Edmonton, AB, February 3, 2025: We sadly announce the passing of Margaret Pariseau, lovingly known as Marggo, on January 31, 2025 at the age of 72. Marggo was there in the earliest days of Esquao, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, an organization to help Indigenous women be heard and bring their issues to the forefront, and one that celebrated the spirit and resiliency of Indigenous women in Alberta.
Marggo served as Vice President of Esquao and together with her close friend, Muriel Stanley Venne, CM, AOE, BA (Hon.), founded the Esquao Awards in 1995. The Awards are a community recognition ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of exceptional First Nation, Métis, and Inuit women in Alberta, and has grown to be the single largest recognition event of Indigenous women in Canada.
“I’m glad I had the chance to tell her how much I loved her last time we talked, and I know I will miss her forever,” said Rachelle Venne, Esquao CEO. “I know her and mom will be changing the world on the other side, just as they did here.”
Marggo also started the Firekeepers program at Esquao which focusses on addressing addictive behaviours through cultural understanding and ceremony. It provides a safe space for Indigenous women to share their stories, learn traditional ways of healing, and experience the support of their peers and Elders.
“Marggo was a mentor, kokum, and aunty by tradition. Her gentle guidance was not just offered—it was lived,” said Esquao President Lisa D. Weber K.C. “It is my hope that the next generation of Indigenous women leaders are guided by Marggo’s teachings.”
Marggo will be deeply missed by her large and loving family, including two sons, two daughters, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, four brothers and one sister, along with many extended family members, friends and allies.
Thank you Kokum Marggo for being a shining light and providing kindness, compassion and advocacy in helping so many Indigenous women find a spiritual connection and success on their journeys. You have made a difference in all our lives.
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For more information, please contact:
Esquao, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, at 780-479-8195 or 1-877-471-2171.
About Esquao
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.
Esquao is the stylized version of the Cree word for woman.