Edna Blyan
A Métis woman born and raised in the Cold Lake area, Edna Blyan currently resides on the Elizabeth Métis Settlement with her husband of 50 plus years, Emile Blyan. Best known as a respected wife, mother and friend, Edna is a source of strength in her community. Edna has raised 19 children, as such she is the backbone of her family. Having fostered many youths, Edna is known for instilling acceptance and a dedication to her Métis ways within her family and community. Edna continues to be a selfless worker for her community. She is often called upon to provide traditional cultural presentations, teach the nêhiyaw language as well as sharing Métis history. Edna is a respected and proud member of her Métis community and has truly made her community her family.
Matricia Brown
Matricia is well known for her artwork, music, philanthropy and for being the local Knowledge Keeper for Jasper National Park. Matricia holds a degree in Vocal Performance which she has utilized when performing beautiful Cree cultural drumming internationally. With her daughter, Matricia drums and sings with her active performing arts business, “Warrior Women.” Matricia’s plethora of knowledge has been recognized in multiple communities including the Mayors Artist Award in 2016. This is in recognition of Matricia’s role in showing the beauty of indigenous culture and promotion of positive understandings of Canada’s tumultuous past and present to many in the Jasper and Albertan context. Matricia teaches indigenous culture and issues to high school students, runs aboriginal awareness workshops, and is the local representative for Jasper Elementary staff Blanket ceremony. Matricia’s use of her art to fight for social justice and for future generations, is an inspiration to many.
Elder Rosemary (Rose) Crowshoe
Proud daughter of Elizabeth and Julius English, granddaughter of Sally and Charles Pete Provost Sr, and Emma and John W. English, mother, and wife, Rosemary Crowshoe puts family first. Elder Crowshoe has been recognized for her efforts in providing safe, ethical, relevant and appropriate cultural teachings within the Calgary community and beyond for many years. Having studied Blackfoot Traditional Territorial History and ways of knowing, Elder Crowfoot has worked towards sharing this with her community. In her roles with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, the Circle for Aboriginal Relations Society, the United Way Calgary and Area among countless others Elder Crowfoot has shaped her community. Elder Crowshoe’s knowledge, wisdom, and community connections have been truly inspiring as well as crucial in the success of her communities.
Rain Desjarlais
A member of the Frog Creek First Nations born in Wetaskiwin, Rain currently resides in Calgary where she has dedicated herself to her family, her community and her academic pursuits. Rain has excelled in her Registered Nursing program while using her ceremonial teachings to maintain herself and her two children Mathis and Thalis. Rain’s sons are what drive her. When Rain speaks about her experiences her passion shines through. This is clear in the jingle dresses she beads and sews for powwow regalia. Rain is a role model for her family and those who know her journey.
Eva John Gladue
Eva has contributed to the wellbeing of First nations community by working together with employers, chiefs, council members, and front-line workers to progressively and constructively enhance employment and training opportunities for all. Eva has contributed to a legacy of success and independence for indigenous peoples. This is most evident in her creation of the T.R.E.A.T.Y employment development model. This has been recognized by Service Canada and by the six Nations she supports. Eva is a dedicated leader, who possesses personal integrity and a passion to help First Nations People succeed, especially in her Frog Lake First Nations community.
Amanda Gould
A Nehiyaw iskwew from Fort McMurray First Nation carries a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies and over 15 years of helping experience in her community. She currently works at the College and Association of Registered Nurses in Alberta (CARNA) as well as in Fort McMurray First Nation. Amanda is known for her tireless efforts and outstanding leadership in practicing and preserving cultural practices and ways of life. Through impactful formal and information education opportunities with CARNA as well as the University of Alberta Occupational Therapy Department, Amanda is an invaluable support for Indigenous communities. She established a fancy dance group in Fort McMurray, where she continues to contribute her gifts to others.
Donna Knebush
Donna Knebush is a passionate leader in the community. Donna creates a space for knowledge to be shared that brings communities together. Donna has led the City of Edmonton’s Indigenous Awareness portfolio as well as the Edmonton Indigenous Employee Resource Network for over twelve years. In addition, Donna’s efforts in the respect in the workplace section which will have a wide-reaching effect not only on respect and inclusion within the workplace, but also in the ways in which employees interact with indigenous peoples on a much wider scale. Donna has been the organizational leader in building relationships and supporting the mandate to educate all employees on the historical intergenerational impact of residential schools and reconciliation. It is Donna’s belief that education is the key to making the City of Edmonton government as well as the Edmonton community more broadly, a place where indigenous peoples are included, respected, and safe.
