Ferguson among special women recognized for accomplishments

The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women has awarded Elizabeth Ferguson, coordinator of Native Student advising at the University of Lethbridge, an Esquao award.

 “I was shocked when I heard I received this award.  I was honoured and humbled by the recognition, but this award does not just belong to me.  This award belongs to all the academics, community members and all First Nation, Métis and Inuit support workers,” said Ferguson. She is the first Esquao recipient from the university.

Ferguson is a member of the Dene community and is well known on campus for her advocacy and participation in various activities that showcase the achievement of FNMI students at the U of L.
Ferguson has been instrumental in FNMI awareness week activities, enhancing the presence of Elders on campus and has offered personal support to FNMI students.

“Education is our new buffalo. I truly believe education is the solution to creating more sustainable futures for our communities and our future relationship with Canada,” said Ferguson.
“Aboriginal people are the fastest growing population and thus, more education equates to more success.”

Among her many contributions on the U of L campus is an FNMI-student specific food bank and ensuring that food service providers have learned how to make fry bread, berry soup and other traditional foods at FNMI events.

Ferguson has also been involved in the community with her city-appointed position as First Nations representative on the board of Economic Development Lethbridge and her appointment to the board of the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge.

“The uniqueness of Lethbridge is that the academic community ensures that they are involved in community events and dialogues. This forms the opportunity to be involved in both worlds,” said Ferguson.

Ferguson joins 300 women from 76 communities across the province who have been recognized for their strength and accomplishments.

 “I am truly inspired by the current and past recipients of the Esquao awards, it is an honour that creates the recognition to continue through the obstacles,” said Ferguson. “It is a privilege to be recognized by the IAAW and to hear all the amazing women’s stories, which creates a positive environment to recognize, honour and acknowledge the contributions of female Aboriginal leaders.”

Ferguson is an integral part of the continued growth and success of the FNMI presence on campus. Currently, there are 400 FNMI students from across Canada who attend the U of L.

In that case, Ferguson has successfully shown the university community that culturally sensitive practices and policies are integral to the success of Aboriginal students.

Ferguson has high praise for the IAAW. “It is truly amazing what the IAAW has been able to accomplish. They are playing a large role in rebuilding our communities.  Students need to power through the obstacles, do not take things personally, but keep positive, keep vision and follow that vision and success will be the reward.”

Ferguson was one of 16 women to be recognized with an Esquao Award. Joining her in the education category were Dr. Phyllis Cardinal and Jody Kootenay. Winners in other categories: Michelle Nieviadomy, Juanita Murphy, Brianna Olson, and Blue Eyes Simpson for the Clara Woodbridge Community Involvement Award; Eileen Booth for Health and Medicine; Ruby Fermaniuk and Colleen Chalifoux, for the Dorothy Daniels Justice Award; Betty Lafferty for the Rose Auger Lifetime Achievement Award; Ursula Brass and Charline Cardinal for the Colleen Klein Children’s Future Award; Jean Johnson and Dora Palmer for the Madge McRee Culture Award; and, Sage Arcand-Roan and Kristen McArthur for the Aspiring Young Woman Award.