Esquao Awards honor women

Page 2

Charmaine Letourneau, a vice principal at Edmonton's School for the Deaf, Ernestine Ridsdale, a former teacher with the Northlands School Division in Paddle Prairie, Mary Ann Swan, a founder of the Friendship Centre in Athabasca, Hazel Wheeler, former president of the Cold Lake Metis Association, and Lilian Marie Sidonia Wuttenee an Elder to the First Nations Veterans Association were recognized as this years recipients of the Esquao Awards. The women were presented with a certificate, a bouquet of flowers and a shawl.

Senator Thelma Chalifoux, Marlyn Buffalo president of the Native Woman Association of Canada, MLA Pearl Calahasin were among the 250 guests at this year's fourth annual Esquao Awards held at Edmonton's Coast Terrace Inn on May 14.

The celebration dinner hosted by the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, included a fashion show, the award presentations and entertainment. Evening gowns, dinner jackets, crystal glasses and a meal fit for a Queen was the elaborate scene during the evening.

Fifteen other woman nominated for the award were also recognized with a certificate and a single rose.

"I congratulate the five women recognized for taking hold of their future, for setting their sights high and never giving up." said guest speaker, Calahasan. "Our footsteps mark future generations," she said. "Alberta offers unending opportunities for people with dreams, ambitions and the desire to work hard.

The awards began in 1995 to honor Aboriginal woman from the province that make a positive contribution to their communities. The word Esquao is a Cree term meaning woman. Each recipient made huge strides to improve her life and those lives around her.

"We've come a long way. It is time we start to honor ourselves and the strides we've made," said Senator Chalifoux, "For many years as women we were put down, we are not going to take people calling us squaw anymore," she said.

Each year the number of nominees increases. The nominees come from all walks of life, from either the First Nations, Metis or urban community, all of whom have overcome many obstacles. Each woman is described as a pioneer woman in her respective field or career. "Next year, we will recognize every woman that is nominated. We may have to give out 20 shawls," said Muriel Stanley Venne, president of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women.

Models walked down a runway to show case Aboriginal fashions and designs. Aboriginal designers Jerri Manyfingers and Vi Roberts, and a fashion school from Grouard contributed the clothes. The awards ceremony was made possible by Petro Canada, Bank of Montreal, the Royal Bank of Canada, Shell Canada Limited and others.

"We were thrilled that it turned out so well," said Stanley Venne. "We want to thank all of the sponsors that made it possible for us put together an evening such as this," she said.