Newcomers were welcomed to Okotoks with the town's typical friendliness.
Okotokians hailing from across the world — from Ontario and Saskatchewan to as far as India, Brazil and the Philippines — gathered at the Okotoks Public Library for a casual get-together on Sept. 17 to learn more about their new community.
The event, called Welcoming Week Social Gathering & Library Tour for Newcomers, was jointly hosted by the Town of Okotoks, the Okotoks Public Library and Foothills Community Immigrant Services (FCIS).
"I think this is a really great opportunity for newcomers to come together upon arriving to Okotoks," said Nancy Risdon, immigrant settlement coordinator with FCIS.
"Something like this immediately embraces people into the community and also lets them know the services that are available, how awesome the library is and all of the services that are able to support them in their settlement into our community."
The event was part of Welcoming Week, happening across Canada from Sept. 13 to 22. The nationwide celebration recognizes the people and places that help all Canadians feel welcome and have a sense of belonging in their community.
"I think it's really important for all Okotokians to know that this is going on," continued Risdon. "I think that we all can be a welcomer for our neighbours that are new to the community, whether they're from a different city, different province, different country.
"We are an amazing community and I think that we do embrace and welcome people, and I hope that we continue to do that."
Learn more about FCIS, including Welcoming Week events throughout Okotoks and High River, on its Facebook page.
