For Immediate Release

Calgary, AB, March 20, 2023: A passion for justice, business, education,
and the promotion of traditional Indigenous culture are among the common
themes defining the 16 Indigenous women being honoured at the 27th annual
Esquao Awards – including this year’s Muriel Stanley Venne Leadership Award
recipient Regena Crowchild, who will be welcomed in to the Circle of Honour.
The gala event to honour these change-makers doing extraordinary work in
their communities will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Grey Eagle
Resort and Casino in Calgary, Alberta.

The Esquao Awards recognize the achievements and contributions of First
Nations, Métis, and Inuit women from across Alberta and raise awareness
about the challenges and obstacles they face. Since their inception in 1995,
over 500 women from 93 communities have been honoured in what has
become the single largest recognition event for Indigenous women in Canada.
Each year, some 600 people from across the province and beyond attend the
Esquao Awards Gala. Guests include members from all levels of government,
Indigenous organizations, Métis and First Nation leaders, businesses, friends,
and supporters. Entertainment will be provided by Stirling John and other
Indigenous performers from across the province. Tickets for the Esquao
Awards Gala are $150+GST or $1,400+GST for a table of 10 and are available
at ticketmaster.ca.

Esquao, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW), is a
non-profit organization that recognizes the role, value, and achievements of
Indigenous women in society and raises awareness around the challenges
facing them. Esquao offers culturally respectful programming in violence
prevention, achieving justice, financial literacy, healthy relationships, housing
capacity building, and leadership development for Indigenous women and
girls. Founded in 1994 by Muriel Stanley Venne CM, AOE, BA (Hon), the
organization strives to empower all Indigenous peoples in the reinforcement
and rediscovery of their language, culture, and spiritual practices.

For more information on Esquao, the 2023 Esquao Awards, or to coordinate an
interview with one of the recipients, please contact:
Erica Gladue, 780-264-2951 or 1-877-471-2171

Esquao is the stylized version of the Cree word for woman.