Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award and CAUAC Aboriginal Youth Award honours recipients striving to build cultural bridges

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 spirit of these awards is captured by the sentiments of the late Chief David Crowchild himself, who said, “I have never been a warrior but all my life I have tried to stand up for what was right and just, not only for my people but for those just conditions and laws that affect us all”.

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)

Spring and summer recreation program registration now open

Say goodbye to winter with The City’s spring and summer Recreation programs, open for registration on February 26, online, in person and over the phone.

Not sure what programs are available? Our Spring/Summer Recreation Program Guide is now available; pick up a hard-copy or browse programs online. The guide contains hundreds of recreational opportunities to get you and your family more active, more often.


"The City of Calgary has a variety of programs to help you get outside and get moving as the weather warms up in our city,” says Brad Herman, recreation program specialist with The City of Calgary.

With dozens of facilities located throughout the city, including two leisure centres, 12 aquatic & fitness centres, seven golf courses, a soccer centre, a sailing school and more, there are many convenient locations for you and your family to take part in a variety of fitness related recreational programs, close to home.

3 steps to registering

1. Create or update your account
   - Create or login to your account on calgary.ca/liveandplay
   - Make sure all information is up-to-date
   - Once you have an account, you can call 403-268-3800 to add family members
2. Find your program
   - Pick up our Recreation Program Guide or browse programs online at calgary.ca/liveandplay
   TIP: Don’t want to select a specific program date/time? Leave the date selection blank, so you can see all of the options
   - Write down your desired program course IDs
   
3. Register for your program
   - Online with a credit card (Debit & VISA debit not accepted): calgary.ca/liveandplay
   - By phone: 403-268-3800
   - In person: Calgary Recreation Customer Service, Southland Leisure Centre or Village Square Leisure Centre  

Join us and get moving!

Snow Angels: Just regular folks helping out their neighbours

With snow in the forecast we are launching this year’s Snow Angels campaign. You can build community pride by clearing ice and snow from the walkways of those in need in your neighbourhood.

“Anyone can be a Snow Angel – it’s just regular folks wanting to help out older adults or persons with mobility and health needs who live nearby,” says Geoff Moore, program coordinator. “The campaign has two parts: help someone out and recognize someone who has helped out.”

Keeping walkways clear of ice and snow helps everyone move safely around their neighbourhoods during the winter. For some people, this means that they can still get out of the house for exercise, a change of scenery or a neighbourly visit.

Clearing snow can be challenging – even dangerous – for older adults and others with limited mobility.

“Sometimes it only takes a few extra minutes after a snowfall to help a neighbour – especially before the walk is packed by foot traffic,” says Moore. “It means so much to those with limitations.”

All nominated Snow Angels are officially recognized by Mayor Nenshi and entered into a prize draw to be held in the spring.

If someone has cleared your sidewalk, show your appreciation by submitting their name as a Snow Angel at 311 online. For more information, visit: calgary.ca/SnowAngels.

Submitted by Peter Jacoby, Community & Neighbourhood Services