Heritage Park Marks Fifth Anniversary of Women Making History in Alberta Awards

Calgary, Alta. — Heritage Park marks a milestone on June 5, 2026, as the Women Making History in Alberta Awards celebrate their fifth anniversary with a luncheon at Gasoline Alley Museum. Since launching in 2022, the awards have become one of Alberta’s most meaningful celebrations of women’s leadership, recognizing innovators, entrepreneurs, educators and community builders whose work is shaping the province’s future.

Over the past four years, the program has honoured 15 recipients, highlighting the impact women are making across industries, communities and generations throughout Alberta.

“The Women Making History Awards celebrate extraordinary women whose leadership is shaping Alberta’s story,” said Laurie Shinkaruk, Chief Development Officer at Heritage Park. “From entrepreneurs and educators to advocates and innovators, these women are making history in real time. The 2026 awards mark an exciting milestone and an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the leaders helping move Alberta forward.”

The Women Making History in Alberta Awards recognize women across several categories:

• History Maker in the Making Award: Recognizes rising leaders who are already making a significant impact early in their careers.
• Entrepreneurial and Innovator Award: Celebrates visionary thinkers driving economic growth, innovation and new ideas.
• The Vera Burns Award: Named after Alberta pioneer Vera Burns, this award recognizes women whose lifetime achievements have made a lasting contribution to the province.
• Community Builder Award: Honours women whose leadership strengthens communities through service, advocacy and collaboration.

The June 5th luncheon brings together business leaders, elected officials, community organizations and supporters from across the province for an afternoon of inspiring stories, meaningful connections and celebration.

As the program reaches its fifth anniversary, the event continues to grow as a platform that elevates women’s leadership while connecting changemakers across sectors.

Organizations can support the event through sponsorship and partnership opportunities, aligning their brand with a program that celebrates innovation, leadership and community impact. Through the LeadHERship mentorship initiative, the event will also create opportunities for girls and young women to connect with accomplished leaders and foster the next generation of changemakers in Alberta. Proceeds support expanded access to Heritage Park’s educational programs and admission opportunities for underserved youth.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or get tickets to the Luncheon on June 5, 2026, please visit heritagepark.ca.

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Media Contact
Eirin Bernie, Communications & Marketing Manager
Heritage Park Historical Village
ebernie@heritagepark.ca | 403.519.3409

About Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park Historical Village is one of Canada’s largest living history museums, offering guests immersive, hands-on experiences of Western Canada’s diverse past. Located in Calgary on Treaty 7 territory, Heritage Park has been a cultural and tourism cornerstone since 1964. As a registered charity, Heritage Park preserves and shares history through interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, historic buildings, antique rides and more. Welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, Heritage Park plays a vital role in Alberta’s tourism economy, prairie heritage preservation and community engagement—making it Canada’s premier family destination where history truly comes alive heritagepark.ca.

About the Women Making History in Alberta Awards

Established in 2022, the Women Making History in Alberta Awards recognize women whose achievements leave a lasting impact on Alberta’s cultural, economic, educational and social landscape. The awards celebrate more than success — they honour mentorship, inclusion and the stories that inspire future generations. The awards reflect Heritage Park’s belief that history is shaped not only by the past, but by the leaders building the future. A dedicated selection committee supports the awards program, comprised of Tracie Noble, Catriona Le May Doan, Kendra Scurfield, Lauren Sandberg, Christine McIver and Nanette Ho-Covernton.