Immigrant Advisory Group (IAG)

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What does the Immigrant Advisory Group (IAG) do?

IAG members meet 3-4 times a year. Members work together to:

  • Advise on BVIP activities from the perspective of newcomers and immigrants, for example:

    • Making recommendations about priorities

    • Helping to plan activities to build a welcoming community

    • Contributing to marketing campaigns

    • Suggesting new partnerships, and more

  • Share information between BVIP and community groups, and

  • Act as champions of welcoming and inclusive communities.

Recent Achievements

The IAG is currently advising on the implementation of the 2025-2029 Immigrant Inclusion Strategy. Some of the IAG’s recent achievements include:

  • Town of Canmore Mayor’s Awards of Excellence nominees (2020)

  • Played a critical role in identifying and responding to community needs during COVID-19, including food security supports, mental health issues, and more.

You should apply to join the IAG if:

  • You were born outside of Canada

  • You now live in Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, Exshaw, Harvie Heights, Lac Des Arcs, Dead Man's Flats, or Kananaskis

  • Over 18 years old

  • You want to help create a welcoming and inclusive community for all

  • You feel comfortable communicating in English in a supportive and friendly environment

Apply to Join the IAG

 Current IAG Members

Javan Mukhtarov

Javan Mukhtarov

Joanne Morgan-Smith

Joanne Morgan-Smith

Monette Esmeria

Monette Esmeria

Paul Kalra

Paul Kalra

Sachiho Oki

Sachiho Oki

Said Haddady

Said Haddady

Remembering Akemi Hara - Ogle

It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of our friend and Immigrant Advisory Group member, Akemi Hara-Ogle on September 11, 2026.

Akemi was a respected community builder. Originally from Japan, she lived in Canmore for almost 30 years. She advocated tirelessly for the local immigrant community, worked with and supported local Stoney Nakoda communities, and volunteered her time and expertise all across the Bow Valley. Even as she was battling cancer and undergoing difficult treatments, she still showed up for causes she cared about.

She was kind, compassionate, and an incredible force, a mother, volunteer, neighbor, friend. A quiet force for good, she leaves behind an admirable legacy. We will miss her dearly.

In 2019, Akemi shared her story through the Shoe Project in Canmore.

You can watch her story 'Money Can't Buy Happiness' on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ZjcflD-yuq4?si=xkhBPUd0fPn-6pXN

Former IAG Members

  • Irina Smolina

  • Ericson Dizon

  • Mariana Barron

  • Joylina Gonzales

  • Fabiola Menares

  • Ainhoa Lopez

  • Kamil Kumorek

  • Faten Barkawi

  • Akemi Hara - Ogle

  • Tannia Burelo

  • Elia Lopez

  • Martin Wright

  • Maura Knox

  • Valeska Iribarren

  • Marissa Zaletel

  • Clara Guerrero

  • Gustavo Rusinque

  • Mauricio Guwzynski

Founding IAG Members

The founding members of the Immigrant Advisory Group played a pivotal role in developing the Bow Valley's first Integration Strategy and helped guide the critical first years of strategy implementation. Watch for IAG members past and present making a difference and championing inclusion throughout the community!

IAG founders.jpeg

  • Donalyn Biado

  • Engelbert Sison

  • Ericson Dizon

  • Eusebio (Jun) Cacayuran

  • Kieran Dowling

  • Simonetta Edwards

  • Javanshir (Javan) Mukhtarov

  • Joanne Morgan-Smith

  • Juan Salomon

  • Loreta Naces

  • Maki Notsu

  • Marissa Zaletel

  • Meghraj Khadka

Apply To Join the IAG