Amiskwaciy History Series

Amiskwaciy History Series is an Aboriginal lead grassroots initiative aimed at creating awareness regarding the often-untold Indigenous history of the Edmonton area.

The name Amiskwaciy comes from Amiskwaciy Waskahikan or “Beaver Hill House”, a Cree term used to describe the area now known as Edmonton.

Through free monthly educational sessions, the Amiskwaciy History Series hopes to provide accessible and culturally appropriate education to the public on Aboriginal history as lived and told by the people.

Monthly Sessions

September 21, 2016: "A look back at Indigenous organizations and change" by Chester Cunningham

Where: La Cite Francophone
8627-91 Street (Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury)

When: 6:30-8:30pm

Chester Cunningham was born in Slave Lake, Alberta and is of Indigenous and Irish (Metis) ancestry.

Chester is the founder and former CEO of Native Counselling Services of Alberta (N.C.S.A). He provided the insight, vision and drive which guided N.C.S.A. through 26 years of development. His commitment to establishing legal equality for Indigenous people and his persistence in establishing programs to assist in this process have dominated his distinguished career.

Chester has been a labourer, a miner, a semi-professional ball player, a native courtworker, Executive Director of the Canadian Native Friendship Centre, Executive Director of N.C.S.A. as well as serving as a consultant, lecturer, social, legal and prison reformer.

Chester has received numerous awards for his contribution to this country's social services and criminal justice systems including: The Queen's Medal for Achievement in the Field of Corrections and Child Welfare, the Alberta Achievement Award for outstanding service to the community, citation for meritorious service by Correctional Service Canada, the Alberta Order of Excellence, a National Aboriginal Achievement Award and a member of the Order of Canada. He is also an Honorary Chief of the Peigan Nation.

Chester received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree and the Aboriginal Students’ Council, University of Alberta honoured him for contributions made to the Aboriginal community and for being a positive role model.

For More Information

Email	amiskwaciyhistory@gmail.com
Twitter	http://www.twitter.com/amiskwaciy101