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Initiatives Newcomer Emergency Preparedness in Wood Buffalo: Reflections on the 2024 Wildfire Evacuation Outlines strengths and barriers experienced by services providers and newcomers during the 2024 evacuation. The document offers shared actions for a more coordinated and inclusive approach in preparation for future emergencies. Wood Buffalo Wildfire 2016: Newcomers Emergency Readiness & Response Lessons learned following one of Alberta's largest wildfire evacuations.

ACFA Régionale de Wood Buffalo https://woodbuffalo.acfa.ab.ca/ Autism Society of RMWB https://autismrmwb.org/ Fort McMurray Vehicle Licensing & Registry www.fmvl.ca FRAP https://www.frap.ca/ Fuse Social fusesocial.ca Immigration Potential www.immigrationpotentials.ca Multicultural Association www.mcawb.org Royal Canadian Mountain Police www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca Salvation Army Thrift Store salvationarmy.ca Service Canada www.servicecanada.gc.ca Timberlea Licensing and Registry fmvl.ca Transit https://www.rmwb.ca/en/transit/transit.aspx Waypoints: (OUTREACH Programs) www.waypointswb.ca Welcome Center www.newcomers-ymm.ca Wood Buffalo Food Bank https://woodbuffalofoodbank.com/ Wood Buffalo Housing wbhousing.ca Wood Buffalo Regional Library wbrl.ca

Community Resources Community Resources 2021 Census Canada https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined Keyano College Continuing Education Continuing Education & Extended Studies Office of the Registrar +1-780-791-4801 (tel://17807914801)Email the Office of the Registrar (javascript:emailContactV2('Qh6SwRF5lA5Hac3aChosx2FmUQeQuAleQuAl');)Click here to see website (https://www.keyano.ca/en/programs-and-courses/continuing_landing.aspx)

IMMIGRANT ADVISORY TABLE (IAT) The Immigrant Advisory Table (IAT) is a committee of community members who were born outside of Canada that represent a diversity of Wood Buffalo Region and work together strategically. Drawing on the varied experience and expertise of its members, the IAT: Advises on newcomer needs, gaps and barriers; Provides insight on Local Immigration Partnership activities and community integration needs from the perspective of individuals with lived experience of having moved to Canada; Shares information between the Local Immigration Partnership and community groups, including ethno-cultural associations where possible; Promotes the work and values of the Newcomer Interagency Network through community channels and networks; Serves as a champion of welcoming and inclusive communities. Meet the Immigrant Advisory Table Members Returning Members Angie Goredema Angie Goredema was born in Zimbabwe and came to Canada in 2006. She is passionate about social justice and human rights. Angie was a scholar at the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) which took place in the United States. She is a recipient of the 2020 Canadians for a Civil Society Award. She also received the AC Award and was named the 2020 Professional of the Year with Diversity Magazine. She is an author, motivational speaker, and a mother of three. Angie loves shopping, drinking tea and taking pictures. Jane Njoroge Jane Njoroge is originally from Kenya, East Africa. She came to Canada in June 2013 and has been living in Fort McMurray since November 2014. She is a social worker by profession and currently works at the YMCA of Northern Alberta as a wellness worker. Jane and her family have been blessed in this city, and she loves the community for its uniqueness and diversity. Passionate about building a thriving community, Jane volunteers actively with Emergency Social Services, Social Justice, Social Action, and is an honoured member of Coalitions Creating Equity Wood Buffalo. She is proud to be a member of the Immigrant Advisory Table (IAT). As an advocate, one of the many hats she wears as a social worker, her role on the IAT allows her to be a voice in identifying human rights issues and barriers that hinder immigrants’ equal access to services and resources. She is committed to supporting education initiatives that promote a more inclusive community and appreciates the ongoing efforts to ensure equity and belonging. For Jane, home is where the heart is—and her heart is in Fort McMurray. Samantha Campbell Samantha Campbell hails from the beautiful, sun-kissed Caribbean island of Jamaica—renowned for its reggae music, Rastafarian culture, athletics, and Blue Mountain coffee. She relocated to Canada in December 2013 and has lived in Fort McMurray ever since. She is a registered Social Worker and currently works at Waypoints. With over seven years of experience in the field, she is deeply passionate about advocating against sexual violence in society. She holds both a diploma and a bachelor’s degree in social work and is currently pursuing her master’s in social work at Wilfrid Laurier University, with plans to graduate in 2026. As an immigrant living in Canada on Treaty 8 Territory, Samantha has achieved a great deal despite facing various challenges. With the love and support of the community, she has succeeded, recognizing that her challenges are not unique. This realization motivated her to get involved with the Immigrant Advisory Table (IAT) as a way to give back and address service gaps for immigrants. She has been a member of the IAT since 2021. Shella Akumchi Shella Akumchi and her family moved to Fort McMurray from Calgary in October 2019. She is a Certified Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) with a background in accounting. She is passionate about giving back to the community and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Rosilita Jn-Pierre New Members Alexandra Tarasenco Alexandra has called Canada home for the past 15 years, after moving from the Republic of Moldova. She is passionate about supporting newcomers as a way to give back to the community that helped her and her family on their own settlement journey. Over the years, Alexandra has served on the board of the Multicultural Association (2015-2017), worked as a Welcome Center Coordinator, and is involved with Fort McMurray Ukrainian Cultural Society. She holds a Master’s in Management and Leadership in International Context from Sweden and is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership Education at the University of Southern Maine. As a member of the Immigrant Advisory Table, Alexandra hopes to contribute to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for newcomers in the Wood Buffalo region, drawing on her own experiences and the support she received along the way. Ella Awojobi Ella Awojobi’s passion for service and growth has shaped her life and HR consulting career, leading her to volunteer for various community causes. She is committed to using her skills and experience to mentor young adults, helping them find and develop their purpose. Her goal is to impact lives positively, without bias or discrimination. Volunteering for causes she believes in and supporting the city of Fort McMurray in every possible way brings her joy and fulfillment—alongside the love of her husband and children. Kristy Rosario De Graves Kristy Rosario De Graves is originally from the Dominican Republic, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in International Business. She has been a resident of Fort McMurray since 2022. As a newcomer, she had to adjust to a different culture, language, and lifestyle, giving her a deep understanding of the challenges immigrants face while learning to thrive in a new environment. Her love for and experience in the nonprofit sector led her to apply and work with the YMCA Settlement Services Programs during her first couple of years in the community. After the birth of her daughter, Kristy chose to pursue a career in the real estate industry and is now a licensed Real Estate Agent in Fort McMurray. Kristy is honoured to be part of the Immigrant Advisory Table and remains committed to serving the community. Mercy Carlos Mercy was born and raised in the Philippines. She came to Canada in 2006 as a Live-In Caregiver, and her family joined her in 2010. She has been the owner of MVP Modern Barbers since 2019 and is a licensed Financial Advisor and Insurance Broker. Mercy is passionate about giving back to the community and volunteers with various organizations in Fort McMurray. She enjoys connecting with people from diverse ethnic groups and looks forward to meeting more members of the community. Patricia Christie Patricia is a dedicated and results-driven Manager of Community Business Services with a strong background in supporting local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and economic development initiatives. With a passion for community impact, she leads programs and services that foster business growth, build local capacity, and connect stakeholders with resources and opportunities. With over 25 years of experience in business support and community engagement, training and development, Patricia brings strategic insight, operational leadership, and a collaborative approach to helping communities thrive through innovation, partnerships, and inclusive economic development. Purva Sharma Purva Sharma is a passionate community leader, cultural ambassador, and advocate for inclusivity. A resident of Fort McMurray for over 19 years, Purva brings a wealth of experience and dedication to supporting newcomers and enriching the cultural fabric of the Wood Buffalo region. From her longstanding volunteer work with the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo to her role on the Hindu Society’s executive team, Purva has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and creating welcoming spaces for all. Her leadership in organizing major cultural events—such as Alberta Culture Days and the Multicultural Expo—and other Indian community initiatives, along with her efforts in promoting Indian culture and religious awareness, exemplifies the spirit of collaboration that the IAT embodies. As a successful entrepreneur and role model, Purva inspires others to give back, stay rooted in community values, and strive toward building a more inclusive Fort McMurray. Through her business, she has helped many new community members. She was honoured to be selected as a Woman of Inspiration in 2019 and has since received additional recognition, including the Top 50 Under 50 Canadian Business Award, a Community Business Award, and a Chamber of Commerce Award. Jinky White, Patricia Christie, & Eesha Lochee

PURPOSE Facilitate an awareness of existing community services and improve referral processes Identify gaps, needs, and duplications in newcomer services, skills & employment Support & implement projects and initiatives to address those gaps where possible Provide consultation to government, businesses and organisations on matters relating to newcomers. VISION An inclusive and welcoming community, where people contribute and thrive, feel empowered and are equipped for success. MISSION A collaborative team working to provide better services on behalf of newcomers to the region, through knowledge sharing and targeted initiatives. STRATEGIC PARTNERS Newcomers Interagency Network A network of organizations and employers in Wood Buffalo working together to enhance the lives of newcomers to our community. NIN Steering Committee A committee that guides the direction of the NIN through strategic planning, based on feedback from membership, working groups, the IAT, and research. Immigrant Advisory Table The Immigrant Advisory Table is a committee of community members who were born outside of Canada that represent a diversity of Wood Buffalo Region and work together strategically. NIN Initiatives The NIN support projects and initiatives to better meet the needs of newcomers to the region.

Employment Accès Emploi Website(https://accesemploi.net/) Remote Services Location: 202-8627 91 St., Edmonton, AB T6C 3N1 Contact: (780) 490-6975; Toll-Free: 1 (866) 490-6999 Email: info@accesemploi.net Alberta Works Fort McMurray Alberta Support Centre Website(https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-supports.aspx) Location: Main Floor Provincial Building, 9915 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray, Alberta Contact: (780) 743-7428; TTY: 1-800-232-7215 Email: css.albertaworks@gov.ab.ca Business Link Website(https://businesslink.ca/) Location: 500-10150-100 Street NW Edmonton, AB, T5J 0P6 Contact: Edmonton: (780) 422-7722; Toll-Free: 1(800) 272-9675 TTY (for the deaf or hard of hearing): 1-800-457-8466 Career Leap Website(http://www.careerleap.ca/) Location: 249-8015 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2H7 Contact: 1(877) 577-5327 Email: info.fortmcmurray@careerleap.ca YMCA of Northern Alberta Employment Link(https://northernalberta.ymca.ca/YMCA-Services/Housing-And-Employment-Services/Employment-Services/Employment-Link) Location: 200-9401 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray Contact: (780) 370-2529; (780) 791-1115 Email: elink@ymcanab.ca Foreign Worker Program (https://northernalberta.ymca.ca/YMCA-Services/Housing-And-Employment-Services/Immigrant-Services/Foreign-Worker-Program) Location: 200-9401 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray Contact: (587) 215-9350 Cell: (780) 715-5945 Email: fwp@ymcanab.ca

LIP Research Report 2022 wood buffalo region This report provides the most recent assessment to the needs and gaps of newcomers in the Wood Buffalo Region. Read Report

Census 2021 Español فارسی Tiếng Việt ਪੰਜਾਬੀ 简体中文 繁體中文 اردو 한국어 Italiano عربى Português русский Get Health System Information in Your Language English Français Español हिंदी Tiếng Việt ਪੰਜਾਬੀ 简体中文 繁體中文 اردو 한국어 عربى Af-Soomaali Tagalog አማርኛ नेपाली Af-Oroma Українська ትግርኛ Português Government of Alberta: COVID-19 translated resources Français Español हिंदी ਪੰਜਾਬੀ 简体中文 繁體中文 اردو Af-Soomali Tagalog 한국어 فارسی Tiếng Việt عربى The Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines Español Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文 اردو 한국어 عربى Tagalog

Services with Bus Passes The following services have access to bus passes in the community. There is NO GUARANTEE that they will have some on hand, as they are usually handed out on first-come-first-served basis. AISH Assertive Outreach Services Boys and Girls Club Blue Herron - Alberta Brain Injury Blue Herron - CCAP Program Captain's House Center of Hope - Community Outreach Centre D'Accueil et D'etablissement; CHOICES; Girls Inc. HIV North; Marshall House McMan Youth and Family Services Nistawoyou Friendship Centre Assoc. NEAFAN Newcomer's Welcome Centre Pastew Place Rehoboth Alliance Salvation Army - Family Services Some Other Solutions - Youth Program; Stepping Stones STHT Unity House WB Food Bank WB Multicultural Association Wood Buffalo Wellness Society Outreach WJS Canada YMCA Immigrant Services.

Education General5 Fort McMurray Catholic Board Of Education Website(https://fmcschools.ca/) Location: 9809 Main St, Fort McMurray, AB T9H 1T7 Contact: (780) 799-5700 Fort McMurray Public School District Website(https://www.fmpsdschools.ca/) Location: 231 Hardin St, Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2G2 Contact: (780) 799-7900 Email: info@fmpsd.ab.ca Keyano College Website(https://www.keyano.ca/en/index.aspx) Location: 8115 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2H7 Contact: (780) 791-4800; Toll-Free: 1(800) 251-1408 Community Adult Learning Program(https://www.keyano.ca/en/programs-and-courses/community-adult-learning-program.aspx?_mid_=11862) Continuing Education(https://www.keyano.ca/en/programs-and-courses/continuing_landing.aspx) International Students(https://www.keyano.ca/en/student-services/international-students.aspx) Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program(https://www.keyano.ca/en/programs-and-courses/language-instruction-for-newcomers-to-canada-linc.aspx)

Housing / Shelter General2 The Salvation Army Community Service Center Emergency Shelter & Housing Supports Location: 9919 Mcdonald Avenue, Fort McMurray AB T9H 1S7 Contact: (780) 743-4135 Waypoints Unity House Emergency Women’s Shelter(https://www.waypointswb.ca/our-services/unity-house-emergency-shelter/?_ga=2.66608359.837286798.1628180659-1253426612.1628180659) Contact: (780) 743-4691 Option 3 Main Administration Location: Treaty 8, 100-130 Prospect Drive, Fort McMurray, AB T9K 2Z5 Contact: (780) 743-4691 Option 1 Wood Buffalo Housing Website(https://wbhousing.ca/) Location: Suite 9011, 9915 Franklin Ave., Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2K4 Contact: 780-799-4050 | Toll-Free: 1-888-799-4050 Email: info@wbhousing.ca