This year is an especially significant year as Canadian Ismailis come together to commemorate two historic events - the Diamond Jubilee year, celebrating 60 years of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat, and Canada’s sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
This year is a time for both celebration and reflection. In that spirit, Ismailis across Canada shared messages of gratitude, pride and love for Canada using the hashtag #ProudToBeACanadianIsmaili and #Canada150.
Reflecting on the shared values between Canada and the Ismaili community, Khalil Shariff, CEO for Aga Khan Foundation Canada shared his message, “Canada stands out as a beacon of important ideas and ideals in a troubled world. Canada’s example of pluralism, compassion, of a common sense of shared humanity are ideas that we should be proud of, not only as Canadians, but as Canadian Ismailis.”
Messages of gratitude to Canada for welcoming the Ismaili community and providing security, stability and opportunity could also be heard.
Global News Toronto Anchor Farah Nasser reflected on the opportunities that Canada has given to her family: “Just over forty years ago my parents came to this country with nothing more than a goal – to achieve a better future for their children. To give their children better education and better opportunities than they had. And Canada, you have helped them achieve that goal in spades. If it wasn’t for you opening your doors to the Ismaili community and so many other immigrant communities, there would be no way I would be doing what I am doing today.”
Of course, actors Huse Madhavji and Riz Manji couldn’t resist the chance to send a birthday message to Canada from California while having a little fun!
This year the Canadian Jamat has a unique opportunity to express our gratitude and pride in meaningful ways. On September 17th CIVIC 150 will be launched - an annual event for the Canadian Jamat to engage in a national day of service to Canada and to pledge a gift of time, individually or in teams, to contribute to our communities and improve the experience and quality of life for all who call Canada home.
We are privileged to be part of the Canadian story, today, tomorrow and for the next 150 years. In the words of Mawlana Hazar Imam, “Canada is today the most successful pluralist society on the face of our globe, without any doubt in my mind...that is something unique to Canada. It is an amazing global human asset."
Check out current stories at #ProudToBeACanadianIsmaili and #Canada150, tell your Canadian Ismaili story, and share a message that expresses your pride, gratitude and love for Canada.
