Edmonton, from its pre-history to present, is a gathering place of different cultures, languages and religions.
Our founding people were Cree and Nakoda, followed by the Métis, French-speaking Canadians, Scottish and English who worked in the fur trade. After the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876 came settlement by peoples from Ukraine and throughout Europe, as well as from central Canada.
Through the 20th century to the present day, people from the world over—Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, Europe and from all parts of Canada—have come to Edmonton.
Reflecting this cultural richness are the museums, archives and the many historical and cultural organizations founded and supported by citizens of the Edmonton region. An abundance of events and performances draw on the region’s unique heritage.
From the personal to the public, our shared heritage is about Edmontonians making a beloved home and a place in the world.
The Edmonton Heritage Council is committed to supporting this activity and initiating partnerships and projects that:
• provide a forum for analyzing, discussing and sharing heritage issues
• advocate for a vibrant heritage community and heritage programs
• unify Edmonton’s heritage community and give it a voice
• promote the awareness and development of effective, informed and recognized heritage principles and practices.
Recent Activity
Information Session - Living Local Neighbourhood Arts & Heritage Project Grants
By EHC
Edmonton’s artists and historians are bringing their talents to the neighbourhoods where they live! The Edmonton Heritage Council, Edmonton Arts Council and Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues are pleased to announce the launch of the second year of the Living Local Neighbourhood Arts & Heritage Project Grants.
An information session will be held 7:00 pm on Tuesday, May 29 at Newton Community League (5520 - 121 Ave). A program officer will be on hand to go over the grant application process and previous grant recipients will present some of their projects. Please RSVP to the Edmonton Heritage Council at livinglocal@edmontonheritage.ca or (780) 429-0166 ext. 234 so we can obtain an idea of numbers.
This grant program supports a partnership between community leagues, artists and historians to create projects that express the unique identity of Edmonton neighbourhoods. Up to two-thirds of project funding to a maximum of $20,000 is available under this program supporting such projects as an event or community cerebration, a piece of artwork or sculpture, or an interpretive exhibit or presentation. The key defining element of the project is that it expresses the heritage of the community, its unique culture or its sense of place.
Visit the Living Local page for grant guidelines and an application form.
Shirley Lowe, Historian Laureate
By Lawrence Herzog
Shirley Lowe is passionate about telling the stories of Edmonton and how the city evolved and grew into the vibrant, dynamic place it is today. She calls herself “an engaged citizen,” dedicated to playing a spirited role in being part of what makes Edmonton thrive.
Lowe has just been named Edmonton’s second-ever Historian Laureate, appointed by City Council to a two-year term. She succeeds Ken Tingley in the position. “I think it is really important that we tell the stories of how citizens built the city in the different eras and then use those lessons from the past to craft a better future.”
