Edmonton Dynamic People

Edmonton History: A Dynamic and Successful Mix of Peoples

The thriving City of Edmonton was for thousands of years a gathering place of First Nations people. British traders built the first trading post here in 1795.

For more than 100 years, immigrants from all over the world have been coming here seeking a better life — and finding it.

Immigrants from Eastern Europe were initially attracted by affordable land, and Edmonton’s Ukrainian, Polish, Russian, and Slavic communities are still a strong presence today.

The first Chinese arrived in Edmonton in 1892, and there has been a Chinese community ever since. The German community is also well established in Edmonton, as are the Italian, Arabic, Vietnamese, and dozens of other communities.

Today, many ethnic communities continue to celebrate their heritage, through gatherings at community centres, cultural activities, and language schools.

People from across Canada come to Edmonton, too, for the jobs and the lifestyle here. You’ll meet people from the Maritime provinces, Ontario, Quebec, and other parts of Canada who have become enthusiastic Edmontonians.