A Region 3 Metis elder from Olds has received a Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award.
Doreen Bergum was presented with the award during the Red Deer & District Community Foundation’s 12th annual Women of Excellence Awards Program on June 19.
Elder “Corky” Larsen Jonasson was also presented with the same award.
“These women have so much to teach us,” said Kristine Bugayong, chief administrative officer of the Red Deer & District Community Foundation. “Their knowledge, their spirituality and their desire to spread kindness throughout our community is an inspiration.”
The Women of Excellence Awards Program is an opportunity to shed light on women like Bergum and Larsen Jonasson, “who have tirelessly dedicated their lives to creating a great community for all,” said Bugayong.
Every year since 2008, the foundation has celebrated outstanding, dynamic and innovative women in a variety of sectors.
Bergum was nominated in the Arts, Culture & Heritage category.
Born in an era when it was illegal to express one’s Métis culture, Bergum has become an inspiration to Métis peoples, according to the foundation’s biography of her.
Bergum dove into her culture at age 55, when laws changed. She learned music, dances and handicrafts secretly shared in her childhood.
Currently, Bergum is the Métis Elder for the Homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta Region #3 and an internationally recognized jigger.
She shares her culture with students in schools, colleges and universities and creates storyboards and museum displays.
She was one of 16 recipients of the 2019 Women of Excellence Awards.
Foundation staff called it a record-breaking year for the program with a total of 56 nominees being named in March. The category of Women of Excellence in Construction was also introduced this year, making it a total of 12 celebrated categories.
“We continue to see such incredible growth with the Women of Excellence Awards,” Bugayong. “It is incredible that so many residents of Central Alberta took the time to nominate and acknowledge the outstanding efforts made by women in our communities.”
Three other Olds and area residents were also nominated for awards. They included discus and javelin thrower and coach Rachel Andres in athletics, recreation and fitness; Christina Ray in community building; and longtime volunteer Elsie Machell in human services.
