North America

The Shia Ismaili Muslims are a community of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world, united in their allegiance to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan (known to the Ismailis as Mawlana Hazar Imam) as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader), and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).

Heritage & Expressions

Landmark Delegation building takes shape in Ottawa

The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat is being built along Sussex Drive in Ottawa, Canada. Photo: Courtesy of Imara Sussex Drive

Construction of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat along Ottawa's historic Sussex Drive is nearing completion. Gary Kamemoto, Director of the architecture firm Maki and Associates, describes the vision and architectural ambition behind the building.

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Community & Service

Volunteers key to Canadian initiative to combat HIV-AIDS in Uganda

Alibhai works with local volunteers in Uganda to distribute ARVs to HIV and AIDS patients. Photo: Arif Karmali

Access to antiretroviral drugs has restored the quality of life of millions of HIV-positive people, but the cost of this medicine is prohibitive to populations in some areas of the developing world. Arif Alibhai and his colleagues from the University of Alberta have been working with volunteers in rural Uganda to change this.

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Family & Wellbeing

Road to the Games: USA and Australia prepare to send their best to Nairobi

 Photo: Amin Jivani

In the run-up to the Golden Jubilee Games, Ismaili athletes from the United States, Australia and New Zealand came together as a single team. Overcoming vast distances, they built bonds, strengthened their skills and prepared themselves for Nairobi.

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Learning & Work

Building the future one nanoparticle at a time

Cadmium selenide in a solution — commonly known as “quantum dots.”. Photo: Courtesy of Dr Michael Wong, Rice University

Huma Jafry-Lalani is pursuing a Ph.D. in nanotechnology — one of the newest fields of scientific research. It has a wide range of applications, and offers the possibility of addressing some of the world's most pressing issues.

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News & Events

Gala strengthens partnership between Ismaili Community and Quebec

Gala commemorates partnership between the Ismaili Community and the Province of Quebec. Photo: Almin Surani

Fifteen years ago the Ismaili Council for Canada initiated an agreement with the Province of Quebec to sponsor the migration of Afghan refugees. On 3 April, a Gala was held to commemorate this important partnership and to thank the province for welcoming the Afghan Jamat.

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Golden Jubilee

United States of America visit

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Princess Zahra walk under a sabre arch salute presented by the Sol Ross volunteers of Texas, as they disembark in Austin, USA. Photo: Gary Otte

11 – 19 April 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam made an eight-day Golden Jubilee visit to the United States in April 2008. During the visit, Hazar Imam granted Darbars in Texas, California, Illinois and Georgia, met with government leaders, and delivered the International Baccalaureate Organisation Peterson Lecture.

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Golden Jubilee

Find out more on the Golden Jubilee