The Provincial government is wanting to recognize those who do their best to prevent violence in the province.
Those who work to help prevent and end domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in a few ways, including by raising awareness, empowering others to end the cycle of abuse, and promoting healthy relationships are now eligible to be nominated for the 2024 Inspiration Awards.
This award is the Alberta government's way to celebrate those individuals, businesses, and organizations who have helped to make homes, schools, and their communities a safer and more welcoming place.
"Alberta is full of leaders who know they have the power to make a difference and put it to good use, and that remains the case in confronting domestic and sexual violence. These awards will celebrate their outstanding contributions in making our province a better and safer place and inspire others to do the same for years to come," explained the Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton in a media release from August 7th.
As part of this year's awards, they have added a new award category that will celebrate the Indigenous-led efforts to address and help prevent violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2S+ people, as well as promote the well-being and healing of Indigenous families.
Other categories for the Inspiration Awards recognize the long-term commitment to family and sexual violence prevention, exceptional youth leadership, vision, impact, collaborative partnerships, research, and innovation.
"We are actively walking the path of true reconciliation with our ongoing work with missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people, and I am honoured to see the expansion of the Inspiration Awards to promote the well-being and safety of Indigenous Peoples," said the Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson in the same media release from August 7th.
Nominations for the award will be open until August 28th, and the winners will be announced during a ceremony as a part of Family Violence Prevention Month in November.
This award has been around since 2012 and is given out every two years.
These awards are part of the province's efforts to help prevent domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence and abuse, as well as helping to make sure those who have survived these types of violence have access to the support they require.
The Provincial government is providing $9.4 million, in 2024-2025, for family violence prevention programs, with an additional $56 million for women's shelters, and almost $17 million for sexual centres.
They are also investing $54 million to support a 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence.
As the government stated in the release, 'Everyone in Alberta deserves to live free of violence and abuse.'
To learn more about this award, click here.