Arts, Culture & Community
Amplifying the Sectors
Arts, Culture & Community Leadership
My involvement in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo and broader Alberta arts sector spans board leadership, advocacy, program development, and cultural storytelling. I believe strong communities are built through culture — and that the arts play a critical role in civic identity, youth engagement, and regional growth. Alongside my journalism and communications work, I remain actively committed to supporting and amplifying the voices of local artists, writers, and cultural organizations.
Literary Arts & Leadership
As an award-winning poet and writer, I serve as President of the Northern Canada Collective Society for Writers, a non-profit dedicated to promoting literary arts and publishing NorthWord Magazine. In this role, I provide leadership in programming, publication development, and mentorship initiatives that support and strengthen the literary landscape across northern Alberta.
In addition to organizational leadership, I have served in adjudication and juror roles for provincial and regional arts initiatives, including the 2021 Alberta Literary Awards (Writers’ Guild of Alberta), the Wood Buffalo Regional Library’s Words in Motion program, and Travel Alberta’s 2018 Alto Awards. These roles reflect a commitment to upholding excellence, integrity, and thoughtful evaluation within the arts sector and tourism industry.
In addition to organizational leadership, I have served in adjudication and juror roles for provincial and regional arts initiatives, including the 2021 Alberta Literary Awards (Writers’ Guild of Alberta), the Wood Buffalo Regional Library’s Words in Motion program, and Travel Alberta’s 2018 Alto Awards. These roles reflect a commitment to upholding excellence, integrity, and thoughtful evaluation within the arts sector and tourism industry.
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Mentorship & Emerging Voices
Mentorship is central to my work in the arts sector, particularly in supporting young and emerging writers. Through YMM Parent Magazine’s Top 20 Under 20 program, I curated and mentored youth participants by teaching foundational journalism techniques, storytelling structure, and writing skills. The program focused on helping young people develop confidence in their voice while understanding the responsibilities and craft of reporting and narrative writing.
In 2025, I was selected as part of the Mentor in Residence cohort with the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation, where I supported emerging creatives navigating artistic practice, cultural identity, and professional development within Alberta’s arts landscape. These mentorship roles reflect my commitment to strengthening the next generation of storytellers and cultural leaders. Cultural Strategy & Public Art
In 2022, I worked with the Fort McMurray Airport Authority to develop an award-winning arts strategy for the Fort McMurray International Airport. This initiative led to the creation and curation of the YMM Digital Art Exhibit, a program designed to showcase regional artists and reflect the creative identity of our community to travellers and visitors. The program positioned the airport as a cultural gateway while providing meaningful exposure for local artists.
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Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards' Theme Reveal - Future MidnightFuturism Character Cameo for Literary Arts
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Recognition & Community Impact
My work in the arts and community sector has been recognized through several honours, including:
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Ongoing Advocacy
Arts and culture are integral to economic development, education, and civic well-being; they form the foundation of a vibrant community. Through board service, mentorship, program development, and storytelling, I advocate for a thriving, visible, and accessible arts community in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo and throughout Alberta. Below are local organizations and societies I am currently involved with.
Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB)
Arts Council Wood Buffalo is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a thriving community through the arts. Its mission is to advocate for the arts in the Wood Buffalo region, supporting growth and success of local artists and art-related organizations.
Northern Canada Collective Society of Writers (NCCSW)
NCCSW is a non-profit organization based in Fort McMurray, Alberta, dedicated to supporting and celebrating writers from northern Canada. It publishes a literary journal called NorthWord Magazine, which features poetry, prose, and artwork, and is published twice a year under rotating editors.
Public Art Wood Buffalo
Public Art Wood Buffalo is a non-profit society and charitable organization that supports growth and success of arts in the region. The Municipal Art Program, also known as Public Art Wood Buffalo, aims to strengthen community identity and sense a place by creating and developing public art within the region.
Arts Council Wood Buffalo is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a thriving community through the arts. Its mission is to advocate for the arts in the Wood Buffalo region, supporting growth and success of local artists and art-related organizations.
Northern Canada Collective Society of Writers (NCCSW)
NCCSW is a non-profit organization based in Fort McMurray, Alberta, dedicated to supporting and celebrating writers from northern Canada. It publishes a literary journal called NorthWord Magazine, which features poetry, prose, and artwork, and is published twice a year under rotating editors.
Public Art Wood Buffalo
Public Art Wood Buffalo is a non-profit society and charitable organization that supports growth and success of arts in the region. The Municipal Art Program, also known as Public Art Wood Buffalo, aims to strengthen community identity and sense a place by creating and developing public art within the region.
Published Poetic Highlights
A Few of Many
Community Philanthropy
Making It Home, Sweet Home
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I hold a strong passion for volunteering and the importance of giving back was something showed and taught to me by my parents. When I moved to Fort McMurray in 2007, I began volunteering to learn more about its residents. Volunteering not only introduced me to like-minded individuals, but I have made strong networking connections and lasting friendships because of it.
Click here to visit FuseSocial's website to find volunteer opportunities available! |
"Being involved in the community makes you feel like you own a piece of it." |
