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- Roots to Rapids river run on the Bow River
Reflection and Rejuvenation
Welcome to our latest newsletter! It may feel like the paddling season is winding down, but we're not quite finished yet. Fall brings a different kind of beauty to Alberta's waterways, and there are still opportunities to get on the water before winter arrives. Here's a look at what's been happening across the AWA community and what's coming up next.
 
Alberta Whitewater Association's 5 year Strategic Plan is up for renewal. That means an opportunity to look back at the last 5 years, and get feedback on what priorities lay ahead.  
 
The 2021- 2026 Strategic Plan with Review embedded in Blue
 
Did we succeed in our Vision?
  • Exceptional Whitewater & Paddle Sport Experiences
 
If you like Strategic Planning, are a Club Executive, or just like a good Survey, take the Long version
  • Long Survey (40 Comprehensive questions)
 
Short on time? Take the Short Survey!
  • Short Survey (20 Core questions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Also In this newsletter:
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
  • Women's Whitewater Weekend
  • AWA Casino - Jan 5/6
  • SafeSport reporting mechanism
  • Fall Events - Polo begins!
Truth and Reconciliation Day

Today, on Truth and Reconciliation Day, AWA recognizes the importance of building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to connect with paddlesports. Through partnerships across Alberta, AWA has proudly supported programs, leadership development, and access to on-water experiences that help advance the Calls to Action including Athlete Development, Inclusive Sport Policies, and Reduce Barriers to Participation.

Spirit North does amazing work in multiple sports including Canoe, Kayak and SUP. They use AWA's SeaCan and SUP equipment in the Bow Valley to run programs in the region. They have also received leadership training from AWA.

The Bearspaw First Nation within Stoney Nakoda has offered on-water day-camps supported by AWA at Nakoda Lake.

Cold Lake First Nation (pictured above and below) has had AWA's outreach trailer and boats for three years, with Lori supporting opportunities for youth and leadership development.

In Rocky Mountain House the Rocky Canoe Club and AWA have supported programs with the O'Chiese First and Sunchild First Nations for many years.
 
Join the Team! AWA Casino - Jan 5/6

Want to support paddlesports in Alberta without getting your feet wet?

AWA's casino fundraiser is one of our biggest fundraising opportunities of the year, and we need your help! Funds raised through this event help support athlete development, instructor training, equipment purchases, youth programming, river stewardship initiatives, and community outreach across the province.

We are looking for support with our Casino shifts in Calgary.

  • Tuesday January 5th
  • Wednesday January 6th

Meals included

Out of town participants can request mileage & accommodation expenses

Volunteers can earn credits towards their clubs' casino eligible expenses

 

Sign Up Now
 
Women's Whitewater Weekend 2026
Women's Whitewater Weekend 2026 saw 47 ladies of all skill sets come together for a hot and sunny event on the Red Deer River. Of 47 attendees, 10 were whitewater paddler boarders, 2 were in tandem or open canoes, one packrafter, and the rest were kayakers! We had women fly in from Whitehorse, Quebec City, and Toronto, with others driving up from Fernie, Grand Prairie, Jasper, and beyond. It was truly a gathering of women from all over Canada. 
 
This weekend was made extra special, not only because our festival was hosted at Hunter Valley Adventures from Friday until Monday, but HVA also provided shuttle with a 36 passenger bus and trailer all day Saturday. This allowed for multiple sections of the Red Deer to be run, with various put in and take out options. It really supported everyone's ambitions and skill levels, and we are so grateful.
 
We ALSO raised $1,127 for the Girls Forward Foundation with our raffle! Thank you to everyone who joined us, and we can't wait to see you all again in 2027
 
SafeSport Reporting Mechanism
In early 2026 AWA adopted the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct for all members, and the Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (funded by the Province of Alberta).
 
Ensuring that participants, leaders, and volunteers feel safe is a community responsibility.
  • This starts with Safe Sport or Respect in Sport training for all people in leadership roles (boards, leaders, staff)
  • The process is supported by Screening and Self Disclosure

Finally, if a concern comes up AWA has an Independent Third Party process to assess concerns related to maltreatment, harassment, discrimination, abuse of other violations of the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct.

We have a collective duty to ensure everyone feels safe.

Learn More
 
Polo is On!

EWP Fall Tournament is coming up November 7 & 8. Register now for this fun tournament with something for everyone. Newer players to advanced.


Register Now
 
Fall Events

AQ River Reels Film Festival - November 4

Get your video submissions in by October 15 and book your ticket now! New Bigger Venue!

EWP Fall Polo Tournament - November 7 & 8

Pool Sessions

Many clubs have already their pool dates up for the season. Keep an eye out for your local offerings, whether it is a beginner, stroke improvement, or roll course, or local canoe polo games

Events Calendar
 
AWA Accident Insurance

New this year is optional Accident Insurance.

For just $20 per year you can have coverage in the event of an accident on any AWA/Club sanctioned club trip, program, or event within Canada. A little peace of mind while you play.

Get it Now or Learn More
 

If you have any articles to publish or topics you'd like to see in the newsletter, please let us know!
 

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