Fort Saskatchewan resident Lana Santana has a full and interesting resume.
Santana grew up and lived in Trinidad and Tobago, the southernmost island nation in the Caribbean.
While in her country, she ran for councilor in her local government and spent some time in journalism. Santana told MIX 107 that she was a freelance writer before landing a job with the Trinidad Guardian and another local newspaper.
“I like investigative pieces.”
Santana’s husband later moved to Fort Saskatchewan for a job in 2007.
“At first, we didn’t come to stay here. My children didn’t want to go back because they loved their schools, their teachers and Canada.”
Coming from a tropical climate, ironically it was winter that her children fell in love with.
“Most importantly, they love being able to ice skate,” Santana laughed.
However, it was not all smooth sailing. Santana admitted that moving to Canada was difficult as there was a language barrier, her family’s social life sometimes struggled and there was a lot to learn.
“There were countless things like learning bottle deposits or that an Alberta Health Care card was required,” she added.
“A platform to meet”
Santana started FSMA in 2012. Since then, she has introduced a variety of initiatives and programs for children, teens and families.
“Having an immigrant experience is a world of its own,” she commented. “The growth and acceptance of the program we offer [is what she’s most proud of].”
Schools and communities now require culturally diverse programs, support and learning.
The association works in some capacity with all 44 Elk Island Public Schools and 18 Elk Island Catholic Schools. Lessons range in topics from Black History Month to Indigenous stories.
She says other communities like Sherwood Park and Bruderheim have recently reached out to work with the association.
Although she is no longer president of the association, Santana still helps with many initiatives.
Author and mother
When Santana is not helping with FSMA, you can find her with her family, tending to her garden, or writing.
Santana is working on a novel where the protagonist, an 11-year-old girl, is working to pass her high school entrance exam in Trinidad and Tobago. The story takes place in 1975 and follows the girl as she is put to the test while dealing with an abusive father and the traditions of her culture.
“It’s the story of how she helped lift her family out of poverty.”
The novel is currently in its second draft.
The Fort Saskatchewan resident is also working on various children’s books.
Santana and her family are all Canadian citizens — something she’s proud to tell those who ask. She has four children, aged 30, 22, 19 and 13. All of these help in some way, shape or form help with the society.
