ELENA GOULD RECOGNIZED WITH THE 2022 ESQUAO CULTURE AWARD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(May 13, 2022, Fort McMurray, AB) – The Director of Education, Culture and Language at Athabasca Tribal Council, Elena Gould is being recognized for her exceptional work promoting Indigenous culture and community at the Esquao Awards Gala taking place tonight, Friday, May 13, 2022, at the River Cree Resort-Entertainment Centre in Enoch, Alberta.
Promoting the self-determination of Aboriginal women who contribute to the well-being of their communities, Elena Gould is being recognized with the Esquao Culture Award.
“Elena has always been a leader both through her work at ATC and in Indigenous communities,” said Karla Buffalo, CEO of Athabasca Tribal Council. “Her engaging personality creates space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to share, learn and grow through educational and inclusive environments, creating opportunities for Indigenous cultural revitalization that is needed to continue to develop a future for Indigenous people everywhere. Everyone at ATC is thrilled to see Elena recognized with the Esquao Culture Award.”
Founded by the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, the Esquao Awards ceremony is regarded as one of the most prestigious events in Alberta for recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of Aboriginal women.
“I am very proud that the Esquao Awards are recognizing the work Elena has done to advance Indigenous cultural revitalization,” said Chief Adam, President of Athabasca Tribal Council. “I commend the Esquao Awards for continuing to showcase the important roles women have in Indigenous culture, leadership and decision-making.”
Elena is joining other distinguished recipients of the 2022 Esquao Award:
Business
Rhonda Janvier, Cold Lake
Culture
Dorothy (Dot) Anderson, St Albert
Skye Durocher, Sputinow
Elena Gould, Fort McMurray
Children's Future
Marie Borynsky, Calgary
Candice Calliou, Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement Shannon Lust, Spruce Grove
Denise Rathbone, Wabasca
Lifetime Achievement
Jackie Davis, Cardston
Community Involvement
Wilma Cardinal, Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement Doris Churchill, Edmonton
Jo-Anne Packham, Fort McMurray
Health & Medicine
Dr. Dayle Poitras-Oster, Drayton Valley Education
Dr. Florence Glanfield, Edmonton
Dr. Evelyn Steinhauer, Saddle Lake
To learn more about the awards visit, https://iaaw.ca/esquao-awards-2/esquao-awards-2022/
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ABOUT ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL
Athabasca Tribal Council is an organization that serves our First Nations by providing relevant and innovative programs and services that enrich the well-being, health and prosperity of its people. ATC is committed to ensuring the protection of inherent rights, Treaty Rights, and their Traditional Territories while respecting the autonomy of each Nation. For information, visit atcfn.ca.
For more information:
Karla Buffalo
Chief Executive Officer, Athabasca Tribal Council
karla.buffalo@atcfn.ca
Main Office Phone: (780) 791-6538