One hundred years is a remarkable milestone. But when I think about what it really means, I don’t find myself focused on the number. I think about the people, the stories and the moments that brought us here.

This past year has been one of looking back with gratitude and looking forward with purpose. This summer, that came to life in the most meaningful way, as so many of you joined us at our Centennial events across Alberta.

You shared memories and stories with us: some that made us smile, and others that touched our hearts. Those stories reminded us that for some of you, AMA has been a trusted presence for generations; for others, the connection is just beginning. And all of it reinforced that AMA isn’t simply an organization that you rely on from time to time; it’s one you have welcomed into your journeys, your milestones and your everyday moments.

Thank you for that. Your engagement with our Centennial has made this milestone even more meaningful. As part of remembering where we’ve been, this issue features something special: a road trip diary from 1916. It’s a glimpse into an Alberta where drivers navigated muddy roads and washed-out bridges with little more than ingenuity and the goodwill of strangers. It’s a wonderful read and a reminder of just how far we’ve travelled together. What comes through in that story is more than the condition of the roads. It’s the spirit of Albertans looking out for one another, finding a way forward and figuring things out together. To me, that spirit is the real foundation of AMA, and it still runs through everything we do today. That same spirit carries into a story that will introduce you to the students at Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation School. Their dedication helped AMA complete its commitment to plant 200,000 trees across Alberta: a gift to the land today and a legacy for generations to come.

As we prepare to officially mark 100 years on Nov. 30, this milestone feels less like a finish line and more like a starting point. We’re proud of what we’ve built together, and even more excited about what comes next.

Whatever comes next, it will be shaped by you, our members: by your lives, your needs and your hopes for this province. Thank you for being part of our story and for the trust you have placed in us along the way. Here’s to the next hundred years. AMA