Exploring the Heart of Low German Mennonite Life: A Cultural Journey

Date and time: Friday, May 9, 2025, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: ACH 4th Floor Conference Rooms 2 & 3

Tina was born in a small town in Durango, Mexico, and grew up in a Low German Mennonite community where there was no indoor plumbing, electricity, or motorized vehicles. She was the oldest of 12 siblings and attended the Old Colony Mennonite Church, wearing traditional clothing until she turned 16. In 1987, when Tina was just 4 years old, her family moved to Ontario, Canada. After living there for seven years, they returned to Mexico for about 2.5 years, which was a significant culture shock for Tina as she adjusted back to a simpler lifestyle. This experience deepened her appreciation for many things that most people often take for granted.

In 2001, Tina's family relocated to Alberta. She has a 15-year-old son and two adult stepchildren. For a decade, Tina worked as a Community Health Representative, focusing on bridging gaps between service providers and the Low German-speaking Mennonite community. Currently, she is involved with the Healthier Together Initiative, utilizing her extensive experience to develop preventive resources tailored for this community.

Alberta has welcomed many Low German Mennonite (LGM) families in recent decades. Regardless of your profession, you’re likely to engage with LGM families in some capacity. In this presentation, Tina will draw from her experiences growing up in this community and her decade of work as a Low German Community Health Representative. She will share essential insights into the cultural beliefs and lifestyles of LGM families. This session aims to help service providers gain a deeper understanding of their history, values, and convictions, enabling more effective collaboration with the LGM community.

For questions, please contact Brenda Turley bturley@ucalgary.ca