Global News, August 2021

Edmonton Journal, July 2019

City TV News Edmonton, July 2019

CBC Edmonton, March 2021

Global News, July 2021

CBC Edmonton, July 2021

On Saturday, July 13, 2019, AHC held its
3rd annual multicultural talent show.
The event was well attended with more
than 300 participants who engaged
the crowd in song, dance, music and entertainment showcasing their diverse
and wonderful array of talents. Staff and volunteers also provided henna and
activities for the children.

At this event, we invited members of the Cree, Dene, Metis and numerous other Indigenous nations in Treaty No. 6 as many of our community members are newcomers to amiskwacîwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ Edmonton, and we looked forward to providing the community more opportunities to learn more about Indigenous experiences, rights and culture.  An opening Land Acknowledgement and a Cree prayer was presented by Lloyd Cardinal, who shared some of the Cree History and sang a wonderful Cree song.

Social bonds can be improved greatly through art, cultural and recreational activities. Social interaction, through such events, has been proven to break down unfamiliarity, fear and isolation. They also promote social cohesion and peaceful coexistence among diverse community groups. Such activities play a very essential role in promoting sustainable social development for future generations as youth can act as a bridge between cultures and serve as key agents in promoting peace and intercultural understanding.

This event served to strengthen the integration between communities and show a sense of identity and belonging for people of all ages, Such activities play a very essential role in promoting sustainable social and economic development for future generations, as youth can act as a bridge between cultures and serve as key agents in promoting peace and intercultural understanding.

View images from the event below.

This past Friday, October 27th, IRCC's PNT Regional Director and Ukrainian Support Group Director in Ottawa visited the AHC Edmonton office.  The IRCC team had the opportunity to learn more about our supports and services for the Ukrainian evacuees since their arrival in Alberta, as well as the challenges they face and how to support them going forward. In addition, we were able to hear more about the work being done to support Ukrainian newcomers at a systemic level and within different Canadian communities.

Connecting with the IRCC team allowed us to walk away from the visit with a reinvigorated sense of pride in how we can provide innovative services and supports at the community level, collaboratively learning from each other’s experiences across Canada.

On October 5, 2024, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) held its 9th Annual Celebration of Entrepreneurial Successes at Edmonton City Hall. This special event recognizes the dedication and commitment of entrepreneurs from the Entrepreneurship Supports Program, particularly newcomers who have effectively utilized AHC’s resources for SME support.

Each year, AHC’s Entrepreneurship Supports Program (ESP) engages cohorts of aspiring entrepreneurs, offering expert guidance in business creation, planning, development, launching, and growth strategies. This initiative is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). More than 60 entrepreneurs from the Fall 2023 to Spring 2024 cohort were honored for their achievements. These graduates actively participated in various ESP events, such as farmers' markets, K-Days, online webinars, business boot camps, clubs, trips, coaching, and mentorship. The event also provided a valuable opportunity for SMEs to connect, network, and showcase their products and services to the community.

Inspiring testimonials shared during the event demonstrated how the ESP program has fueled the graduates’ entrepreneurial spirit, empowering them to navigate the Canadian business landscape with confidence. The gathering brought together local entrepreneurs, business mentors, community leaders, dignitaries from the City of Edmonton, MLAs, funders, partners, and stakeholders, all united in celebrating the successes of Edmonton’s local entrepreneurs. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to the program graduates.

To learn more about our Entrepreneurship Supports Program, visit our webpage here.

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.