- Citizen diplomacy panel
October 11th, 2025 - Lethbridge, AB
(L-R) Michael Bennett- (Director for Culver City Relations) Mayor of Great Falls, Cory Reeves, Lethbridge City Mayor, Blaine Hyggen, Harold Pereverseff (President of Lethbridge Twinning Society)
On Saturday, October 11 the Lethbridge Twinning Society held a citizen diplomacy panel. The panel consisted of executive members of the Lethbridge Twining Society, and invited guests representing the countries of India, Nigeria, and Germany.
Executive members of the Twinning Society explained each of their sister city delegated responsibilities and then we welcomed special keynote speaker mayor of Great Falls, Montana, USA, Cory Reeves. Mayor Reeves addressed the Audience expressing his views on citizen diplomacy, and providing several examples, particularly related to Canadians visiting in the city of Great Falls over a number of years.
There was an obvious kinship relationship between Great Falls city Mayor, Cory Reeves and Lethbridge city Mayor Blaine Hyggen this relationship bodes well with the Lethbridge Twinning Society. The evening was filled with information and provided a very good synopsis of citizen diplomacy.
After the panel discussion, they were questions from the audience towards the panel members, and once again the responses were informational and related to citizen diplomacy.
Lethbridge city Mayor Blaine Hyggen was in attendance and he participated in the discussion with the panel and also took the time to meet with all of the panel members and to mingle among those in attendance. The time went by fast and we were in very pleased that many of the audience expressed interest in joining the Lethbridge twinning society.
(L) Mayor Cory Reeves, Great Falls, Montana (R) Lethbridge City Mayor, Blaine Hyggen
Mikhaila sang both the Canadian and American national anthems and at the conclusion, “God save the King”
- Mitsuko Yamada Recognition
May 21st, 2025 – Lethbridge, AB
On May 21st members of the LTS gathered to recognize Mitsuko Yamada from Towada City, Japan. Mitsuko arrived in Lethbridge on April 16th and is staying with her daughter and family. She has had the opportunity of visiting various venues including Writing on Stone Provincial Park, where she safely encountered a rattlesnake! She as well visited Niagara Falls, Toronto, Kitchener/Waterloo! A busy lady. She will be in Lethbridge until the beginning of June after she attends her grandson’s grade XII graduation.
Mitsuko getting up and personal to Niagara Falls along with her daughter, Takako and granddaughter Ako
A great evening of celebration as we recognized our guest from Towada City
Director for Towada City relations, Carol Pickett and Mitsuko Yamada
Enjoying bar b que dinner
Mitsuko has “built” her hamburger to perfection
16 members of LTS gathered to enjoy the bar b que
- Acknowledging Support: MP Rachael Thomas and the Lethbridge Twinning Society
Lethbridge, AB
Michael Bennett - Lethbridge Twinning Society for Culver City and Lethbridge Member of Parliament, Rachael Thomas.
MP Thomas has always been a supporter of our society which is greatly appreciated.
- Mitsuko Yamada Visit
April, 2025 – Lethbridge, AB
Mitsuko Yamada from Towada City is here in Lethbridge for a visit. It is wonderful to keep up the contact with our Sister City if even with one person at a time.
Mitsuko Yamada taking in the sights of Lethbridge
- 45th Annual "Ice Breaker Road Race"
April 27th, 2025
Members of the Lethbridge twinning society participated in the 45th annual icebreaker road race in Great Falls on April 27. The weather for the road race was terrific and it was bright and sunny and warm.
An estimate of the participants in the races would be about 3000 so a very good turnout this year.
There were three races that you could participate in the 5 mile the 3 mile and a 1 mile. It was a fun day and we had an opportunity of visiting some nice restaurants, enjoying some fabulous food and also a little bit of shopping and some sightseeing.
It was great to see that the city of Great Falls Civic Center, where the races began were flying the Canadian flag alongside the Star-Spangled Banner and the Montana State flag. That was very welcoming for the Canadians that did come down to Great Falls.
The start of one of the races.
Titus from Lethbridge registered for the three mile race.
Michael Bennett from Lethbridge registers for the three mile race
Michael and Titus in front of the Great Falls civic centre before the races
Our group together with Great Falls resident (and our host) Jack Allen
The Ice Breaker Road Race mascot, “Pacer” added to the fun at the races
“Some came for the food” - excellent food served up at Applebees!
- Listening and Leadership: A Conversation with Premier Smith
November 30, 2024 – Lethbridge, AB
On November 30, 2024, we had the unique opportunity to attend a private gathering with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, alongside a small group of just 15 participants.
It was a meaningful chance to share our perspectives and hear directly from the Premier on key issues. We were truly impressed by her personable and engaging approach.
Thank you,
Harold Pereverseff
(President, Lethbridge Twinning Society)
403-330-6119
