Calgary's aboriginal population grew significantly in the 1970's. During that time a number of issues pertaining to the urban Aboriginal residents began to surface. It became apparent to Aboriginal leadership and Calgary City Council that a cooperative effort should be made towards addressing the social conditions of the Aboriginal community. In 1979, the Native Urban Affairs Committee was established to represent Aboriginal issues and concerns. In 1987, the Committee's name was changed to the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee.
Mission
The Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee is authorized, on behalf of City Council, to investigate areas of concern to people of Aboriginal ancestry and to make recommendations on policies and resolutions which would give urban Aboriginal people a more meaningful role within the Calgary community. The Committee strives to improve the opportunities and the quality of life of Aboriginal people living in the city of Calgary. Its membership includes both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award
City Council and the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee have established the Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award to recognize an individual or group of individuals within Calgary who:
- Create bridges of understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures
- Create, within Canadian society, an understanding of the uniqueness and value of Aboriginal culture
Encourage, or are involved in cross-cultural experiences between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
This award is presented annually on Chief David Crowchild Day.
Youth Achievement Award
The Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (CAUAC) Youth Achievement Award annually recognizes exceptional aboriginal youth living in Calgary.
CAUAC Achievements
Since 1979, the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee has addressed issues in the areas of education, employment and training, child welfare, income security, health, Aboriginal women, Aboriginal/police relations and human rights. Other accomplishments include:
- the establishment of the Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award and Memorial Sculpture
- the initiation of a city-wide Native Needs Assessment
- the development of electronic and paper versions of a pamphlet on Aboriginal Agencies and Services in Calgary
- the establishment of the CAUAC Youth Achievement Award
Forum for Public Presentation
The Committee receives information, reports, or complaints from individuals, groups and organizations who are concerned with Aboriginal issues. You may contact Lorna Crowshoe of The City of Calgary, Community and Neighbourhood Services for further information.
Want to join the Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee?
Read the committee's Terms of Reference.
If you are interested in applying to sit on the Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee, please visit the Committee web page for more information on the committee and how to apply.
