Sedona and Canmore Approve Historic Sister City Agreement

SEDONA, AZ & CANMORE, AB — After four years of visioning, planning, and relationship building, the City of Sedona, Arizona, and the Town of Canmore, Alberta, have officially become Sister Cities. The Sedona City Council unanimously approved the agreement on May 27, 2025, followed by Canmore’s Town Council on June 3, 2025—marking a milestone in international collaboration between two communities known for their natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and spirit of connection.

The formal signing of the Sister City Agreement will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. MST in Canmore, where Sedona Mayor Scott Jablow and Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert will meet in person to sign the document. The ceremony will be live-streamed via Zoom to Sedona, allowing community members and dignitaries to participate remotely in this historic occasion.

The agreement outlines a shared commitment to foster goodwill, cultural exchange, and cooperative problem-solving. Key focus areas include the arts, education, libraries, wellness, governance, business, and outdoor recreation.

“This partnership reflects our communities' shared values and aspirations,” said Mayor Jablow. “It’s not just symbolic—it’s a working relationship that will benefit residents of both Sedona and Canmore for generations to come.”

Special recognition is extended to Don Groves, Chair of the Sedona Sister Cities Association (SSCA) Canmore Committee, and Rob Seeley, Chair of the Canmore Committee, for their leadership, perseverance, and dedication to developing this unique bond. Their efforts, supported by volunteers and civic leaders on both sides of the border, made this agreement possible.

“After an extensive and thoughtful process to determine the ‘right’ Sister City for Sedona, we are thrilled to formalize this relationship with Canmore,” said Groves. “This is the beginning of an inspiring journey together.”

A ten-member delegation from Sedona will travel to Canmore to participate in the signing ceremony and related celebrations, highlighting the importance of people-to-people diplomacy and grassroots

international connection.

This Sister City relationship affirms a joint commitment to collaboration, creativity, and mutual support— and offers exciting new opportunities for exchange, dialogue, and shared growth.

“Together, we embrace this opportunity to celebrate our unique identities while building enduring bridges of friendship, learning, and cooperation.” — Sister City Agreement between Sedona & Canmore

WELCOME TO SEDONA SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION

We are a 501 C3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation...

one individual, one community at a time.

2025 offers Sedona Sister City members exciting opportunities to welcome visitors from our Friendship City Canmore, Canada and Jaslo, Poland. During the year organized delegations will also be able to travel to both communities as we build stronger relationships with both.

Building Bridges

"The Sedona Sister Cities Association is proud to reaffirm its commitment to building bridges of understanding through citizen diplomacy. While national governments—including those in Canada and the United States—may see leadership changes and policy differences, people-to-people connections remain a steadfast way to foster goodwill, cultural exchange, and cooperation.

A Steadfast Commitment to Citizen Diplomacy

Despite shifts and disagreements in governmental policies at home and abroad, citizen diplomats remain dedicated to weaving strong global relationships at the community level. Through visits, exchanges, cultural events, and collaborative endeavors, the Sedona Sister Cities Association illustrates the enduring power of grassroots diplomacy in bridging divides and creating a more peaceful, interconnected world.

Our mission transcends political changes. By bringing people together—teacher to teacher, artist to artist, family to family—we help establish mutual respect and understanding that paves the way for future generations.”

See how we are building bridges: Click here

SEDONA GAINS FROM SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIPS

Sedona is unique. Drawing residents and tourists from throughout the world, we are a destination city and region with strong business and community supported organizations. Developing a close relationship with a similar city and its organizations will allow for sharing, learning and friendships in each paired partnership (among businesses, artist groups, government, wellness and healthcare services, education providers, environmental sustainability groups, etc.). These connections will provide mutually beneficial, ongoing exchanges that will strengthen our community and move the world a step closer to lasting peace.

Become a Member: Click here

The SSCA would like to thank the following people for sharing their photographs and work as they contribute to life in Sedona:

Joe Bongiorno, Piano Haven

Tyler Carson, Fiddler on the Rock

Sammy Davis, Vocalist, Entertainer

Debra Fleeger, Sound Healer

Patrick Ki and Gaetano musicians at Flamenco at El Rincon

Eric Mace, Coordinator of Redrock High School Bike Club

Carol Myers, Chuck Marr and Carol Ortiz personal Sedona photos

Lori Reinhart, Sedona Art Festival

Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director, Sedona International Film Festival

Winifred Muench, Director, Sedona Chamber Ballet

Photographer Shane McDermott of Goldenstein Gallery;

Dance of Life, Sedona Red Rocks, Sedona Steamboat Rock, Sedona - Seven Sacred Pools

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Sedona and Canmore Approve Historic Sister City Agreement

Update of the 2024 AZSC State Conference

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"Each time we stay open to our differences and discover common ground, we are that much closer to a peaceful world."

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