Virnetta Anderson was a trailblazing Calgary leader and the first Black woman elected to City Council, known for her lifelong commitment to community service.

R.B. Bennett became Canada’s eleventh Prime Minister and the first Prime Minister from Alberta during the Depression and created many national institutions.

A successful businessman and community leader, David E. Black helped shape Calgary through enterprise, service, and generosity.

(to be recognized collaboratively with Michael Green)

A self-made entrepreneur and one of Alberta’s Big Four, Patrick Burns helped build the West while giving back generously to his community.

A pioneer of Canadian country music, Wilf Carter’s voice and songwriting inspired generations of performers across North America.

Clara Christie was a pioneering physician and philanthropist who advanced women’s healthcare and supported Calgary’s community.

“Martha Cohen, a warm Chinook wind who blazed bright crimson smiles across the clear Alberta Sky.”

Chief David Crowchild (1899-1982) was well known as a wise person who increased the level of acceptance of First Nations in and around the City of Calgary.

Chief Crowfoot tried to convince the government to help his people who were starving since the disappearance of the buffalo.

Gwen Davies was a champion golfer and community leader who inspired others through her achievements in adaptive sports and advocacy.

A pioneer in community building, Haider Dhanani worked to support immigrants and bridge cultures across Alberta.

Mary Dover (1905 to 1994) was a dynamic and distinguished Calgarian, particularly known for her work with the military during World War II.

Robert Chambers Edwards was born on February 17, 1861 into a family of privilege in Scotland but was orphaned as a youth.

Annie Gale was a British immigrant to Calgary in the early 1900s who dove into community politics to make Calgary a better place to live.

Ruth Gorman was a pioneering lawyer and advocate who helped advance women’s rights and secure voting rights for Indigenous peoples in Canada.

(to be recognized collaboratively with Narcisse Blood)

Harley Hotchkiss was a Calgary business leader and philanthropist who made lasting contributions to energy, sports, and community development.

An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Eric Harvie used his success in Alberta’s oil industry to preserve the history and culture of Western Canada.

Harry Hays was a Calgary leader and politician who contributed to agriculture, community development, and public service in Alberta.

Henry Wise Wood was a key agricultural leader who helped organize Alberta’s farmers into a powerful political movement.

A pioneer for women’s rights, Alice Jamieson broke barriers as the first female judge in the British Empire and helped shape a more equal society.

Dennis Kadatz was a Calgary sports leader and educator who played a key role in developing university athletics and preserving the city’s Olympic legacy.

A visionary leader, Frank King helped bring the 1988 Winter Olympics to Calgary, leaving a lasting legacy in sport, community, and Canadian pride.

A legendary athlete and community leader, Norman Kwong broke barriers as a Chinese-Canadian football star and went on to serve Alberta as Lieutenant Governor.

Father Albert Lacombe was a very dedicated missionary with a great sense of adventure who brought the Christian message to Western Canada for over 65 years.

Samuel Livingston was an early Calgary pioneer who helped establish agriculture and community development in the region.

James Lougheed was an early Calgary pioneer who played a key role in shaping Alberta’s legal and real estate foundations.

Peter Lougheed was a transformative Premier who modernized Alberta and elevated its role within Canada.

Grant MacEwan’s early life on the prairies shaped his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset.

Colonel Macleod came west with the North West Mounted Police (NWMP), established Fort Macleod, signed Treaty 7, and established law & order in Alberta.

Roderick Mah was a Calgary businessman and community leader who helped develop Chinatown and foster connections between Canada and China.

Ernest Mannng was a co-founder of the Social Credit party, and after Abderhardt died, he became leader and premier.through the Leduc discovery until 1968.

Frederick Charles Mannix was born on October 21, 1913 in Edmonton, Alberta.

Charles (Chuck) Mawer was born in 1917 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and grew up with his 3 siblings in Edmonton, Vancouver, and Calgary.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, entrepreneur and philanthropist, J.R. (Bud) McCaig, died peacefully while at his vacation home in Barbados on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at the age of 75 years.

Nellie McClung is one of the most famous women’s rights activists in Canadian history.

Betty Mitchell was a pioneering theatre educator who played a key role in developing Calgary’s theatre community.

A leader in law and sport, Doug Mitchell helped shape Canada’s athletic landscape through vision, leadership, and lifelong dedication.

W.O. Mitchell was a renowned Canadian storyteller who helped define prairie literature through his iconic novels and radio work.

An entrepreneur at heart, Bob Niven’s working career spanned 45 years in the oil and gas industry.

Peter Anthony Prince was a pioneering entrepreneur who helped shape Calgary’s early growth through business, infrastructure, and community development.

Maude Riley was a pioneering advocate for women and children, helping shape social services and welfare in Alberta.

William Roper Hull was a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist who helped build early Calgary and supported its most vulnerable communities.

Arthur Smith was a decorated veteran and influential Calgary leader who made lasting contributions through public service, business, and community development.

(Photos Courtesy of University of Calgary)

Founder of ATCO, Ronald Southern grew a small family business into a global powerhouse while shaping Alberta’s business and community landscape.

Sydney Kahanoff was an entrepreneur and philanthropist whose contributions to Calgary’s energy sector and charitable community left a lasting legacy.

An Indigenous leader and global ambassador of peace, Chief Walking Buffalo inspired the world with messages of unity, respect, and care for the Earth.

Gus was a passionate naturalist and community leader who inspired environmental conservation and education through lifelong service.