Immigrant Advisory Group (IAG)

The IAG is a team of volunteers from across the Bow Valley with diverse backgrounds and experiences. They ensure that BVIP decisions are grounded in the lived experience of immigrants. These dedicated individuals act as liaisons to the community and help identify local settlement and integration needs. 

 

What does the Immigrant Advisory Group (IAG) do?

IAG members meet four times a year. Three core roles for the IAG are:

  1. Advise on BVIP activities from the perspective of newcomers and immigrants. (Example: Making recommendations about priorities, helping to plan activities to build a welcoming community, contributing to marketing campaigns, suggesting new partnerships, and more.)  

  2. Share information between BVIP and community groups, and

  3. Act as champions of welcoming and inclusive communities.

Recent Achievements

The IAG is currently advising on the implementation of the 2019-2023 Integration 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

  • You believe a diverse and inclusive community is a healthy community

  • You are interested in helping your community

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

To contact the IAG, please fill in this contact form.

 

 Current IAG Members

Akemi Hara-Ogle

Akemi Hara-Ogle

Javan Mukhtarov

Javan Mukhtarov

Joanne Morgan-Smith

Joanne Morgan-Smith

Monette Esmeria

Monette Esmeria

Paul Kalra

Paul Kalra

Sachiho Miller

Sachiho Miller

Said Haddady

Said Haddady

Tannia Burelo

Tannia Burelo

Former IAG Members

  • Irina Smolina

  • Ericson Dizon

  • Mariana Barron

  • Joylina Gonzales

  • Fabiola Menares

  • Ainhoa Lopez

  • Kamil Kumorek

  • Faten Barkawi

  • Elia Lopez

  • Martin Wright

  • Maura Knox

  • Valeska Iribarren

  • Marissa Zaletel

  • Clara Guerrero

  • Gustavo Rusinque

  • Mauricio Guwzynski

 
IAG founders.jpeg

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!

  • 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