Around the world, March 8 is International Women's Day (IWD), a look back to a tradition representing nearly a century of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.
Here in St. Albert the local Baha'i chapter is the IWD host at a grassroots level featuring the outstanding achievements of special women. This year they will present awards on Saturday, March 6 at Cornerstone Hall.
"It was difficult to choose who would receive the awards. They are all wonderful," said Baha'i committee representative Mitra Taef.
In addition, Calgary-based Jacquie Russell is the ceremony's keynote speaker. She will deliver an address on International Women's Day on how women can make a difference.
The festivities start at 7:30 p.m. at 6 Taché St. A suggested donation of $5 to cover costs is requested. To reserve a seat call Mitra at 780-458-5214 or Patti at 780-460-2151.
• Andrea Daly – Education Award
A Grade 5 language arts, social studies and art teacher at Leo Nickerson, Daly has a knack for making connections with struggling students.
Passionate about social studies, Daly has for the past 11 years organized the school's heritage fair, a project that involves every student. In 2009 this work led to her recognition and nomination as a finalist for the Governor General's Awards.
Speaking about the International Women's Day Awards, the ever-so-modest mother of three boys says, "I feel honoured to be put in the same category as these other women. I've read about some pretty amazing women in the community and when someone goes out of their way to nominate you, you feel very humbled by it."
• Florence Gaucher – Métis Business Woman Award – Multiculturalism and Social Worker
The St. Albert resident, formerly of Paddle Creek, a small town north of High Prairie, has dedicated herself to improving the lives of aboriginals. The youngest of a family of 10, Gaucher's youthful ambition of working in health care turned into social work.
In a field with a high burnout rate, Gaucher has somehow survived for 34 years. "I don't get stressed easily. I'm not there to change lives. I'm there for support and to give people the tools they need.
As the fluently bilingual English/Cree adoption search director for the Métis Child and Family Service Society, Gaucher has a 100 per cent "find ratio" for individuals tracking their birth parents. "She's very compassionate, caring and helpful. She has a lot of empathy for people in less fortunate circumstances and she's not judgmental," says her nominator and employer Donald Langford.
• Sydney Killoh – Youth Award
Originally from Prince Albert, Sask., Killoh moved to St. Albert in Grade 2 and now volunteers in diverse circles. She supports activities such as the St. Albert Children's Festival, the local food bank and the St. Albert Youth Council.
For the past two years, the St. Albert Catholic High student spent summer vacations as a camp counsellor for disadvantaged children at Camp Encounter, a Christian camp on Lac La Nonne.
In the fall-winter season, Killoh volunteers every week at Father Jan School and Foyer Lacombe, a home for retired priests. "It's nice to be recognized for the volunteering I do. But I get more from volunteering than the recognition. There are so many people who do more than me. I'm just so grateful," Killoh said.
• Imogene Boulet – Senior, Health Care Work Award
Boulet, an avid advocate for people's rights, is a woman who modestly veers away from discussing her achievements. Just ask her thoughts on the award and the Morinville resident replies candidly, "I don't know why I'm getting it. To me I'm just living my life."
Morinville Public Library trustee Noreen Radford calls her "a moving force." Boulet founded the Morinville Minstrels, the Yellow Rock Square Dancers and arranged senior outings for the Rendezvous Club.
As a library board trustee, she made an extra effort to take books to seniors' lodges, and when the Catholic Women's League needed someone to bake muffins for the Welcome Wagon, Boulet stepped up.
When the retired nurse was manager for the Heritage Lodge, she lobbied the government for an activity director. "It was unheard of at the time," says Radford.
• Jacquie Hansen – Social Justice Award
As chairperson of the Greater St. Albert Catholic School Board, Hansen is proud to use her influence to advocate for all children, especially those at risk.
And as a board member on the Children and Family Services Authority Board for Region 6, Hansen has had the opportunity to discuss youth-based issues with government officials. "There's a whole scope of issues around the province. To be able to sit with ministers and deputy ministers and hash out ideas — I feel fortunate in my role."
Several years ago Hansen was instrumental in getting certain ingredients to make crystal meth off the shelves. Just two weeks ago she was advocating more support for foster care before city council. "Sixty per cent of kids in foster care are aboriginal. It's not just aboriginal kids, but it's about all children at risk."
As a mother of four, Hansen clearly understands the needs of youth today. "We just have to reach out to the next generation and step up to the plate and give them the tools they need. If we teach kids anything, it's don't be indifferent. Take time to care."
Heather Edwards – Arts Education Award
In addition to running her own business, Pottery by Heather, Bon Accord resident Heather Edwards also finds time to volunteer her skills.
Perhaps the most time consuming yet fulfilling among her volunteer projects is stepping into classrooms at Bon Accord School and Lillian Schick School to teach pottery to about 200 students, something she's been doing for 19 years.
And when Communities in Bloom started about 10 years ago, Edwards was the first to pick up a shovel, dig a corner of a Bon Accord park and plant a perennial bed. "We fundraised, bought plants, hung banners and baskets, developed a heritage rose garden and put up a gazebo and benches."
Edwards has also supported the Sturgeon Composite High band program and in past years planned Harvest Days, celebrated every August.
Like all the women honoured at International Women's Day, there are key things in her life. "My family, my community and the Earth we live in. When you have it all together, it works as a whole."
