Awards Program
Arthur E. Robison Memorial Award
History:
Jim Robison began this award in the memory of his uncle, Art Robison. Art held a trap line in the Rocky Mountain area for many years. During his trapping career he focused his attention on sharing the trapping message with young people, recognizing they would be future trappers. This award is presented annually by the Robison family to the individual who continues the tradition of training young people to become tomorrow’s trappers. Generally, this award is recognized as a tribute to public and trapper education initiatives.
Wolf Conservation and Management Award In Memory of George Kelley (1944 –February 25, 2007)
History:
This award recognizes and honours the memory of a well-known and respected outdoorsman, George Kelley. Upon his passing at age 63, the family requested that in lieu of floral tributes, that donations be made to the Alberta Trappers’ Association directed for a Wolf Reduction Program. George left a legacy of fond memories, tales of adventure and many family and friends. He was born in Edson and spent most of his life in Hinton. As the father of seven, George was a family oriented man and was also an active member in the community. For 43 years, George guided clients for big game hunting from around the world. He was a former President of the Hinton Local of the Alberta Trappers Association. He taught many guiding courses and at one time was employed with Alberta Fish and Wildlife. He was well known across the Province and was featured in many wildlife magazines and newspapers.
Award of Merit
History:
This award was started by “Woodstream Corporation” to recognize an individual who contributes greatly towards promoting the trapping industry and who voluntarily helps above and beyond the call of duty. This award has been continued by the Alberta Trappers Association in order to recognize such an individual and to encourage others to “carry the flag” for trappers and who’s service benefits the entire industry by the loyal, devoted and voluntary actions and deeds.
Kammer Trapping Family of the Year
History:
This award commenced in 2016 to honour the Kammer family from Northern Alberta. Brothers Carl and Johnny Kammer were bachelors who considered the trapping community their family. They had a deep commitment and love of trapping and were always active in working to perpetuate family units on the trapline. The brothers donated their life savings to the ATA as seed capital for the construction of a new building. Both men were war veterans, who made their living from the land; farming and trapping. Their lasting legacy was to ensure that all people, both old and young, had the opportunity to learn about trapping and understand its importance in the natural world.
Recognition Awards
History:
Annually the ATA Board and Locals recognize a number of individuals who have made significant contributions to the ATA. These recipients come from all walks of life, across the Province and beyond and share the common commitment to the rich heritage of trapping and ensuring a secure place in the future. Each recipient receives a 5” x 7” plaque, which are presented at the Annual Rendezvous.
Chris Wilke Memorial Scholarship
History:
Chris Wilke passed away suddenly in 2009 while elk hunting and this scholarship was created to honour his memory and find a way to payback the incredible amount of time that he donated to the trapping industry. He was heavily involved in all aspects related to education and protection of wildlife. A memorial scholarship fund commenced in 2010 as a tribute to honour this great man and further his legacy to all Albertans. This scholarship is available to all applicants with a trapping history, with preference given to members of the Alberta Trapper’s Association or immediate family. The awards are not necessarily based on scholastic standing. The recipient must be a student in a postsecondary institution (or accepted to a post-secondary institution). Applicants must submit an application outlining their background, interests, abstract and future plans. Essentially, describe what trapping means to them.
Best Written Youth Article For Alberta Trapper Magazine
History:
These awards commenced in 2005, when Gerald & Christella Plamondon’s estate donated seed funding for this initiative. The article submitted must be a trapping related article from youth ages 14 and under. The youth does not have to be an ATA member.