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Which immigrant groups helped shape Edmonton’s multicultural population?

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Edmonton The North Saskatchewan River and downtown Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Edmonton’s multicultural identity has been shaped by successive waves of immigration that began in the late 19th century. Some of the earliest groups to settle in the city arrived from eastern Europe, including Ukrainian, Russian, and Polish immigrants.1

Following these early arrivals, Chinese immigrants came to the region to work on the construction of the railways. Over time, the city continued to attract newcomers from many other countries—such as Italy, Germany, and Vietnam—drawn by the diverse business and employment opportunities available in the growing metropolitan centre.1

Today, this rich heritage is reflected in various ethnic neighbourhoods throughout the city, including Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Vietnamese district, as well as the "Avenue of Nations," which features a wide array of international cuisines and shops.1