Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies

Representing, Advocating & Developing

We are a non-profit umbrella organization representing agencies that provide resettlement, settlement, and integration services to newcomers in the province of Alberta

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AAISA Announcements

Session 1 – Walking Together: Indigenous Truth & Reconciliation & the Newcomer Sector!

Our first Walking Together session seeks to reflect on both Indigenous and newcomer experiences, share voices and stories, and explore pathways toward shared understanding and meaningful change.   

  • Topic: Walking Together: Indigenous Truth & Reconciliation & the Newcomer Sector  
  • Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 
  • Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm Mountain Time (US and Canada) 
  • Format: Virtual

Session Goals

  • Highlight the gaps and challenges in collaboration between Indigenous and newcomer communities. 
  • Foster intentional, non-tokenistic dialogue and connection. 
  • Encourage ongoing, relational approaches to working together. 

Our Speakers

  • Anita Crowshoe – Anita Crowshoe (Sistsi) is the Senior Indigenous Engagement Advisor at Heritage Park and a proud member of the Piikani Nation in Southern Alberta. She brings a unique blend of traditional Blackfoot teachings and western education, holding a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Montana Western. Anita is a cultural knowledge holder, with numerous traditional transfers including a tipi design known as “Napi and the Buffalo” and rites to the Okan (Sundance) of the Piikani Nation. She is recognized for her commitment to advancing reconciliation through relationship-building, inclusive practices, and cross-cultural understanding. Anita’s work bridges Indigenous knowledge with contemporary systems, creating lasting impact across communities and sectors. She continues to value and protect the protocols of her Piikani culture, and enjoys connecting with people, sharing stories, and spending time with her family and grandchildren. (Survivors Circle) 
  • Cheryl Whiskeyjack – Cheryl Whiskeyjack is the Executive Director of the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, where she has been a dedicated leader for over 25 years. She oversees 24 programs that support Indigenous individuals and families in building skills, resilience, and strong community connections in Edmonton. A graduate of the Child & Youth Care program at MacEwan University, Cheryl was honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018 and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Alberta in 2021. She serves on the boards of the Align Association of Community Services and PolicyWise for Children & Families, and is a mentor through the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) Executive Director Mentorship Program. Cheryl also represents Bent Arrow in C5, a collaboration of five Edmonton-based non-profits working in vulnerable neighbourhoods. In 2025, she was appointed to the Indigenous Advisory Circle for the Alberta Human Rights Commission. She is widely respected for her collaborative spirit, strong sector partnerships, and commitment to Indigenous-led approaches that create lasting impact across systems. 
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Research & Policy

Connect with actionable findings from the latest sector research, reports, surveys, and publications

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Policy impacts every aspect of newcomer settlement and integration, from accessing services to finding employment and building community. At AAISA, we are dedicated to advancing and developing informed research on the policies that impact newcomers to enhance the resettlement, settlement, and integration services in Alberta.

Leveraging the knowledge and expertise of our member agencies, partners, and other experts, we conduct in-depth research and analysis on the most critical issues facing newcomers in Alberta. Our research not only identifies challenges but also provides practical solutions to enhance newcomer serving agencies and the lives of newcomers.

Explore our latest research and stay updated on ongoing issues and our latest work below.

Research Publications

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Initiatives & Collaborative Projects

Discover exciting initiatives that are unlocking new sector insights and helping to create a more welcoming Alberta

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At AAISA, we are committed to advancing the newcomer-serving sector through a variety of initiatives. We maintain regular engagement with government officials and participate in provincial committees to inform and advocate for the sector, and convene targeted program meetings to identify and address the evolving needs of the sector. Through these engagements, we implement tailored initiatives and develop innovative solutions to enhance the capacity of newcomer-serving agencies throughout Alberta.

Our Initiatives

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Training

Courses & certification designed specifically for the unique challenges settlement practitioners face

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AAISA’s training courses have been delivered for over a decade, specifically designed to address settlement practitioners’ unique challenges. Our programs are aligned with the Alberta Settlement Practitioner Competency Framework, ensuring relevance and quality. We are the only organization in Canada that provides certification to qualified Settlement workers, offering levels 1, 2 and 3.

Our Current Courses

“We became more confident being part of this course and thank you to the instructor and AAISA team for making me part of this valuable course that enhanced my learning in the field of immigration.”

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