Each year, the Esquao Awards recognize the achievements and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women from throughout Alberta and raise awareness about the challenges and obstacles they face.

The 2022 Esquao Awards Gala was held in person and drew over 500 attendees. Among the recipients are academic and business leaders, teachers of traditional Indigenous culture, community volunteers, and advocates in the fields of child and youth development, mental health and addictions, and human rights.

Esquao, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, founded the Esquao Awards in 1995 and they have grown to be the single largest recognition event of Indigenous women in Canada, inspiring Indigenous women across the province to get involved in their communities, on and off the reserve and settlement.