The sixth annual Daughters Day celebration took place on September 9, 2017, at Edmonton City Hall. The Board of Canadians for a Civil Society and the Daughters Day Planning Committee are grateful for the many who attended, volunteered, performed, and donated to the celebration.
Daughters of the Year Award Recipients
Rachelle Venne
As CEO of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW), Rachelle has been developing programs, specific to Indigenous women since 2008. Under the guidance of a provincial board and esteemed Elders, Rachelle advocates for access to support and opportunities for women to become a success in their families and communities. For the past 22 years, the IAAW has hosted the annual Esquao Awards and has acknowledged the work of over 400 women from over 90 Alberta communities.
Lorna Dancey
As a social impact photographer, Lorna Dancey uses her photography and written work to raise awareness and give a face to those affected by mental health conditions. Dancey started the SCARS project almost a year ago photographing individuals and sharing their stories based on their internal and 8 external SCARS. She wanted to inspire people to not judge each other based on appearances. She wanted to show people we all have SCARS, some you can see and others you cannot. This led Dancey to create the State of Mind project. After interviewing participants, she saw a need for more attention and focus to assist in removing the stigma surrounding Mental Health. Over 50 people have been photographed and interviewed. They have shared their experiences surrounding depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicide and much more in hopes of helping others who struggle with mental illness. The focus of the State of mind is to help others realize there is hope and to talk about mental health. The State of mind exhibit has been hosted by City Hall, Enbridge Centre, The James Cameron Crescendo event as well as The Royal Alexandra Hospital. Her work has also been featured on Global and CBC news. She is currently working on other projects based on raising awareness for breast cancer, domestic violence and homelessness.
Harriet Tinka
Harriet is a transformational speaker author, philanthropist, Chartered Professional Accountant, Ultramarathon runner, Edmonton Football officiator, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She is also a pageant coach who has worked with Miss Teen Edmonton World 2013, Miss World Canada delegate 2014, Miss Earth Edmonton 2014 and Miss Universe Canada delegate 2015. Despite being face with the emotional and physical ordeal of domestic violence, she has not stopped educating the world on this fundamental human rights issue. In 2012, she developed the “I Believe in Me Because…” program that uses strength-based games, self-esteem activities, empowerment strategies and discussions to help participants gain a positive identity and sense of purpose. Harriet volunteers for nine charitable organizations and was a recipient of the Global Women of Vision, YWCA Woman of Distinction and the Rotary Integrity Award. She believes in living in an environment with gratitude, believing in 9 oneself and dreaming big is the way to connect to the world. Her vision is a world where everyone feels valued, self-assured, empowered and is never faced with isolation, negativity, or fear.
Arigo Dut
Born in South Sudan and raised in Edmonton, Susan (Arigo) Dut has pushed out of her comfort zone and has chosen to sideline her fears. Susan is a recent graduate of MacEwan University and has completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Studies at MacEwan University with a major in Professional Communications. She is a freelancer and is the founder of Dut Designs – a full-scale communications service – that offers services from media management to graphic designs. As a young and passionate woman, Susan is heavily involved in her community through her volunteer work in political campaigns as well as community organizations that focus on the empowerment of marginalized groups in our community. Susan also has a passion for poetry and goes by her African name, Arigo Dut, in her artistic endeavours. Through her poetry, she brings a unique, multi-layered voice, laced within the intricacies, complexities and beauty that occur when two very different entities blend. Susan (Arigo) Dut shares her stories, her pain and her hopes through spoken word. She uses spoken word to tackle issues of racism, self-worth and identity and provides informative, engaging workshops for immigrant youth and Edmontonians of all ages. Susan (Arigo) Dut’s poem “My Skin is NOT My Sin” will be published in a print anthology titled Colorism: Essays and Poems this fall.
Karen Lee Gall
A retired teacher, Karen Gall is a tireless champion of promoting human rights, multiculturalism, and interfaith dialogue across communities, building bridges that foster learning and understanding among diverse cultures and faiths. In addition to being a devoted mother to her children, Karen divides her time and talents among various organizations throughout the city. She serves in leadership capacities at her synagogue, Temple Beth Ora, holds the office of Vice President of the Canadian Multicultural Education Foundation, and for over 10 years served as Chair of the Harmony Brunch – an annual event commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Karen is also a Director of the Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action, an organizer of the Interfaith Pride Service, and organizer and co-leader of her synagogue’s Pride Shabbat Service. Karen has served as a speaker, panellist and organizer for many interfaith and multicultural programs in the community and at schools, churches and mosques. In 2015, Karen was awarded a Multiculturalism Award by CMEF, and in 2008, she was awarded the Chavara Friendship Award by Hadassah-WIZO, an award that recognizes work in fostering learning and understanding among people of various communities. In every project she is involved in, Karen leads with grace, respect and reciprocity. She is certainly one of Edmonton’s gems.
Sponsors/Supporters