The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), the City of Markham and Citizenship and Immigration Canada held a community citizenship ceremony at The Markham Civic Centre on July 1, 2015. This ceremony was coordinated by members of a local ICC volunteer committee, and students from the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim community. As a community, we believe it is our responsibility to make sure Canada’s newest citizens are warmly welcomed into the community. ICC ceremonies are unique because they include a roundtable discussion preceding the ceremony and a reception following the ceremony. The local committee invites active and respected community members to participate in the discussion with the new citizens. The goal is to have a lively discussion that encourages us all to reflect on the importance of being an active Canadian citizen.

The city of Toronto will soon welcome the 2015 Pan Am Games and Parapan Am Games. From May 30 to July 10, 2015, the Pan Am Games Torch will pass through 130 communities, arriving at the opening ceremonies. 

Members of the Jamat have been selected to participate in the torch relay. Below are the dates when two Jamati members will be serving as torchbearers. If you have been selected as a torchbearer or know of other Jamati members who have been selected, please notify us at communications@iicanada.org

Jamati members are encouraged to support our torchbearers.June 27: Zaitun GigaZaitun Giga will be passing by 1220 Castlemore Road (near Major Mackenzie and Markham Road) in Markham, Ontario at approximately 11:45 AM on June 27th, 2015. 

July 5: Leila KeshavjeeLeila Keshavjee will be carrying the lantern during an event at the Aga Khan Park at approximately 8:15 PM on July 5th, 2015.

On March 15th, 2015, over 40 members of Tajik families across GTA came together at Ismaili Centre, Toronto for a Meet and Greet Event with Sheherazade Hirji, President of the Ismaili Council for Ontario, and Amir R. Mirshahi, Charmain of the Ismaili Council for Ontario's Settlement Portfolio.. The event began with a welcome address by Chairman Mirshahi and President Hirji who expressed their immense happiness for the opportunity to meet the families and to learn from each other.

A short presentation was shared with the participants highlighting the geographic location and photos from Tajikstan as well demographics of the Tajik community in Ontario. Members at the event shared their stories of settling in Canada and the challenges and successes that they had faced during this time.

The event concluded with a tour of the Ismaili Centre, Toronto.  All participants, including President Hirji and Chairman Mirshahi expressed their happiness on being a part of the first event of this kind. Hopefully, the event will be one of many more gatherings to share with, learn from and grow with each other.