About

It all started in 1980 when Alberta and Hokkaido became sister provinces and signed a friendship affiliation to establish mutual understanding and prosperity. Hokkaido and Alberta have many similarities, including a resource-based economy, climate and topography.  Over the years, we've collaborated in fields like education, agriculture, sports, culture, and volunteerism. This proclamation was reaffirmed in October 2015. Alberta played a key role in helping Hokkaido develop into the curling capital of Japan. On January 8, 1990, Wetaskiwin City Council passed a motion to twin with Ashoro. We held signing ceremonies in Wetaskiwin on September 15, 1990, and in Ashoro a week later, officially establishing our Sister Cities relationship.

The Sister Cities affiliation began as collaborative partnerships among the City of Wetaskiwin Council and Administration, Wetaskiwin SD#264 (now known as Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools), community service clubs with 21 clubs responding positively to twinning, citizens of Wetaskiwin City and County who assisted and hosted home stays, MLAs, MPs, and their staff who were always receptive, helpful, and accommodating, and RCMP constables who attended opening or closing ceremonies involving Ashoro delegations upon request.

On September 9, 1991, representatives from Ashoro Town Council and the Ashoro Board of Education met with Wetaskiwin School District #264, the City of Wetaskiwin, and others to reach agreements on School Study Tours. From 1991 to 2002, WRPS referred to this as the "Overseas Study Program—Joint Ashoro Board of Education and Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools Project." A Director at Central Office coordinated the program, overseeing Study Tours to and from Ashoro. In April 2002, WRPS opted out of this arrangement but continued to provide an annual grant to WAFS.

Although WRPS opted out of the arrangement, the ongoing grant provided to the WAFS and the continuation of the program continue to benefit the community and students throughout WRPS. These benefits include families hosting Japanese students, the student delegation visiting WRPS schools, and opportunities for former WRPS students to travel to and work in Japan.