Edmonton Heritage Stories presents stories written by our neighbours and friends. Ordinary people, guided by volunteer editors, created these stories and poems for you to enjoy. Their words are sincere, narrating authentic sentiments and experiences. The writing in this book expresses a love for Edmonton - a real affection for the people and the place. At the same time, there is awareness and recognition that we need to better understand the evolving definition of what it means to be Canadian for those who started from somewhere else.

For new and developing Canadians - newcomers, immigrants, and children of immigrants - there remains a continued attraction for our heritage countries to which one may be bound by history and family. Mostly, we develop a love big enough to straddle two worlds - this new place we start calling home, and the land, memories, and people from our past, as well as the legacies from our ancestors.

May this anthology make you more curious about your neighbors and your city and inspire you to be more connected with them.

"Prepare to be insipred, moved, and transported by the world wisdom narratives within this anthology. Edmonton Heritage Stories are real life stories of crossings, where individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds come together. It celebrates courage in the face of adversity and the power of community.

Edmonton Chinese Writing Club (ECWC) is deeply honoured and humbled in taking on this collective book project, which beautifully captures the diversity and depth of Edmonton's heritage narratives."

- Ying Shi, President, ECWC