Grande Prairie’s Welcome Week focuses on building bonds through shared stories

The City of Grande Prairie invites residents to participate in Welcome Week from Sept. 12 to 21, alongside local community partners.

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The theme for the 2025 celebrations is “Stories We Share,” highlighting storytelling as a way to celebrate differences, find common ground, and strengthen community connections.

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“Storytelling is a bridge between cultures, helping us learn from one another, share experiences and build stronger bonds,” said Mayor Jackie Clayton. “Welcoming Week is about creating space where newcomers and long-time residents come together, connect, and build a community where everyone is welcomed to be part of our story.”

Throughout the week, residents can take part in film screenings and community gatherings designed to showcase culture, tradition, and shared experiences. Each event will feature a “Taste of Stories” global candy table, offering candy from around the world, and a Welcoming Week story wall, where community members can share what made them feel welcome in Grande Prairie.

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All events are free, with advance tickets required for film screenings. Donations of school snacks, diapers and wipes are welcome in support of Helping Hands and the Grande Prairie Family Education Society.

Friday, Sept. 12

Film Screening: The Farewell (2019) (PG) – tickets required
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Willie Janssen Discovery room at the Grande Prairie Public Library (101 – 9839 103 Avenue)
A heartfelt story of family, cultural identity and goodbyes.

Saturday, Sept. 13

Film Screening: Capernaum (2018) (R) – tickets required
7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | Grande Prairie Live Theatre (10130 98 Ave)
Award-winning Lebanese drama about resilience and children’s voices.

Tuesday, Sept. 16

Story Sharing and Coffee – Drop-in – no tickets required
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | ACFA Office (9928 – 111 Ave.)
Join for coffee, doughnuts and informal storytelling.

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Saturday, Sept. 20

Drive-In Film Screening: Coco (2017) (PG) – tickets required
7:10 – 10:30 p.m. | Grande Sunset Theatre (Evergreen Park – 55051 Township Rd 710)
Family-friendly drive-in movie night featuring Pixar’s Coco, a story about tradition and memory. Popcorn provided by Bexson Transport Inc.

Welcoming Week is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and hosted by the Grande Prairie Local Immigration Partnership (GPLIP) and the Immigrant Advisory table. To learn more about GPLIP and how it supports newcomers, visit cityofgp.com/GPLIP.

For more information and to register for free film tickets, visit cityofgp.com/WelcomingWeek2025

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