Dothlyn McFarlane wins at the Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Sunny South News

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Dothlyn McFarlane was recently honoured with the Small Community Enhancement award at the Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards. Her recognition highlights, in part, her past work as the head librarian at Coaldale Public Library and her extensive volunteer efforts in the local community.

Dothlyn, originally from Jamaica, moved to Canada in 2015 and has since made a significant impact in Alberta. Reflecting on her win, she shared, “I felt elated and honoured.”

Nominated by Robin Hepher (CEO of Chinook Arch Regional Library Systems), Dothlyn is grateful for the acknowledgment of her contributions, which include, among others, serving on the County of Lethbridge Community Learning Council, the Coaldale Senior Advisory Committee, and the Town of Coaldale Emergency Management Committee.

The award not only celebrates her achievements but also serves as a testament to the positive influence immigrants have in Alberta. 

“These awards show how immigrants can achieve career advancement and demonstrate to the public the bigger impact we have in southern Alberta,” Dothlyn says. 

At the gala, Dothlyn was inspired by the breadth of contributions from immigrants across Canada.

“It was lovely. It was also inspiring to see the magnitude of what immigrants have been doing in Canada since they migrated here, both young and old,” she remarked.

She acknowledged the support of her husband, Christopher McFarlane , the board and staff of Coaldale Public Library, and the Chinook Arch Regional Library Systems for their unwavering support.

The Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards, formerly known as the Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards, recognizes the diverse and invaluable contributions of foreign-born Albertans. Following the call for nominations in May, the awards celebrate immigrants who have enhanced the province socially, economically, and culturally.

Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, commended the nominees, “My heartfelt congratulations to each of the award nominees and recipients. I applaud your dedication and your passion for bettering the province and supporting your fellow Albertans. Your actions are an inspiration to all, and your efforts to better our communities are recognized and appreciated.”

The awards cover nine categories, from Career and Academics Contribution to Small Community Enhancement, each highlighting the unique ways immigrants contribute to Alberta’s vibrancy.