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Last August, the Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance (ACHA) proudly opened its new dedicated space at City Centre Mall, Edmonton, creating a vibrant hub for youth programs, cultural education, and community wellness. This milestone marks an exciting chapter in ACHA’s journey to connect youth and community members with African and Caribbean cultures while promoting health, creativity, and economic opportunity.
The opening builds on the success of ACHA’s spring initiative, CHAWTA (Community Health and Wellness Through Arts), which was supported by an AHC Seed Grant 2025. CHAWTA is designed to engage youth through a combination of arts, dance, and cultural heritage activities. By offering programs like traditional dance classes and workshops on creating cultural artifacts, CHAWTA encourages participants to explore their identity, develop new skills, and strengthen their mental and physical well-being.
Since its launch, the program has had a remarkable impact on the community. Approximately 40 participants in the dance classes reported improved social connections, enhanced confidence, and better mental health outcomes. These activities don’t just teach steps or craft techniques—they foster teamwork, cultural pride, and a sense of belonging. Youth participants often share how creating or performing arts inspired by their heritage boosts their self-esteem and helps them connect with peers who share similar experiences.
The new ACHA space also serves as a vibrant marketplace for Afro-Caribbean vendors and program participants. This unique aspect allows community members to showcase and sell traditional arts and crafts, turning creative skills into real-world economic opportunities. By combining cultural celebration with entrepreneurship, ACHA encourages youth and adults alike to explore new avenues for personal and professional growth.
The grand opening celebration was more than a festive gathering. It included targeted sessions on Financial Awareness, Business Development, and Intercultural Exchange, welcoming members from African, Caribbean, and Indigenous communities. These workshops are part of ACHA’s ongoing effort to provide holistic support—nurturing cultural, economic, and personal development in one integrated program.
Looking ahead, ACHA is excited to launch a youth musical band. This initiative is designed to raise awareness and support for program sustainability, while also providing a creative outlet for youth to express themselves through music. Combined with existing dance and arts programs, the band is expected to further strengthen youth engagement, community participation, and fundraising efforts.
ACHA’s new space is more than just a physical location—it’s a dynamic hub for culture, wellness, and community growth. By bringing together youth programs, arts education, and small business opportunities, the organization is actively building a stronger, healthier, and more connected African and Caribbean community in Edmonton.
Community members, parents, and youth are encouraged to visit the ACHA space at City Centre Mall to experience the vibrant programs firsthand. Whether you’re interested in learning traditional dance, exploring cultural crafts, or participating in wellness and business workshops, ACHA offers a welcoming environment where heritage, health, and opportunity intersect.
Through initiatives like CHAWTA, ACHA demonstrates that arts and culture are powerful tools for community wellness, youth empowerment, and economic development. By investing in programs that nurture both personal growth and cultural pride, ACHA is creating a sustainable model for inclusive, arts-driven community engagement in Edmonton and beyond.
It all started with a simple goal — bringing people together to build a stronger and more connected Edmonton. What began as a small community gathering has now grown into something much bigger: a citywide movement for inclusion, collaboration, and shared purpose, uniting residents, organizations, and leaders across the city.
Hosted by the Community Development Unit at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), the Building Inclusive Communities Forum has become a key Edmonton community event where people come to learn, share, and take action together. Every year, it brings grassroots groups, nonprofits, and public institutions under one roof to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and strengthen collective efforts to make Edmonton a more inclusive and welcoming city. The forum also highlights best practices in community development, encouraging long-term collaboration and civic engagement.
The 2025 forum, held on October 8, focused on one key message — we are stronger together. When communities share goals, their impact grows. This year’s event gave participants the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and explore creative ways to build stronger community ties across Edmonton. Participants learned how collective action and coordinated efforts can amplify the work of grassroots organizations and improve outcomes for diverse populations, including immigrant and newcomer communities.
Over the years, AHC has noticed that many grassroots organizations work toward similar goals but often do so independently. This can make it more difficult to share resources or build long-term partnerships.
The forum addressed this challenge by encouraging organizations to collaborate, pool resources, and co-design solutions. Throughout the day, several examples of these partnerships were showcased, demonstrating how collaboration leads to more sustainable community impact. By sharing knowledge and experiences, participants learned practical strategies to strengthen programs, expand outreach, and engage more residents in civic participation and inclusion initiatives.
The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Bukola Salami from the University of Calgary, was titled “Building Belonging Through Inclusion and Civic Engagement.”
Dr. Salami shared that while immigrants make up 23% of Canada’s population, many still face barriers such as language challenges, lack of mentorship, and limited representation in civic spaces. She emphasized that belonging is essential to mental health, community well-being, and long-term social inclusion. Her message encouraged everyone to co-create programs with communities, promote civic education, and celebrate cultural identity as the foundation for inclusion and belonging in Edmonton’s diverse neighborhoods.
This year’s forum featured inspiring presentations from:
Their stories were organized around four key themes:
A major highlight of the day was the panel discussion, “Strengthening Civic Engagement Through Grassroots Capacity Building.” Panelists explored how empowering community leaders helps boost civic participation and makes decision-making more inclusive and representative of Edmonton’s diversity. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with other community development practitioners, sharing insights and strategies to improve engagement in local initiatives.
The 4th Annual Building Inclusive Communities Forum was more than just an event — it was a celebration of what happens when people come together with a shared purpose.
As Edmonton continues to grow and diversify, one message continues to shine through: When communities work together, everyone belongs.
Action for Healthy Communities thanks all participants, speakers, and community partners who made this year’s forum a success. By continuing to collaborate, share knowledge, and support grassroots organizations, Edmonton is building a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient city for everyone.
Community is all about building meaningful connections with past and future generations. For the Tunisian Women's Society of Alberta, it has made it its mission to bridge the intergenerational gap among community members, combating disconnection and isolation while fostering a sense of belonging among them.
In 2023, with seed grant support from AHC, the Tunisian Women Society of Alberta organized a series of events that brought together children, youth, and seniors. These gatherings celebrated the rich culture of Tunisian culture, including folklore story readings, literature and poetry sessions, traditional Tunisian music (Malouf), language and dialect lessons, and historical narratives delivered in the Tunisian dialect.
These initiatives help preserve Tunisian culture, providing children with experiences of common folklore stories, literature, poetry, and historical narratives in the Tunisian dialect. For the community, learning the value of oral storytelling, which is a hallmark of Tunisian culture, is especially important in this digital media era.
The expected outcome of this initiative was clear: to build community connections, strengthen bonds, and preserve Tunisian heritage for future generations through the knowledge and lived experiences shared by senior community members. While the Tunisian community embraces their home in Canada, they remain rooted in their cultural history and identity.
But this is only the first step in a longer journey to preserve their heritage. The next step is providing additional exciting activities to inspire the next generation, including:
These efforts have not only enhanced community connection and support but also sparked interest among youth and children to learn more about their culture and heritage.
While they navigate their lives in Canada, the community remains deeply rooted in their traditions, which has brought immense joy to our seniors and all community members, helping them feel a strong sense of belonging in their new homes. This holistic approach enhances the cohesion of the community, ensuring that the beautiful tapestry of Tunisian culture continues to flourish in Canada for years to come.
Action for Healthy Communities Entrepreneurship Supports Program, in collaboration with Explore Edmonton, proudly showcased 54 diverse, owned small businesses at the K‑Days 2025 Pop‑Up Marketplace on July 18-20, 2025.
Over three exciting days, our passionate entrepreneurs presented a diverse range of exclusive products and services, including delicious foods, handmade crafts, creative fashion, art, wellness items, toys, and professional services, each reflecting their unique culture, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. More than 764,000 attended KDays this year, helping our entrepreneurs showcase their products and services in front of many eager onlookers.
The marketplace presented a captivating selection of exclusive products and services, reflecting the culture and creativity of our local entrepreneurs. Attendees were delighted by:
Each vendor contributed to a rich and diverse tapestry, enhancing the marketplace with their unique offerings and backgrounds. We want to thank the following vendors for joining us at this year's Kday Pop up Market:
This year’s marketplace was a tremendous success! Our vendors were enthusiastic, achieved strong sales, gained valuable exposure, and proudly represented their communities.
This year’s event yielded numerous success stories that were both inspiring and encouraging:
Beyond business success, this experience reminded us that empowering newcomer entrepreneurs goes far beyond economic growth, it’s about embracing diversity, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful community connections.
Check out all our vendors who participated this year!
If you are a small business owner interested in learning more about the Entrepreneurship Supports Program, visit .Entrepreneurship Supports Program – Action for Healthy Communities
Written by Dickinsfield Amity House Executive Director Tracy Patience
Dickinsfield Amity House is a community support & family resource centre providing support services to the community and offer a wide range or programs and services to individuals and families.
The valuable partnership between Action for Healthy Communities and Amity House has existed for longer than I can even remember. Over a decade ago, we found that our community had a need for settlement services.
One of our core beliefs is that people should be able to access services in their community, so we decided to look for an agency with this expertise and ask if they could provide those services here. We knew there were a lot of colleagues providing this, but who would be the best fit for us?
It didn’t take us long to realize that Action for healthy Communities was the right partner for us. Their commitment to community, to providing responsive services in community, to changing quickly to meet emerging needs were all aligned with our values.
And, lucky for us, they agreed!
Nilton Romero was assigned to come to Amity House once/week to provide those specialized services. Nilton fit in right away, becoming one of us. His presence here is invaluable and has helped countless people navigate these complex systems. And he has helped us, too. Always willing to answer our questions, sneak in “just one more” person, and provide direction when we had trouble.
We are forever appreciative to AHC for this partnership-that is so natural it feels like family.
"Dimana ada kemauan, disitu ada jalan" — “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
This Indonesian proverb reflects the heart of entrepreneurship and food entrepreneurship alike. In cooking, as in business, success often depends on creativity, perseverance, and passion — the ability to make something exceptional from humble beginnings. For Nurul Komariyah, owner of Satay Madura, this saying perfectly captures her journey of turning a love for Indonesian cuisine into a thriving Halal restaurant and catering business in Edmonton.
With the guidance and support of Action for Healthy Communities' (AHC) Entrepreneurship Supports Program (ESP), Nurul completed comprehensive business training, interactive entrepreneurship workshops, personalized one-on-one counselling, and mentorship for small business owners. These programs helped her formalize her concept, register her business, and pilot catering services at AHC workshops and networking events. Her story is a true example of small business success — showing that with determination, guidance, and community support, anyone can build something meaningful.
What makes Satay Madura special is its authentic flavors and rich Indonesian heritage. From savory, marinated chicken satay grilled to perfection to the aromatic spices in Bali Delight, every dish is crafted with traditional recipes and quality ingredients. Signature items like RisolRisol, a classic Indonesian snack, highlight the creativity and cultural depth behind each plate. Through bold spices, authentic preparation, and attention to detail, Satay Madura delivers a genuine Indonesian dining experience that stands out in Edmonton’s vibrant culinary scene.
Through an AHC introduction to Explore Edmonton, Nurul secured a milestone placement as a certified Halal food vendor at KDays 2025. Her signature dishes drew strong customer interest, repeat sales, and glowing reviews. The milestone marked a breakthrough moment for her culinary startup, blending passion, perseverance, and opportunity.
Building on that momentum, Nurul showcased Satay Madura at Edmonton Food Taste 2025, increasing her brand visibility and achieving steady growth in both sales and profitability. Grateful for AHC’s support, she expressed her appreciation and offered to mentor other newcomer entrepreneurs interested in starting a food business.
With AHC’s ongoing mentoring, counselling, and business ecosystem connections, Satay Madura continues to expand its reach, securing new catering contracts and participating in more community events. Nurul’s journey exemplifies the essence of entrepreneurial success — proving that, as the proverb says, where there’s a will, there’s a way — especially when that will is fueled by culture, community, and cuisine.
AHC’s ESP helps newcomers and local entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures through free business training, mentorship, and counselling. Participants gain practical skills in marketing, business registration, financial management, and operations while connecting with a supportive community of peers and mentors.
Programs like these empower small business owners — from culinary startups to social enterprises — to turn their ideas into thriving businesses that enrich Edmonton’s local economy and cultural diversity.
If you’re an aspiring food entrepreneur, interested in launching a restaurant, or exploring ways to grow your small business, visit Action for Healthy Communities' Entrepreneurship Supports Program to learn how AHC can help you get started.
To support Nurul’s journey and taste authentic Indonesian flavors, follow Satay Madura on Facebook and Instagram.
Because when passion meets persistence, and community meets opportunity, there’s always a way forward — and sometimes, it tastes like home.
Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our recent Workforce Participation Program graduates. These motivated participants successfully completed introductory training in hospitality and customer service, gaining the essential skills needed to excel in two of Canada’s fastest-growing industries.
Hands-On Training for Job Readiness
Participants in the program received practical training in workplace expectations, industry terminology, customer service strategies, and effective communication. This job readiness program helps newcomers build confidence and develop the professional skills necessary to thrive in fast-paced, people-focused environments.
Real-World Experience Through Employer Partnerships
Our employer partners provide valuable work exposure opportunities, allowing participants to apply their training in real-world hospitality and customer service settings. These experiences give graduates insight into daily operations, help them practice new skills, and foster connections with potential employers.
Building Skills for Career Success
Beyond technical training, the Workforce Participation Program enhances teamwork, communication, and understanding of Canadian workplace culture. Graduates leave equipped to navigate the local job market, expand their professional networks, and pursue rewarding careers in hospitality and service industries across Canada.
Celebrating Achievement and Future Opportunities
We proudly recognize every client who completed the program. Their dedication represents a significant step forward on their career journey, and we look forward to seeing them succeed in Canada’s growing hospitality and service sectors.
Congratulations to all our Workforce Participation Program graduates—your success inspires the entire AHC community.
Learn more about our Employment Supports
Back in the summer of 2016, a simple conversation between Taekwondo instructor Raju Gadtaula and community volunteer Homan Gautam sparked the beginning of a transformative journey for many immigrant children. They noticed that numerous kids from immigrant backgrounds often felt isolated and struggled to find their place in the community. Fueled by a desire to change this dynamic, Raju and Homan envisioned creating a welcoming space where these children could not only feel like they belonged but also stay active and build the confidence needed to navigate their new environment.
With the support of a $1,000 Seed Grant from Action for Healthy Communities, their dream slowly came to fruition. They launched Martial Arts for Cultural Connections, a program that offered Taekwondo classes specifically for Nepali children between the ages of 5 and 14. However, what began as a series of martial arts classes soon evolved into something much more meaningful and impactful. The benefits of the program extended far beyond just learning kicks and punches. The classes provided the children with invaluable opportunities to gain confidence, forge new friendships, and develop important life skills like discipline and respect.
In addition to the individual growth of the children, the program also catalyzed the formation of lasting connections among parents. These adults, who shared similar backgrounds and experiences, formed a tight-knit community where they could support one another, share resources, and celebrate their cultural heritage together.
As the children trained, the bonds they formed within the classroom blossomed into lifelong support networks, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared experience that further enriched their lives. The atmosphere was one of encouragement and empowerment, allowing kids to thrive not just in martial arts but in life as well. Fast forward to today, and those once shy and uncertain kids are now thriving young adults, full of potential and purpose. They continue to cheer each other on as they navigate the challenges of school, university, and the various paths life has laid out for them.
Raju has evolved alongside them, now teaching over 70 kids per cohort, each one eager to learn not just martial arts but also the values of hard work, resilience, and community. He is dedicated to helping the next generation grow strong — physically, emotionally, and culturally.
The impact of Martial Arts for Cultural Connections has been profound, demonstrating how a small initiative can blossom into a vital lifeline for immigrant families. It stands as a testament to the power of community, the importance of inclusivity, and the lasting effects of mentorship. Raju and Homan’s collaboration has not only changed the lives of many children but has also fostered a sense of pride and belonging that continues to flourish within the community.
On June 25th, 2025, Action for Healthy Communities celebrated its 30th anniversary. This milestone event was a heartfelt tribute to all the contributors, communities, clients, volunteers, and dedicated staff members who have passionately supported our mission to foster healthier communities across Alberta over the past three decades.
Despite the looming weather, over 400 enthusiastic attendees gathered together to commemorate not just the organization’s achievements but also the remarkable individuals and diverse communities that have been integral to our story for the last 30 years. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of unity as we reflected on the incredible strides we have made together.
Our anniversary was more than just a celebration; it was a festive gathering that brought together communities, families, and individuals of all ages. Attendees were treated to a free BBQ, a photo booth, and family-friendly activities. Our vendors from the Entrepreneurship Support Program (ESP) and our partners also showcased their services and offerings.
More than 30 dedicated volunteers came together to support our anniversary—and their presence made all the difference. From setting up early in the day to assisting guests, managing logistics, and even helping shelter others during unexpected rain, their efforts brought warmth, energy, and care to every corner of the celebration.
One of the highlights of our 30th anniversary was the incredible showcase of community talent through eight unique cultural performances. This year, we extended a special thank you to the groups who joined us in celebrating, sharing not only their artistry but also the rich tapestries of their cultures. Each performance was a reminder of the vibrant diversity that enriches our community.
We were also honoured to have the Legislative Assembly of Alberta MLA of Edmonton-City Centre David Shepherd and the City of Edmonton Counsellor Jennifer Rice representing the office of Mayor Amarjeet Sohi to present us with celebratory scrolls.
After our 30th Anniversary Celebration programming concluded, we conducted our annual general meeting (AGM) for all board members. As members gathered, we at AHC reviewed our fiscal year and voted on our future strategic direction. Our AGM also introduced new board chair directors David Bourne, Faisal Shafiq, and John Alexander.
Additionally, our last annual report was also unveiled for the first time and can be found on our AHC website at Publications & Resources – Action for Healthy Communities.
From seedling to a now prospering tree, our 30th anniversary leaves much for us to reflect on and where we are headed. We want to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to all our guests, contributors, clients, community members, volunteers, and participants who made our 30th anniversary celebration a memorable event. Each of you played a crucial role in our journey, and your continued support inspires us to forge ahead with our mission.
Thank you for being part of our story and for standing with us as we strive to create healthier, more inclusive communities. Here’s to the next chapter of Action for Healthy Communities! We can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together in the years to come.
On June 25, 2025, we celebrated our 30th Anniversary by honouring our collaborators, partners, and supporters with the Partnership Award and the Excellence in Service Award. For 30 years, AHC has been fortunate to have dedicated and passionate individuals and organizations supporting us in our mission, helping us ensure that equity-deserving individuals and newcomers have the services and programs they need to thrive.
To honour our remarkable collaborators, we introduced these awards to acknowledge individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to serve our clients and communities. Their dedication has shaped AHC into the organization it is today, helping equity-deserving individuals and newcomers access the crucial services and programs they need to thrive.
These recipients truly exemplified the spirit of community service and commitment.
Partnership Award recipients include the following organizations and individuals:
Excellence in Service Award recipients include the following individuals:
Each of these awardees has demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving our community and uplifting those around them. Their contributions have not gone unnoticed, and we are deeply thankful for their unwavering partnership. Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone whose collaboration is essential to our organization.
We could not have achieved our 30-year milestone without your continued partnership. Your dedication fuels our mission, and we are excited to continue this journey together as we strive for a more equitable future.