Southern Alberta Pioneers' Foundation

The Southern Alberta Pioneers' Foundation is a charitable organization affiliated with the Southern Alberta Pioneers and Their Descendants. Established in 1984, it obtained charitable status and serves as a supporting entity to the parent organization, which focuses on preserving the history of early pioneers in Southern Alberta[3].

History and Purpose

The parent organization, the Southern Alberta Pioneers and Their Descendants, traces its roots back to the Calgary Old Timers' Association, which was limited to pioneers who settled in the Calgary area prior to 1884. Over time, it evolved to include pioneers from all of Southern Alberta and was formally established in 1922 as the Southern Alberta Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association. Later, it adopted its current name. The society aims to collect and preserve narratives of these pioneers' experiences, fulfilling a dual role of historical preservation and social connection for its members[2][4].

The foundation supports these goals by aiding in the management of resources and ensuring that the historical legacy of Southern Alberta's early settlers is maintained. The Southern Alberta Pioneers' Memorial Building, built in 1954-55, serves as a key asset and headquarters for the society, holding significant heritage value for the province of Alberta[5].

Activities and Impact

Through the foundation's efforts, members of the Southern Alberta Pioneers and Their Descendants can engage in various activities, including annual social events, preservation of historical records, and management of the SAPD Archives and Library. This work contributes to a broader understanding of Alberta's early pioneer history, allowing the public and other organizations to access valuable historical information[1][5].

Membership and Affiliation

While the foundation itself is not a membership organization, it supports the activities of the Southern Alberta Pioneers and Their Descendants, which offers different membership categories. These include Descendant Members (for those descended from pioneers residing in Alberta prior to December 31, 1890), Associate Members (for spouses or partners of Descendant members), and Friend Members (for those interested in supporting the society's goals)[1].

The Southern Alberta Pioneers' Foundation is registered under the Business Registration Number 119157410RR0001. Its charitable initiatives align with the broader mission of preserving and celebrating the pioneer history of Southern Alberta.