Local Immigration Partnership - Wood Buffalo

05/07/2026

The 2026 Census has begun! Check your mailbox to for instructions on how to participate

05/01/2026

What a great turnout at our Newcomer Volunteer Training! 🙌
Over 30 newcomers learned about volunteering in Wood Buffalo, how to get involved, and then took part in a hands-on opportunity to support a local organization. Participants included both experienced volunteers and those just getting started, with several signing up for more opportunities right away.

Newcomers contribute so much to our community, and it was great to see their interest and enthusiasm for getting involved on display.
Huge thanks to FuseSocial and Wood Buffalo Pride for hosting with us!
Some photos from the day below 👇

04/21/2026

Free Newcomer Volunteer Training- TOMORROW!
Join us for a learning session on volunteering in Canada and how it can support your settlement and employment goals.
In this session, you’ll learn about:
✅ The benefits of volunteering and how to get started
✅ How volunteering can help build local experience, strengthen your resume, and support your job search
Participants will also take part in a supported volunteer opportunity with Wood Buffalo Pride (bus to the volunteer location will be provided).

📅 Wednesday, April 22
⏰ 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
📍 YMCA office 9401 Franklin Ave, Unit #200
No experience needed, Open to all newcomers interested in volunteering. Lunch will be provided.

04/17/2026

Checkout upcoming workshops from Community Futures Wood Buffalo to learn build skills and learn more about building a business in Canada

At Community Futures Wood Buffalo, we are committed to supporting newcomers as they establish, grow, and succeed in business within our region.

We recognize that navigating the Canadian business landscape presents unique challenges. Through a series of targeted training sessions, we are equipping newcomer entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and confidence required to move forward with clarity and purpose.

Our upcoming workshops focus on critical areas of business development, including leveraging international experience, developing and validating business concepts, and understanding the Canadian business environment.

These sessions are designed to reduce barriers, strengthen decision-making, and support long-term business success—while contributing to a more resilient and economically diverse Wood Buffalo region.

📌 Register today and take a strategic step forward in your business journey.
https://woodbuffalo.albertacf.com/news-events/upcoming-events

02/05/2026

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada. The theme honours the lasting contributions of Black Canadians across generations, past, present, and future.

Check out what's happening this month in Fort McMurray!

📣 Multicultural Expo
February 7
11 AM – 6 PM | Syncrude Sports and Wellness Centre- Field House 3
Hosted by the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo

📚 Online Reading Circle
February 9, 16 (optional), 23 & March 2
Hosted by United 4 Change
Includes reading, writing, and a sharing circle, with an in‑person potluck in March.

🗣️ English Conversation Circle
Black History Month: Past Struggles, Contributions and Life Today.
February 13
2:30-4:30 PM | Clearwater Community YMCA (200–9401 Franklin Ave)
Free | No registration required | All language levels are welcome
Weekly Conversation Circles hosted by YMCA of Northern Alberta - Wood Buffalo

🎤 Black History Month Seminar
February 14
11 AM-3 PM | Pomeroy Hotel
Hosted by Rehoboth Alliance/FM
Contact: 780‑838‑8177 or [email protected]

🧺 Alpha Hub Hamper Distribution
February 14
2- 3:30 PM | 10003 Gordon Ave (First United Church)
Hosted by United 4 Change

🎤 Community Voices & Shared Knowledge: Empowering Change
February 18
4:30 PM | 10500 Morrison Street
Ages 12–17
Free session Hosted by JSYF (JUSTIN SLADE YOUTH FOUNDATION) Featuring United for Change founder, Kg Banjoko

🎭 The Lion and the Jewel Play
February 19-21
King Street Theatre (9803 King St)
Play fuses biting satire with vivid folklore and pageantry, capturing the tension between tradition and modernity through unforgettable characters and humour.
Hosted by Swamp Rat Experience

🌍 Cultural Extravaganza
February 21
1-5 PM | Montessori School Gym (190 Tamarack Way)
Sharing stories through music, dance, and food
Hosted by Rehoboth Alliance/FM
Free admission

🏳️‍🌈 Q***r BIPOC Trailblazers: Then and Now
February 22
2 – 4 PM | Redpoll Centre (SMS Equipment Place- West Entrance)
Hosted by Wood Buffalo Pride Featuring local leader, Pamela Gerardo
Free, register through Eventbrite

🎙️ Open Mic Night
February 26
7 – 9 PM | Redpoll Centre, Shell Place
All art forms are encouraged.
Hosted by United 4 Change

🏆 Banquet Awards Night
February 27
7 – 11 PM
Community Celebration for all
SMS Equipment Place (formerly Shell Place)
Hosted by Rehoboth Alliance/FM

Links for more details:
• Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo: https://mcawb.org/events/expo/
• United 4 Change: https://united4change.ca/calendar
• Rehoboth Alliance / FM: https://www.rehobothalliance.org/
• Swamp Rat Experience: https://www.showpass.com/the-lion-and-the-jewel/
• Wood Buffalo Pride Event: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/queer-bipoc-trailblazers-then-and-now-tickets-1982221354431?aff=oddtdtcreator

12/15/2025

LAST CHANCE! The Newcomer Survey Closes TODAY
If you were born outside Canada, are older than 16, and live in Fort McMurray/Wood Buffalo, we want to hear from YOU!

Your feedback will help shape our community plan and improve services for newcomers & immigrants. This is your opportunity to share your experiences and make your voice count.

👉 Take the survey now: https://www.newcomers-ymm.ca/survey
🎁 Bonus: Complete the survey for a chance to win gift cards and prizes (up to $100)!
📅 Deadline: TODAY
Your input matters, don’t miss this chance to help build a stronger, more welcoming community!

Available in English, French (français), Arabicعربي)Amharic (አማርኛ), Ukrainian (українська), Spanish (español), Hindi (हिन्दी). Somali (Soomali), Tigrinya: (ትግርኛ), or Swahili (Kiswahili)

12/11/2025

Come by the YMCA office TONIGHT until 7pm to get community information on programs, meet people, ask questions, and win prizes!
Food and refreshments provided, children are welcome.

Learn about some local organizations offering supports to newcomers:
YMCA of Northern Alberta - Wood Buffalo | Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo | Welcome Centre - YMM | FRAP-Society Région Wood Buffalo | ACFA Régionale Wood Buffalo | Parallèle Alberta | FRAP-Society Région Wood Buffalo | English at Keyano College Fort McMurray | Community Learning Centre of Wood Buffalo | Primary Care Alberta

12/03/2025

Employers, business leaders, and service providers, you work with and support newcomers everyday. You see the challenges, contributions made, and opportunities in our community firsthand.

→ What barriers do you notice? What supports or resources would make a difference for your organization and the community?
Your insight will help improve services across the community and guide future initiatives to make Wood Buffalo more welcoming and inclusive.

📲Take the Community Stakeholder Survey today: https://www.newcomers-ymm.ca/survey

12/02/2025

📢Calling all immigrants in Wood Buffalo📢

Fill out the Newcomer Survey today!
Just one survey to influence community services, programs, and other planning across our community.

https://www.newcomers-ymm.ca/survey
Complete the survey for a chance to WIN $100 gift cards!

Available in English, French (français), Arabic (عربي), Amharic (አማርኛ), Ukrainian (українська), Spanish (español), Hindi (हिन्दी). Somali (Soomali), Tigrinya: (ትግርኛ), or Swahili (Kiswahili)

11/14/2025

Help Shape a More Welcoming Wood Buffalo!

The Wood Buffalo Newcomer Needs Assessment is now live! Through these surveys, we’re gathering real experiences and insights from newcomers and community stakeholders to understand barriers, identify gaps, and highlight what’s working well. This information will shape the 2026 community strategy focused on solutions that are important to our community.

Two surveys are now open:
🔹 Newcomer Survey – For anyone born outside Canada, 16 or older, and living in Wood Buffalo.
Share your experiences, challenges, and ideas to help build a more inclusive community.

🔹 Community Stakeholder Survey – For employers, service providers, public sector staff, and others that support newcomers.
Help us explore what's working well, identify gaps, improve programs, and strengthen collaboration.

Your input matters!
Take the survey here: https://www.newcomers-ymm.ca/survey