Sister Cities Conference Sets Its Sights on Tomorrow

Sedona recently hosted the 36th annual Arizona Sister Cities State Conference on November 15 and 16, marking a significant gathering focused on international relationships.

The event commenced with the inaugural Mayor’s International Dinner at the Hilton Sedona at Bell Rock, featuring a blessing by Havasupai elder James Uqualla. Among the attendees were Sedona Mayor Scott Jablow and Kennedy Kerbit, director of an art school in Eldoret, Kenya. The evening concluded with a performance by the Lajkonik Polish Folk Ensemble, showcasing cultural diversity.

“Our membership of sister cities has increased by over 32% in just 13 months, and we’ve secured a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. State Department to recruit, train, and manage 88 youth ambassadors for the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, set for 2025,” stated Ricki Garrett, Executive Director of Sister Cities International.

The Sedona Sister Cities Association, established in 2022, is actively seeking to develop sister city partnerships with Canmore, Canada, and Jasło, Poland. “It’s gratifying to witness our group evolve from a few individuals to an organized board,” remarked SSCA board member Don Groves.

On May 19, 2023, Sedona’s Mayor Jablow and Canmore’s Mayor Sean Krausert formalized a two-year friendship agreement, paving the way for a sister city relationship. Rob Seeley, chairman of the Canmore-Sedona Friendship Committee, expressed optimism about the partnership, citing the potential for shared experiences and mutual learning between the two communities.

SSCA President Chuck Marr is hopeful that this agreement will transition into a formal relationship before its expiry, while arts exchanges and school partnerships are already underway between the cities. “We’re looking forward to bringing top young musicians from Canmore to Sedona,” said SSCA Treasurer Winifred Muench, outlining plans for an arts exchange involving various disciplines.

Plans for an October 2025 arts event at Verd Valley School are also in motion. Muench highlighted a potential concert for March 2026, featuring emerging talent from Canmore, alongside opportunities for Northern Arizona artists to perform in Canada.

Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director of the Sedona International Film Festival, noted the universal appeal of film as a medium that fosters dialogue and unity. He emphasized collaboration with the SSCA to enhance cultural exchanges through film during the festival, including a recent screening of “Raze to the Ground,” a documentary about Jasło.

SSCA has also initiated partnerships in education, involving teachers from both Sedona and Canmore. Deb Sanders, a West Sedona School teacher, collaborated on an exchange project with Elizabeth Rummel School in Canmore, demonstrating the commitment to international educational ties.

Additionally, the Sedona Village Rotary Club is developing student exchange programs, scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026. This initiative aims to provide local students with immersive experiences in Canmore, focusing on environmental education and cultural engagement.

Collaborative efforts extend to the Sedona Public Library, where librarian Patricia Kelly is working alongside a Canadian counterpart to coordinate interactive exhibits. “Our art displays will facilitate an ongoing exchange between Sedona and Canmore,” said SPL director Judy Poe.