Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary, which runs from June 18 – 22, is a week-long event that promotes pride, understanding, and awareness of Indigenous cultures, traditions, achievements and contributions to Canadian society. June 21, Indigenous Peoples Day, falls during Aboriginal Awareness week and is observed nationally, focusing on the uniqueness and value of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Indigenous culture in Canada. As part of the celebration, the Crowchild family and the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (CAUAC) presented two annual awards yesterday — the Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award and Aboriginal Youth Award. These awards recognize and honour individuals whose significant and unique contributions have helped create bridges of understanding between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities.
The recipient of the 2018 Chief David Crowchild Memorial award is Shawna Morning Bull. Shawna has worked in business development for more than 20 years. During that time, her focus has been on facilitating economic development through various projects and business growth opportunities for the benefit of her community. “I am earnestly grateful for the recognition I have received for my work in the indigenous and non-indigenous communities surrounding Mohkinstsis (Elbow, where the river meets),” said Morning Bull, on learning she had won the award. During the ceremony, she acknowledged that she is continually empowered by the people who surround her by noting that her communities are a source of inspiration and strength.
These sentiments are shared by the recipient of the Aboriginal Youth Award, which recognizes a young person who participates in cross-cultural activities, has a strong commitment to achieving educational goals and encourages others to do the same, and who demonstrates leadership in their community and peer groups. This year the award was presented to Wacey Little Light. He too acknowledged the people who supported and inspired him, crediting his success to the guidance he received over the years. Wacey’s grandparents always highlighted the importance of community, and because of that, he strives to be a contributing member of all communities he is a part of, including the city of Calgary, The Siksika Nation, and The Iniskim Centre at Mount Royal University where he is a student.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients and thank you for your contributions. Your efforts to improve cross-culture collaboration and understanding make Calgary a better place to live for everyone.
More Information:
Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary
City of Calgary Indigenous Programs and Services
Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (CAUAC)