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 2024 Esquao Awards Gala was held in Calgary at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino 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.

The 2023 honoured Esquao Award recipients included leaders in trades and technology, education, and business; teachers of traditional Indigenous culture and holistic health; and advocates seeking justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Click here to read about the 2023 Esquao Award Recipients.

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.