His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan granted didar to the Ismaili Jamat of British Columbia at the Vancouver Convention Centre, bringing to a close a landmark chapter in the history of the Canadian Jamat.
The Mukhi of Vancouver Darkhana submitted bay’a on behalf of the British Columbia Jamat during the ceremony. Prince Rahim Aga Khan, accompanied by his sons Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan, was presented with a hand-crafted art installation titled “Rooted in Love” — four intertwined hearts inscribed with messages of devotion on sustainable seed paper, intended to later be planted as a keepsake of the occasion.
As he departed the didar hall, Jamat leaders bid the Aga Khan farewell, marking the culmination of his first visit to Canada as the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. The visit unfolded in two legs — Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto in March, followed by Calgary and Vancouver this week — giving Ismailis across the country their first opportunity to be in his presence.
Projects Reflecting Community’s Roots in Canada
The visits advanced several initiatives underscoring the Jamat’s permanence in Canada and its commitment to broader community wellbeing. In March, Prince Rahim Aga Khan inaugurated the first purpose-built Jamatkhana in Laval, Quebec, along with Generations Toronto, a campus integrating affordable housing, long-term care, healthcare and early learning.
In Vancouver on Saturday, under the banner “Building Together,” the Aga Khan joined federal, provincial and municipal leaders to announce the next phase of that model: Generations Vancouver, now nearing completion, along with upcoming developments in Burnaby and the Tri-Cities.
Strengthening a Five-Decade Partnership
The visits also deepened the longstanding relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and Canada. In Ottawa, Prince Rahim Aga Khan met with Governor General Mary Simon and parliamentarians, and issued a Joint Declaration on affordable housing and education with Prime Minister Mark Carney. In Vancouver, that partnership advanced further through signed agreements supporting affordable housing nationally as well as economic and sustainable development initiatives abroad.
Civic Honours Across the Country
Prince Rahim Aga Khan was honoured with traditional civic distinctions in each city he visited, including Toronto’s Key to the City, Calgary’s White Hat, and Vancouver’s Civic Merit Medallion. He departs Canada leaving the Jamat, in the words of community leaders, filled with profound joy, gratitude and hope.