and applauded. I want to personally thank these women and celebrate their efforts as they continue to build and fortify

Canada’s Aboriginal communities. I congratulate you and thank you for being role models.

chris WarkentinmP, Peace river

t is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest greetings to everyone at the 18th Annual Esquao Awards, and send my regrets at being unable to attend.

Since the inception of the IAAW’s Esquao Awards program, Aboriginal women have been honoured for their contributions in the arts, social services and advocacy, health and medicine, culture, politics, justice, and community involvement. The awards program also recognizes individuals for lifetime achievement and honours an aspiring young woman.

For the past 18 years, this annual event has drawn thousands of corporate, government and Aboriginal leaders from across Alberta and Canada to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal women from the Province of Alberta. The event is renowned as the only gala awards ceremony in Canada that specifically celebrates the achievements of Aboriginal women.

It has been my pleasure to attend the Esquao Awards Gala in previous years and to learn of the various achievements over the years by many outstanding Aboriginal Women throughout Alberta.

It is organizations such as IAAW that support Aboriginal women achieve their dreams and aspirations. Keep up the amazing work!

hon. laurie hawnPc, cd, mP – edmonton centre

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Messages want to extend my warmest wishes and congratulations to all the recipients of the 2013 Esquao Awards.

The awards recognizes the achievements of aboriginal women in Canada in a range of categories including health, education, justice, culture, community involvement and many others.

You are all among the group of 357 deserving aboriginal women honoured from over 75 Alberta communities since the gala’s inception who represent the self-determination, strength and perseverance of aboriginal women.

I applaud the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women for shining a light on these unsung women and their significant contributions to their communities.

I thank each and every one of you for your service and for being an inspiration for other women and girls to follow suit. As Albertans and Canadians, we must all collaborate to promote and celebrate our aboriginal women while supporting their work in community building.

mike Allen mlA fort mcmurray-Wood buffalo

t is with the greatest respect and pride that I congratulate the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women on their 18th Annual Esquao Awards Gala, the largest sponsored event that recognizes

the achievements of Aboriginal Women in Canada. Congratulations to all the Esquao nominees and award winners. You are indeed Angels Among Us for whom we are very grateful! Thank you for inspiring all of us and for the special blessings that you bring to our communities.

mary Anne JablonskimlA, red deer – north

ongratulations to the 2013 recipients of the Esquao Awards!

“The hand that rocks the cradle should also rock the boat” (U.N. Decade for Women)

laurie blakemanmlA for the fabulous constituency of edmonton-centre

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Messagesongratulations to this evening’s Esquao Award recipients. With this recognition you join the 357 distinguished women, from across Alberta, who have been similarly honoured over the past 17 years.Thank you to the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women for continuing to recognize the

achievements and contributions of Alberta’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit women. I also acknowledge the efforts of the organizing committee and many volunteers for your commitment to making tonight a truly memorable occasion.

On behalf of City Council and the residents of St. Albert I extend thanks to all Aboriginal women for your numerous contributions which enhance the quality of life we enjoy.

nolan crousemayor, city of st. Albert

t is a sincere pleasure and privilege to congratulate and celebrate the women honoured at the 18th Annual Esquao Awards sponsored by the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. I applaud each one of

you on achieving your individual goals, for your commitment to your heritage and for inspiring others in your communities to empower Aboriginal women.

Your determination and ongoing commitment to work together to provide opportunities for Aboriginal women to explore spiritual and cultural practices to better themselves and their communities is to be commended. By continuing to share your wisdom and foresight with those who will follow in your footsteps, you ensure the traditions and heritage of Aboriginal peoples is carried forward for future generations.

On behalf of Strathcona County, please accept our sincere congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful evening and a bright new year.

linda osinchukmayor, strathcona county

n behalf of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the Aboriginal women who will be honoured tonight at the 18th annual Esquao Awards Gala. Though I am unable to be with you in person, I reflect fondly on last year’s gala when I had the privilege

of being welcomed into the Circle of Honour. It was a deeply moving moment for me… one that that I am extremely thankful to have experienced and one that I will cherish for a lifetime.

I encourage each of the incredible women here tonight to also cherish this evening. You are an inspiration to your community and deserve to be celebrated!

This year, I am particularly thrilled to see that one of the honourees is from Fort Chipewyan, a rural community in the municipality that I represent. For years Blue Eyes Simpson has devoted herself to passionately serving Fort Chipewyan and the region as a whole.

Like Blue Eyes, each woman here tonight has been blessed with specific talents and gifts. You have used those talents and gifts selflessly, courageously and admirably. You are role models for Aboriginal women of every age and of every community, even beyond Alberta.

I would also like to acknowledge the work of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. You are doing important work by supporting, promoting, and recognizing the achievements and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women in Alberta. I wish you continued success!

Once again, I congratulate all of you and wish you a wonderful evening.

melissa blakemayor, regional municipality of Wood buffalo

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Entertainers

A passionate, soulful performer, singer/songwriter leela gilday takes her audiences on a journey through a deep and vibrant landscape resonating with musical images shaped by her powerful voice. her music unites mel-ody, lyrics, and language rooted in her northern canadian heritage while embodying the essence of being dene in an urban environment. from her home in Yellowknife, nWt, leela gilday has carved out an international award winning career, with both a Juno and a Western canadian music Award.

“Leela Gilday’s voice comes straight from the heart. It’s the voice of a winner; the song of a warrior. That’s the call of Leela Gilday.”– David Newland, Roots Music Canada

Leela Gilday(featured performer)

Entertainers

Kookum martha will help you find yours; she has a quick wit and unique Indian humour that will have you laughing with tears. every-one has their own “Inner elder”

This comedic character has been en-tertaining audiences with a message for years. now she has a one woman show all about her journey along the road of being an elder in training.

michelle Thrush is an award win-ning actress – seen on APtn’s one hour drama “blackstone” as well as many other film, television and theatre productions.

Kookum Martha

métis child & family Jiggers are committed to the cultural pres-ervation of métis dancing. They promote the métis traditions of music and dance by performing at various functions and events. some of the traditional dances of the métis include the drops of brandy, the duck dance, reel of 8, and of course the well-known “red river Jig”. The dancers have been performing since 2004 and are selected from interested children in the greater edmonton area.

The jiggers have distinguished themselves at the national cham-pionships in batoche, saskatchewan by placing first at each competi-tion they’ve entered. They have performed for the queen in 2005, lieutenant governor ball, ed-monton symphony orchestra at the Winspear centre as well as the healing our spirit World-Wide conference in hawaii in 2010. The city of edmonton honored this youth group with the “salute to excellence” Arts & culture Performance Award in 2011. each member of this group is deeply honored to have Alberta’s music legend, Alfie myhre as the fiddler and the talented ray st germain as the back-up guitarist.

Metis Child & Family Jiggers

A member of samson cree nation, larson is a proud father of five chil-dren and husband to Juliann. his occupation in a gIs technologist for first nation technical services (tsAg) and he also runs his late fathers business “lars leather”. larson and his family attend pow wow’s and are strong believers in the cree traditions. his father had a flute and taught him and his siblings how to share the stories through the music of the flute.

Larson Yellowbird

The river cree drum group was formed in 1991 by Jesse morin. The enoch cree nation is the home base for the drum group, although most of the members are not from the enoch band. Through the group’s evolution, the river cree drum group has added salteaux, stony and blackfoot singers.

The group was a nominee for best Pow Wow – contemporary cd for the 2012 Aboriginal Peoples choice music Awards.

River Cree Drum Group


Esquao Award Recipients

nellie carlsonbertha clark Jonesmarge JohansenAlvena strasbourgclara Woodbridge

eva beretidelia grayflorence Parenteauevelyn WebbTheresa Whiskeyjack

christine danielsvictoria mcdonaldelsie quintalAlice steinhauerrose Yellowfeet

charmaine letourneauernestine ridsdale lillian marie sidonia Wut-

tuneemary Anne swanhazel Wheeler

Karen AbrahamKaren Acunacrystal ArcandJulia AugerPhilomena Aulotte Paula baileychrista big canoePaulette campiourudy cardinal edith della costavalerie dennehydawn fergusonsylvia JohnsonJustina Jonesruth KidderTheresa laffertylinda lalibertedonna leaskshannon loutittmelanie matchatismadge mcreecarol Paquettelillian Parenteauloretta Parenteauelsie Paul

sophie Powderstella reynoldsJulia robertson-gibbonsgina russellruth scalplockmarion sinclairevelyn smithdarlene ThompsonJane Woodwardclara Yellowknee

Pearl Augerleona beaulieubonnie belhumeurAmanda boisvertnicole bourqueKaren brunosandra cardinalJessica clarkginnie lee collinssheila courtorielleAnnette cutknifedelilah dwyernora flettester girouxbrenda holderemily huntersteph Jensenoctavie l’hirondelle-calihoomarie mcleodmarge muellerevelyn norbergJoyce Parenteaueleanor sawan

victoria ArcandJoely big eaglelorraine burroughsTheresa campioutantoo cardinaldonna cypriendonna decoteaucora fedyklynn gauthierKrista huntershirley hunterbarbara laderouteJenny laderouterose lamemanlouise m. loyienoreen mcAteerJoyce metchewaisheather Poitras

Audrey Poitrasfreda lynn PrinceJackie sandercheryl sheldoneva stangmargaret stylescaroline von graddoreen Wabascaelaine Wardmargaret Whiteknifeclara Wilsonelsie Winnepeg

Jean AndersonJosephine beaverJudy belcourtAura calahasenPauline cardinalcarol carifelle-brzezickidorothy chapmanbonnie clarkcst.sarah clear-sky Kroppterry lynn cookcecilia courtoreilleAngie crerardoris domaklola ducharmeAdeline grandboisbrandy Johnston-twinval Kaufmanramona KuhnJanice larocquebonnie lehrAngela lightningdenise. l lightningdorothy macdonaldP. gayle mcKenzieKathy mcKinnonJamie medicine-crane-

standoffmarilyn merastybarbara modestebeverly newmabel PepinYvonne Poitras-Prattrose Pottslinda rema-bulldorothy simonsharon smallvie spangmildred suveeJeanette toddbarbara trottierlaura vinson

florence Wanuchmargaret Waterchiefdonna Websterhelene (beaudry) WilsonAdrienne l. Yellowdirt

melvina ArcandAnne marie Augerlinda boudreau-semaganisIda bullnatasha calf robe-

Ayoungmanleona cartercarol crowelorraine deschambeaushirley dionlynda dwyerAutumn eaglespeakerfelice gladuemabel gouletbetty hamiltonchief rose laboucaneva ladouceurPriscilla moringerri manyfingersemma martineauJosie nepinakbetty nordinhelen PiperPeggy robertscynthia smallboylinda stephanruth suveeverona WhiteTheresa c. Wildcat

edna ArcandIsabel Augerrose AugerAnnie bare shin bonemary brownKathleen cardinalJune cardinal-howsenora chapdelainedorothy chartrandmurleen crossensophie dionvelma dumontbeatrice leboeufIsabel longmoreolive manitopyesYvonne oshanykAlice reid

edna rainmargaret simpsonelsie stenstromrickie lyn stepienlaurie ThompsonWendy Walkerleonie (lee) Willier

marlene Arcandevelyn brerttonclaudine cardinalsophie cardinalmarcella cunninghamroxanne davismarion dickrose findlaysandra flamondAudrey franklinflorence gauchervie huntertaz Johnson-mcgillismargaret macdonaldeve macmillianlinda manuelrachelle mcdonaldPeggy mcgillislillian shirtYvonne soundflora Willier

laura Arcandlaverne ArcandPeacha Atkinsondr. betty bastienlena bumsteadmargaret cardinaldoreen cardinalsusan cardinal-lamouchelucille cookbarbara courtorielledoris courtorielleAlma desjarlaismary Kapporuby lacombedoreen lamemanmarion leratlaura mclaughlinmichelle morinclaudette rainleigh-Ann sheldon-houleclaudia simpsonchristine sokaymoh frederickPauline Thompson

germaine Andersonlorraine bouchersharon bourquenora callioumartha campiouviolet campiouchesare cardinaldarlene collinsdora courteoreilleAngela fergusonsusie fischercrystal JanvierAntoinette macdonalddoreen moyahvera Pottsmargaret quinneyvina roberts-martendoreen roysherryl sewepagahamKari Thomasonmaria vermillionvictoria Whalen

grace Augerbrenda bourque-stratichukmyrtle calahaisnlorraine cunninghamrosie day-riderhazel derangedolores flettJonelle gladueshelly hamelinlana hilldebbie houlebernadette Iahtaildeborah lloyddoris macdonaldhazel mcKennittIsabel louise o’kanesePauline ominayakAlvina Pricelise robinsonsusie robinsoncarla saunders

beverly Allardlaura AugerJocelyne baumantamara lynn browncrystal clarkdorothy courtereillemarcella delorme

sophie heibertfreida hookJanet housebeverley Jacobsbrenda laboucanflorence largevirginia lazarremelody lepineIrene morinshirley shillinglawgloria shortA. mae steinhauer bouvetteelsie YanikKaren Young

rita Augerleona boyerKayla fayantvalerie findlayKay halfmelissa dawn Isaacdonna leekingdonna many grey horsesmalvina moore

sally morinPhyllis-grace steevesAlice strawberryKaren telfordcorey Wells de cortezverna Wittigo

susan bartheldarlene calliouxPatricia campiouelaine cardinalrosalie cardinalluci Johnsoncarrie KohanTheresa majeranAlgina moniaslorna morinmueller cst. Kimlinda newsomeclara sigurdurmargaret supernaultdr.cora Weber-Pillwaxcheryle Wong

1996

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2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

1996-2012

Circle of Honourcolleen Kleinhonourable Pearl calahasenhonourable senator Thelma chalifouxhonourable ethel blondin-Andrewgrand chief rose laboucanAudrey PoitrasKathleen mchughdr. cora voyageurbeverley Jacobsdr. maggie hodgsonmayor melissa blake

(Began 2001)

Esquao Award Recipients 1996-2012

I n s t I t u t e f o r t h e A d v A n c e m e n to f A b o r I g I n A l W o m e n

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