‘Bow Valley: A Place For All’ is a campaign to build a more inclusive community.

The communities of Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, Harvie Heights, Dead Man’s Flats, Lac Des Arcs, Exshaw, and Kananaksis are home to people from all over the world. While these communities are welcoming, racism and discrimination still happen here.

We see the welcoming spirit in our communities every day. And we know we can do better. Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP) is leading this campaign to build on that spirit - helping people commit to simple, impactful actions that stand against racism and build belonging for everyone.

By working with residents, businesses, and leaders, we can create a Bow Valley where respect and inclusion are part of daily life. One Valley, Many Cultures, No Room for Racism.

Read the full open letter and add your name →

Read our open letter and add your name. Every voice is important, and every action counts.

Click here to read our open letter and add your name.

Bow Valley Immigration Partnership is leading this campaign.

BVIP is a group of partners with representatives from every sector working together for a welcoming and inclusive Bow Valley. Our members include municipalities, community services, businesses, cultural groups, individuals, and more.

Anyone should be able to feel at home here, regardless of where they’ve arrived from or their immigration status - that's why we work to create the systemic change and cultural change that we need, so that nobody is left behind.

Our Vision: The Bow Valley values diversity and supports the inclusion and integration of all residents.

Our Mission: To educate, collaborate, and bridge community.

Learn more at bvipartnership.com

In BVIP’s 2024-2025 Bow Valley Integration Assessment, we found that 23% of survey respondents had experienced discrimination in the last 12 months, and of those respondents, 68% described it was due to due to any of language, race, skin colour, origin, ancestry or religious beliefs (68%).

While we’re working to gather more quantitative data, we’re also receiving qualitative data - stories of people experiencing racism in the Bow Valley. For more information, please contact us.

Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP) is one of over 90 local immigration partnerships funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Visit: https://bvipartnership.com/contact-us

Signing this open letter is generally low-risk, but we want you to make an informed choice:

Possible reactions:

• Some people may disagree with your support for anti-racism work

• You might receive negative comments on social media or by email

• If you're a public figure or business owner, you could face criticism from people who disagree

Your privacy:

• Your name will only be published on our website if you give permission

• We will not share your contact information with anyone

Your safety:

• This letter focuses on building community inclusion, not targeting specific people or businesses

• You're joining hundreds of other community members who believe the Bow Valley should welcome everyone.

Mental Health Support Resources

If participating in anti-racism work affects your wellbeing, these resources can help:

• Emergency: 9-1-1 if you are at risk of harm

Free Phone and Online Support (24/7):

• 2-1-1: General help and guidance

• Distress Centre: 403-266-4357 (crisis support)

• Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8

• See the Signs: www.seethesigns.ca (self-care resources)

Local Bow Valley Support:

• Bow Valley Addiction and Mental Health: 1-844-943-1500 (counselling in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise)

• Bow Valley Primary Care Network: 403-675-3000 (short-term counselling)

• Walk-in Mental Health Clinics: 2-9pm daily at Banff Mineral Springs Hospital and Canmore General Hospital

All services are confidential and will not affect your immigration status in Canada. Most services offer interpreter support in 200+ languages.