Welcome to Stories of Edmonton: A Book Launch Celebration.
Celebrating the release of Edmonton Heritage Stories: A Collection of Stories on Crossings, Courage, Community.
EDMONTON HERITAGE STORIES: Crossings, Courage, Community
Available for order now
What would Edmonton be like without the stories of its people? And when do we ever get a chance to know the stories of so many people from so many different cultures of this vibrant city?
This anthology is a result of a world wisdom book project, dedicated to capturing and sharing stories about Canada’s rich cultural landscapes, natural history, built heritage, significant objects, and linguistic diversity.
Prepare to be inspired, moved, and transported by the world wisdom narratives within this collection. Edmonton Heritage Stories tells real life stories of crossings, where individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds come together to exhibit courage in the face of adversity and celebrate the power of the community.
The Edmonton Chinese Writing Club (ECWC) is deeply honored and humbled in taking on this collective book project, which beautifully captures the diversity and depth of Edmonton’s heritage narratives.
This anthology contains heritage stories about Edmonton from the perspectives of people who acknowledge or identify with the following heritage: China, Germany, Japan, Nepal, Philippines, Poland, and the Ukraine. It also contains artworks from various artists from The Nina Haggerty Centre which supports artists with developmental disabilities.
Contributing Writers:
Candice Joy Oliva, Cynthia Palmaria, Dan Li, Emily Tworek, Goldwin McEwen, Jesus Tigulo, Khrystyna Zalutska, Launa-Rae Linaker, Manna Liu, Marvin Cao, Mila Bongco-Philipzig, Oliver Rossier, Paul Fujishige, Pravatika Rai, Rong Guo, Roxanne Riemer, Ryan Lacanilao, Ting Pimentel-Elger. Wai-Ling Lennon, William Wang, Yanjian Luo, Ying Shi, Yuzhen Li.
Book project and editorial team:
Ying Shi, Roxanne Riemer, Mila Bongco-Philipzig, Ting Pimentel-Elger, Goldwin McEwen, Rong Guo
Contact Edmonton Chinese Writing Club: ecwc.ab@yahoo.com
Event Overview
Welcome to Stories of Edmonton: A Book Launch Celebration!
Hosted by the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club, we are thrilled to invite you to join us in celebrating the launch of Edmonton Heritage Stories: A Collection of Stories on Crossings, Courage, Community. This exciting event will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Edmonton City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton.
Our event brings together Edmonton’s vibrant community to honor the rich tapestry of stories that shape the city’s heritage. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a newcomer, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate the diverse voices that make Edmonton what it is today.
We look forward to seeing you at this memorable event as we celebrate the stories that shape our community!
Event Objectives
Celebrate Edmonton’s Heritage
Highlight the cultural diversity and shared experiences that define the city’s past, present, and future.
Foster Community Connection
Create an interactive environment for attendees to engage with the authors, local leaders, and fellow participants.
Support Local Talent
Showcase the work of local authors and writers, and celebrate their contributions to Edmonton’s literary community.
Event Highlights
- Speeches by Honored Guests: Hear from special guests from community leaders as they share their insights on the importance of preserving and celebrating Edmonton’s heritage.
- Book Readings: Enjoy selected readings from the authors featured in Edmonton Heritage Stories, offering a glimpse into the powerful narratives within.
- Q&A Session: Engage with the authors and guests in an interactive Q&A session, where you can delve deeper into the stories and the journey behind the book.
- Networking and Book Signing: After the formal program, take the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, meet the authors, and have your copy of the book signed.
- Raffle and Prizes: Exciting raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the event, adding an extra touch of fun to the celebration.
Guest Speakers
Featured Guests:
- Councilor Jennifer Rice
- David Ridley
Councillor Jennifer Rice
Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi, Edmonton City Council
Elected in 2021, Councillor Jennifer Rice is one of the first visible minority women to serve on Edmonton City Council. With a background as a university professor and experience in provincial government leadership, she brings a strong foundation in education, public policy, and community engagement.
Jennifer has worked on major infrastructure projects, homelessness prevention, and community safety initiatives. She is passionate about ensuring public services are delivered efficiently and equitably, with a focus on listening to diverse voices and supporting Edmonton’s most vulnerable.
She continues to be active in volunteer efforts that promote cross-cultural understanding and support for newcomers. At City Hall, she champions collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive decision-making to build a better Edmonton for all.
Councilor Jennifer Rice gives a speech, highlighting the significance of the book in preserving and promoting Edmonton’s heritage, the importance of community, and the role of such stories in bringing people together.
David Ridley
Executive Director of Edmonton heritage Council
As Executive Director, David has led the organization’s engaging approach to heritage since 2011. He has transformed Edmonton’s approach to cultural heritage through innovative flagship programs. His rich 30-year journey through Alberta’s heritage landscape includes impactful roles at the Heritage Community Foundation and Royal Alberta Museum. David played a key role in shaping “Connections & Exchanges,” the ambitious 10-Year Arts and Heritage Plan reimagining Edmonton’s cultural future.
David Ridley, Executive Director of the Edmonton Heritage Council, explains the council’s role in funding projects that celebrate Edmonton’s heritage and why they chose to support this book project.
Contact Information
For Inquiries: ecwc.ab@yahoo.com
Sponsors
We sincerely acknowledge the generous support of the Edmonton Heritage Council in funding the project “The Creative Writing Boot Camp: Sharing Wisdom Across Cultures through Stories”, of which Stories of Edmonton: A Book Launch Celebration is a culminating event.
Meet the People Behind Creative Writing Boot Camp
Creative Writing Boot Camp is supported by : the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club (ECWC) and five distinct community groups, each contributing their unique voice to the program. Together, we bring wisdom from across the world to Edmonton, fostering cultural appreciation and understanding.
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