About ECMA

The Eritrean Canadian Multicultural Association is a non-profit organization established to provide assistance and support to Eritrean immigrants to Edmonton, Canada. The Association was officially registered in August 2016 in accordance with the Societies Act of Alberta. Throughout the past several years, the association has grown in steps, flourishing from its humble beginnings to today's vibrant organization, providing a full spectrum of wrap-around social services — ranging from newcomer integration, language studies, and chances of sponsorship, to employment assistance, skills and training, youth development, burial support, and countless other support services.

In accordance with its Bylaws, the Association is a non-political organization, and its programs and social services are provided without taking political affiliation, ethnic origin, race, gender, or age into consideration. At any moment, the Association denounces the use of political differences as a means to discourage members from active participation.

Generally, the Association strives to provide a forum for all members to practice and perform their culture with a positive awareness of diversity and plurality. It also encourages members to learn and understand the values and traditions of all residents of Edmonton, as well as the foundation and cultural variety that made Canada a country of great prosperity and stability. At present, the Association's focus programs include youth development, senior programs, youth sports, and community dialogues. Regularly, the Association organizes special community gatherings and programs for children.

In recent years, ECMA's activities have widened, involving both old residents and new, male and female, and young and the most senior members of the community. Currently, there are many programs and activities, mainly social and cultural.

The Association is also very much connected with the youth, and tries to provide students of Eritrean descent — born or grew up in Canada — an opportunity to get connected with community members and develop their social networks.

ECMA membership has been steady, as more and more people recognize the importance of having a strong community addressing their needs and concerns. We now have over 250 registered members.

In line with the Societies Act of Alberta, the Association has its own Bylaws and Internal Rules. The Association's Board has seven officers and directors: the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Women's Affairs, Auditor & Social Affairs, and Public Relations.