You are here

Home » A to Z Directory » Council for Edmonton

Imamat Day 2023: Leadership Message

Faith & Traditions | Council for Edmonton
Region:
Edmonton
Published Date:
Thursday, July 6, 2023

 

On behalf of all Edmonton Jamati Institution office-bearers, we wish you a heartfelt Imamat Day Mubarak. On July 11, along with Ismailis from all over the world, we will celebrate the anniversary of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s accession to the throne of Imamat.

This Imamat day, we celebrate 66 years of the Imam’s spiritual and material guidance. We offer our deepest gratitude for his tireless efforts, every day, to helping ensure the safety and security of his Jamat around the world; for his contributions to humanity at large, towards building a more compassionate, equitable and understanding world; for motivating us to develop our true potential; and for lighting the path, for each one of us, to spiritual understanding. For all this, we are ever grateful.

As a Jamat we are fortunate to enjoy significant events and festivities that continue to bring the Jamat together:

  • We had the privilege of hosting Prince Hussain for the Canadian debut of the Living Sea - Fragile Beauty photographic exhibition in Calgary and Toronto. More than twenty thousand people visited the stunning exhibition that demonstrates the beauty and fragility of underwater sea life, and our interconnectivity with one another through the seas.
  • The illume festival brings together talent from across all generations of the Jamat to celebrate each other’s talent in the areas of performing and visual arts, and sports. Regional festivals and qualifying events highlighted the talent and sportsmanship of the Jamat. The National festival in August and November will bring us together as one Jamat in Hamilton and Toronto.

We are currently celebrating our 50th anniversary of significant Ismaili presence in Canada. This celebration has brought together community members from diverse backgrounds to reflect and share their stories of arriving and living in Canada. Mawlana Hazar Imam’s commitment to improving quality of life for all, including our fellow Canadians, includes the establishment of numerous Imamat institutions in Canada. Mawlana Hazar Imam has also signed agreements of understanding with various levels of government and through the Aga Khan University, with Canadian establishments of higher education. As members of the Canadian Jamat, let us continue to advance a true understanding of our faith and of our values of pluralism, respect for human dignity, and equity, and contribute to building this great country over the next five decades and beyond.

Over the recent past, we have been graced with an increasing number of newcomers – Jamati members who have made Canada their home and become part of the strong fabric of our collective identity. It is a blessing for the Jamat to be able to grow in this way, and to be the beneficiary of the strength that this diversity brings. Let us continue to extend our support, in whatever way we can, for those establishing their roots in Canada, in the spirit of family and unity.

As we complete our terms of office in the coming days, we offer shukrana for the blessing and utmost privilege of being able to serve the Imam-of-the-Time and the Jamat. We extend to each of you our sincerest gratitude for your unwavering support of the initiatives of the Jamati institutions, and for the patience, kindness and understanding that you have extended to each one of us in our roles. We seek your forgiveness for errors, oversights and hurt feelings, and know that you will continue to offer this affection and support to the incoming leadership as they seek to realize Mawlana Hazar Imam’s vision for the Jamat in the years ahead.

We wish every one of you a joyful and fulfilling Imamat Day. May you, your families and your loved ones be blessed with immense barakah, good health, prosperity, peace, spiritual understanding and the alleviation of all your difficulties. Imamat Day Mubarak.

 

Zahra Somani
President, Council for Edmonton
 
Salima Hemani
Honorary Secretary, Council for Edmonton
 
Shafana Mitha
Chairman, Ismaili Tariqah & Religious Education Board
 
Amin Poonja
Chairman, Conciliation & Arbitration Board 
 
Rahim Mulji
Chairman, Grants & Review Board
 
Alaudin Kanji
Mukhi, Headquarters Jamatkhana

Thank You: Edmonton Ismaili Canada Day Breakfast

Community Engagement | Council for Edmonton
Region:
Edmonton
Published Date:
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Thank you to all the volunteers, community leaders and attendees for making our 34th Annual Canada Day Breakfast a success, and a warm congratulations to the newest Canadian citizens we had the opportunity to welcome on Canada Day.
 

Canada Day Breakfast

Community Engagement | Council for Edmonton
Region:
Edmonton
Date:
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Time:
7-10 am
Location:
Alberta Legislature Grounds

For over 30 years, a sea of red shirts and smiling faces - volunteers from the Ismaili Muslim community - have greeted a hungry Canada Day crowd at the Alberta Legislature Grounds.

This year will be no different. On July 1, over 12,000 Edmontonians are expected to enjoy a complimentary breakfast including pancakes and watermelon, to celebrate this country we all love.

On behalf of the Ismaili Council for Edmonton, we invite you, your colleagues, friends, neighbours and families, to the Annual Canada Day Breakfast to be held on Saturday, July 1 from 7am to 10am at the Alberta Legislature Grounds.

We hope that you will be able to join us, together with the many civil society, political and academic leaders, to meet and greet the thousands of Canadians taking part in the Canada Day festivities!

Alberta is Experiencing Poor Air Quality

Support Services | Health Board
Region:
Edmonton
Published Date:
Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Smoke from wildfires has triggered Special Air Quality Statements to be issued for poor air quality across much of Alberta.

Air quality is expected to be intermittently poor for the upcoming days. During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary hour-by-hour.

It is important that we all take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and patients from the hazardous effects of smoke. The Air Quality Health Index recommendations can be found here.

Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased cough, throat irritation, headache or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma and COPD, are especially at risk. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels.

If you can taste and/or smell smoke in the air, or if the Air Quality Health Index is in the high risk (7-10) or very high risk (10+) range, the following precautions are recommended:

  • Monitor your symptoms.
  • Drink water & stay hydrated.
  • Minimize outdoor physical activity.
  • Remain indoors with windows, doors and air circulation fans/vents closed as long as the temperature remains comfortable.
  • While driving, keep windows and vents closed. Put your car fan on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air.
  • Find an indoor place in the community that's cool and ventilated.
  • Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air or a portable air purifier with HEPA filter may help.

If you have health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider or you can call Health Link 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free at 811, to speak to a registered nurse.

Please contact Access at 1-888-536-3599 for non emergency support.

 

Illume 2023: Edmonton Regional Festival

Community Engagement | Council for Edmonton
Region:
Edmonton
Published Date:
Thursday, April 20, 2023

Illume 2023 will bring together our Jamat’s talent across over 20 art forms and sports. The road to Illume starts with regional tryouts and events. To qualify for different levels of competitions, interested members of the Jamat must register. A step-by-step video on how to register is available.

The Edmonton regional Illume events will be held as follows:

  • Various sports tryouts, held during May.
  • Performing Arts, held on June 10 at Location TBD, Edmonton.
  • Visual Art Gallery, TBD.
  • Film Festival, TBD.

Registration deadlines are as follows:

  • Sunday, April 28 for Performing Arts and Sports.
  • Saturday, July 15 for Visual Arts.
  • Monday, July 31 for the Film Festival.

The National Illume festival will be held in two parts:

  • Performing Arts and Sports, held from August 4 to 7 in Hamilton, Ontario.
  • Film Festival and Visual Arts, held during November in Toronto, Ontario.

For more information and to register, please visit illume 2023.

Navroz Mubarak Message

Faith & Traditions | Council for Edmonton
Region:
Edmonton
Published Date:
Wednesday, March 15, 2023

On behalf of all Edmonton Jamati institutions and Jamati and Majalis Mukhi Kamadia Sahebs and Mukhiani Kamadiani Sahebas, we wish you and your families a heartfelt Navroz Mubarak.  

As the start of the New Year, Navroz is a time of spiritual renewal, physical rejuvenation, hope and optimism. It gives us the opportunity to both reflect on the past year, and look forward to the year ahead. 

This past year is especially significant as it marked 50 years of the Jamat’s strong presence in Canada. As we reflect on the achievements of the Jamat up until this point, let us also celebrate what is to come.  This year we welcomed many new Jamati members arriving from around the world to Canada. Let us do what we can do to support and welcome them. Let us offer gratitude for the diversity and strength this brings to the Jamat. 

Let us also remember the many Jamats around the world who are facing situations of political, social and geographic instability. Let us provide support whenever we can, and offer prayers for peace and security. 

We would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the Jamat and all our volunteers who continue to give of their time and resources. It is your energy, your generosity, and your compassion that keeps the Jamat healthy, happy and united. 

Finally, let us offer shukrana to our beloved Imam for his unwavering guidance and support. 

We wish each and every one of you a joyful and fulfilling Navroz Day. May you, your families and your loved ones be blessed with immense barakah, good health, prosperity, peace, spiritual understanding and the alleviation of all your difficulties.

Navroz Mubarak!

Zahra Somani
President, Council for Edmonton 

Shafana Mitha
Chairman, Ismaili Tariqah & Religious Education Board 

Amin Poonja
Chairman, Conciliation & Arbitration Board  

Rahim Mulji
Chairman, Grants & Review Board   

Alaudin Kanji
Mukhi, Headquarters Jamatkhana 

Edmonton Region Navroz Celebrations

Faith & Traditions | Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board (ITREB)
Region:
Edmonton
Published Date:
Thursday, March 2, 2023

The Jamat is warmly invited to participate in the following upcoming Navroz celebrations:

  • Saturday March 18: Navoz Celebration Dinner and Raas Program at all Edmonton and Red Deer Jamatkhanas. The flute band will perform at Belle Rive Jamatkhana before the Raas program.

Volunteer Opportunity: Program Coordinator, Aga Khan Garden (Edmonton)

Community Engagement | Council for Edmonton
Region:
Edmonton
Published Date:
Thursday, January 26, 2023

The Council for Edmonton is seeking a bright, motivated individual to act as the Aga Khan Garden and Diwan Program Coordinator. This individual will report to the President of the Council for Edmonton, and will work closely with the institutions and staff at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, to develop and deliver programming at the Aga Khan Garden. 

Main priorities for this role: 

  • Develop a strategic plan around programming and engagement 
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate programming at the Garden for various segments (internal and external) 
  • Act as a liaison between the Council for Edmonton, the Aga Khan Garden, and the University of Alberta 

The time commitment is 2-5 hours/week. Strong oral and written skills are essential and the ideal canadidate is well organized and able to work in a team.

Interested individuals are requested to submit a CV/resume along with a short paragraph on why this role is of interest to them to the Council for Edmonton by February 10, 2023.

Council for Edmonton Directory 2022-2023

Support Services | Council for Edmonton
Region:
Edmonton
Published Date:
Sunday, January 1, 2023

HIS HIGHNESS PRINCE AGA KHAN SHIA IMAMI
ISMAILI COUNCIL FOR EDMONTON

Institutional Directory 

2019-2023

To get in touch with the Jamati Institutions, contact the Access Line.

Title

Name

President

Zahra Somani

Honorary Secretary

Salima Hemani

Chairperson, ITREB

Shafana Mitha

Honorary Secretary, ITREB

Karim Rattansey

Mukhisaheb, Headquarters Jamatkhana 

Alaudin Kanji

Member for Communications & Publications

Salima Punja

Member for Community Relations

Alia Kassam

Member for Legal Matters

Sheliza Kluge

Member for Diversity and Inclusion & Arts and Culture

Shehla Ramji

Member for Property Matters & Transportation

Fayaz Chunara

Member for Strategy, Planning, Information Systems & Data Management

Marline Aizouki

Member for Ismaili Volunteers & Human Resource Development

Ali Murji

Member for Rites of Passage & Resource Development

Jamil Kara

Member for Finance 

Rizwan Kanji

Member for Settlement

Najib Alamyar

Member for Care for the Elderly

Kim Jiwa

Member for Aga Khan Garden

Salima Ebrahim

Member for Family Mentorship

Zaher Samnani

Member for Environment

Azam Khowaja

Member for Strategy and Planning

Rishma Kassam

Chairperson, Economic Planning Board

Anis Umedali

Chairperson, Education Board

Natasha Pirmohamed

Chairperson, Health Board

Indraneal Chatterjee

Chairperson, Social Welfare Board

Arif Alibhai

Chairperson, Youth and Sports Board

Farhana Ibrahim

Chairperson, Grants and Review Board

Rahim Mulji

Chairperson, Conciliation and Arbitration Board

Amin Poonja 

 

Salgirah Mubarak

Faith & Traditions | Council for Edmonton
Region:
Edmonton
Published Date:
Thursday, December 8, 2022

Dear Jamat, Ya Ali Madad. 

On the occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 86th Salgirah, we wish the entire Jamat a heartfelt Salgirah Mubarak! 

This Salgirah is particularly joyful as we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of 1972, the first mass settlement of the Jamat in Canada. Canada continues to welcome Jamati members from all over the world, with immense warmth and generosity. The Jamat has had the opportunity to develop roots in the peace and security of this new home, while also contributing to Canada’s rich cultural mosaic and civil society. 

This Salgirah, let us reflect on the blessings of the Imam of the Time without whose guiding hand none of this would have been a reality and whose service to humanity has been recognized widely across Canada and the world. In September, we were very fortunate to host members of the Imamat family in Canada as they represented Mawlana Hazar Imam. For this visit and the significant achievements celebrated, as well as the establishment of the Canadian Jamat, we offer humble shukrana to Mawlana Hazar Imam for his dedication and untiring efforts to improve the quality of life for Ismailis in Canada and all Canadians. 

The Jamat’s unity and generosity of spirit and resources ensures the stability of the both the local and global Jamat. The effects of climate change, economic variability, political instability, physical and mental health continue to challenge all of us. The Canadian Jamat is anticipated to grow as we welcome more murids from various parts of the world. Let’s set ourselves up for future success. We encourage everyone to please continue to reach out for support or to offer your help via the Access Line and prepare for a strong future through the Future Ready Initiative. To help inform Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Jamati Institutions on the status and needs of the Jamat, we humbly request every household to complete the 2022/23 Canadian Jamati Survey, which will launch on Tuesday, December 13. Thank you for your support to help the Jamat continue to be strong and united in Canada. 

Reflecting on the significance of the 86th Salgirah, it is through Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance and institutional endeavours that we have the courage and faith to overcome adversity and emerge into new situations with strength and confidence. His tireless efforts have enabled the Jamat to look ahead and plan for our futures with hope, faith and optimism. 

During Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 80th birthday celebrations he shared his vision for the Jamat’s success in the future: 

"As we look ahead, the Jamat is likely to become more and more a global community…but the essence of the Jamat, the ethics of our faith, the principles which we believe in and which we seek to practice in our lives are the essence of how our community will stay united." 

Salgirah Mubarak to each one of you – with prayers for peace, easing of all difficulties, and immense barakah.

Zahra Somani, President, Council for Edmonton

Shafana Mitha, Chairman, Ismaili Tariqah & Religious Education Board

Amin Poonja, Chairman, Conciliation & Arbitration Board

Rahim Mulji, Chairman, Grants & Review Board

Alaudin Kanji, Mukhi, Headquarters Jamatkhana

Salgirah Celebrations

Faith & Traditions | Council for Edmonton
Region:
Edmonton
Start Date:
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Start Time:
After Jamati Ceremonies
Location:
All Jamatkhanas

This year marks Mawlana Hazar Imam's 86th birthday. The Jamat is warmly invited to come together for a dinner and raas program on Saturday, December 10 after Jamati ceremonies. Multi-faith family members are warmly encouraged to attend.

Given the on-going respiratory virus risks, please stay home if you are unwell and continue taking appropriate precautions such as hand sanitizing and masking where appropriate.

Edmonton Journal: Four Years Later, the Aga Khan Garden Inspires and Teaches

Community Engagement | Communications and Publications
Region:
Edmonton
Published Date:
Thursday, October 13, 2022

In 2018, the city of Edmonton hosted His Highness the Aga Khan to open what has since become a landmark of the city and the province — the Aga Khan Garden at the University of Alberta’s Botanic Garden.

Four years later, the Aga Khan Garden was visited by His Highness’ daughter Princess Zahra Aga Khan who, on behalf of her father, presided over the opening of the Diwan at the garden. The pavilion is designed for year-round use and provides a space for meeting, cultural exchange, and collaboration. As chancellor of the University of Alberta, it was my great honour to attend the ceremony and learn so much, not only about the Aga Khan’s incredible gift, but also the history of the Ismaili community in Edmonton and Alberta and the tremendous contributions they continue to make to our community.

Read more.

Photos for Protect Our Planet Pledge

Youth are invited to submit photos showing how you protect our planet. 

More information
  • Files must be less than 2 MB.
  • Allowed file types: jpg jpeg png mov.
Disable Page Wrapping: 
Show content RTL: 

Protect Our Planet: A Visual Journey

Community Engagement | Council for Edmonton
Region:
Edmonton
Published Date:
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Parents and youth in the Jamat are invited to submit photos showing how you protect our planet. The deadline is September 6. 
 
Through your photos, demonstrate how you are guardians of our environment, tell a visual story, and make a pledge to protect our planet. Examples include riding bicycles instead of driving, planting trees, shopping with reusable bags, and more.
 
Photo submissions will be incorporated into a special presentation for the Jamat.

Aga Khan Award for Architecture Shortlisted Projects Exhibit

Community Engagement | Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
Region:
Edmonton
Start Date:
Friday, August 26, 2022
Start Time:
After Jamati Ceremonies
End Date:
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Location:
Belle Rive JK

The exhibition of the shortlisted projects for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture will be displayed at Belle Rive Jamatkhana until September 4. 

[video:www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWw0whIZv4I autoplay:0]

On June 2, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) announced 20 shortlisted projects for the 2022 Award Cycle - these projects will compete for a share of the US$ 1 million prize, one of the largest in architecture. 

The AKAA was established by Mawlana Hazar Imam in 1977 to identify and encourage building concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations of communities.