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The early and mid 1960 saw the formation of the West Indian Society when there were but a hand full of West Indians in Edmonton and surrounding areas.
This group was organized and planned most of the social events. However, with the passage of time and the growth of the West Indian population came a greater diversity in the make up of this Community, resulting in the formation of a number of other organizations. In 1981, following the appointment of a Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Edmonton, who came with a mandate for Jamaica and the Jamaican Community, the need for an association of its own was evident. The first formal meeting for the Jamaican association was held on August 31, 1981 in the basement of Bethel United Apostolic Church. The meeting was organized by Mrs.. Dolli Booth, the newly appointed Honorary Consul and chaired by Mrs.. Vilma Nicholson. |
Discussions followed for many months on varying topics, including a name for the association. Jamaica Association of Edmonton and Jamaica Society of Edmonton was originally proposed.
Jamaica Association of Northern Alberta held its first Annual General Meeting in August 1982, and was registered under the Society's Act in September 1982. The first President of the Association was Mr.. Raphael McLean. The past twenty one years have been eventful. As we look to the future, we will continue to focus primarily on our members and the Jamaican Community. With the recent purchase of the Building, named the Marcus Garvey Center for Unity, we will continue to build our Association, focusing on the youths in our Community, expanding the senior program and continue to work with other organizations in Edmonton to build a better Community. We need more Jamaicans and children of Jamaicans to become contributing members of the Association, ensuring the ongoing success of Jamaica Association of Northern Alberta. We need your support. |
