Esquao Awards
The Esquao Awards highlight the significant role Indigenous women hold in their home, in the healing and development of their communities, and in the building of Alberta. To date, 542 women from close to 100 communities have received Esquao Awards.
Each year, some 600 people from across the province and beyond attend the Esquao Awards ceremonies. Guests include members from all levels of government, Indigenous organizations, Métis, Inuit and First Nation leaders, businesses, friends, and supporters.
The Esquao Awards are unique because there is no competition between nominees. When the community completes the nomination form, the Indigenous woman is deemed to be a ‘Community Champion’ in one of the categories and is honoured with an Esquao Award. This policy has worked miraculously to reduce the division between women, and recognizes our women as ‘Angels Among Us’.
Award Categories
Arts
Excellence in the visual arts, including writers, actors, or musicians.
Business
Success in business development or ownership.
Children’s Future
Integrating a child’s perspective in planning and promoting services to children or to help children live their dreams.
Community Involvement
Those striving for community wellness, ensuring community engagement, or community development.
Culture
Practicing and preserving cultural practices and way of life.
Education
Achievement in the educational system.
Health & Medicine
Advocates, staff, or administration in the health system.
International
Pursuit of international relationship with Indigenous women around the world.
Justice & Human Rights
Courage and determination in pursuing justice or advocating for human rights.
Lifetime Achievement
A lifetime commitment of helping others in their community.
Service to Country & Community
Those serving or have served in the Canadian Forces, Police, Fire, or Emergency Services.
Sports
Achievement in organized sports including rodeo, hockey, water sports, or boxing.
Trades & Technology
Success in trades and/or technology, including construction, engineering, and environmental management.
Circle of Honour Recipients
Each year, the Esquao Board selects an Indigenous woman in a leadership position to honour with induction into the Circle of Honour, which was renamed the Muriel Stanley Venne Leadership Award in 2023.
2001
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Colleen Klein
2002
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Hon. Pearl Calahasen
2003
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Hon. Senator Thelma Chalifoux
2004
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Hon. Ethel Blondin-Andrews
2006
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Grand Chief Rose Laboucan
2007
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President Audrey Poitras
2008
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Kathleen McHugh
2009
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Dr. Cora Voyageur
2010
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Beverly Jacobs
2011
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Dr. Maggie Hodgson
2012
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Mayor Melissa Blake
2013
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Marilyn Buffalo
2014
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Dr. Marie Smallface-Marule
2015
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Maria Campbell
2016
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Ashley Callingbull
2017
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Chief Bernadette Sharpe
2018
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Chief Brenda Kehewin-Vanguard
2019
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Lisa D. Weber KC
2021
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Regional Chief Marlene Poitras
2022
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Muriel Stanley Venne CM, AOE, BA (Hon.)
2023
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Regena Crowchild
2024
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Brenda Blyan
Past Esquao Award Recipients
Since its inception in 1995, the Esquao Awards have become the single largest recognition event for Indigenous women in Canada.
