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Multicultural Association in parade in Fort McMurray
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Local Culture and Traditions

Paula Donahue

New Brunswick native Paula Donahue moved the family to Fort McMurray to be closer to her husband. “He’s been working here on and off for five years,” she says. “It’s been tough on all of us but especially for him being away from his kids.”
They packed up the car in December (2010) and drove the family to Fort McMurray.

Paula says her husband always encouraged her to move due to her education and experience in administration. She hasn’t landed her dream job yet but is working at a fast-food outlet until something else comes along. She’s confident it will happen based on the opportunities available in the area. She has utilized every employment agency in Fort McMurray. “I’ve been to Roeven, Kelly Services, LVP and the Government of Alberta’s Labour Market Information Centre,” says Paula.  “I beat the streets every day.”

When asked what she enjoys most about her new home she says it’s the cultural diversity. “I’m thrilled that my children can experience this diversity. Every day is like an adventure.”

Even though Wood Buffalo has grown quickly, especially the urban service area of Fort McMurray, there remains strong local culture with its own traditions. Here, you will find proud, welcoming, caring and giving residents who are passionate about their community. This sense of community is also shared by the local government and by many companies who do business here.

Wood Buffalo has many community events and activities, in which residents get involved and volunteer to support events and activities they care about.

A Multicultural Place

People from all backgrounds live and are welcome in Wood Buffalo – people from different races, different cultures and different financial situations all make their homes in the region. As the population has grown, so has the multiculturalism of the region. There are many associations and services in the region to help immigrants adjust to life in Wood Buffalo, including multicultural associations.

For people new to Canada, or thinking about moving here, the Government of Canada's About Canada page has some general information about what it is like to live and work in Canada.

Arts & Culture

Wood Buffalo has a growing arts & culture scene, including live theatre, historical centres, cultural societies and visual arts. Fort McMurray has stages and theatres for live performances as well as outdoor festivals and local arts shows. A new theatre (the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts) was opened in September 2011.


Community Events & Activities


Aboriginal Fisherman Wood Buffalo has many community events that happen year-round, like parades, festivals, sports events and music.

Wood Buffalo has many recreation facilities, including fitness centres, hockey arenas, youth centres and outdoor adventure centres.


Volunteer opportunities

The Municipality of Wood Buffalo's Parks, Recreation & Culture department works with communities to encourage recreation, sport and leisure. Volunteering is important here in Wood Buffalo – and if you're interested in volunteering, you have many opportunities to choose from.

To find out more about volunteering in Wood Buffalo, visit www.volunteerwoodbuffalo.ca or govolunteer.ca
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