Newcomers to Slave Lake had a chance to learn more about the community and the programs available to them during a welcoming event on Sept. 15.

The event was held at the Slave Lake Library from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and brought together newcomers to Canada and Slave Lake, along with representatives from several local organizations.

Pizza and desserts were offered while attendees had the opportunity to meet others, learn about local services and register for programs.

“It went really well and I’m glad with the turnout,” says Susan Al-Mais with the Slave Lake Library.

Pearl Lorentzen with Slave Lake Adult Education attended the event and introduced some of the programs and classes available through Adult Education.

Matthew Holden, organizer of the event and a representative of the Lesser Slave Lake Multicultural Association, also introduced some of the organization’s upcoming winter programming.

Matthew Holden (right) with the Lesser Slave Lake Multicultural Association presents winter programs to newcomers on Sept. 15.

The programs are designed to help people learn more about winter activities and life in northern Alberta.

Some of the programs include learning how to play hockey, how to winterize a vehicle and the basics of winter activities such as hiking, snowmobiling and skiing.
Many people registered for these programs with Holden during the event.
Abby Quimson, program coordinator with the Town of Slave Lake, introduced some of the Town’s new fall programs for adults and kids.

These programs are available to the Town of Slave Lake website.
Darcy Comeau with the Northern Lights Aquatic Centre was also at the event and spoke about upgrades happening at the pool.

Al-Mais provided updates about the library, including its recently extended hours.
Award-winning author Chyana Marie Sage will also be in the library on Sept. 21. She will be speaking about her book, Soft as Bones.

The welcoming event gave newcomers an opportunity to learn about what is available in Slave Lake, register for programs and get to know other people in the community.
This was the second year for the event, after the first was held in 2025.
Al-Mais told the Leader last year that the idea came after she received an email about Welcoming Week in Canada.

This year, Welcoming Week runs from Sept. 10 to 19.
The week focuses on bringing people together, strengthening community connections and helping people feel valued and supported, says Al-Mais from the interview last year.

Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader