Ismaili Community Celebrates 28th Annual Stampede Breakfast in Calgary

The Ismaili community in Calgary marked a significant milestone by hosting its 28th annual Stampede Breakfast on Saturday, bringing together hundreds of attendees to celebrate their rich traditions. The event showcased a blend of cultural heritage, featuring the sounds of country music, the aroma of chai, and an array of delicious food, including pancakes, scrambled eggs, and a unique coconut curry on the side.

The breakfast, held at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre, attracted notable figures such as Premier Danielle Smith, Mayor Jyoti Gondek, and Salma Lakhani, lieutenant governor of Alberta. Premier Smith commended the Ismaili community for its unwavering commitment to compassion and volunteerism, stating, “Ismaili communities are always and everywhere, defined by their respect, compassion and dedication to helping the people around them.” She emphasized their role as a reflection of Alberta’s evolving diversity.

The Ismaili community, primarily composed of South Asians whose ancestors migrated to Africa, found refuge in Calgary during the early 1970s following the expulsion of South Asians from Uganda by dictator Idi Amin. Unlike other Islamic sects, Ismailis follow a living, hereditary Imam, viewing him as their spiritual leader. The community gained international recognition through their previous Imam, Prince Karim al-Husseini, known as the Aga Khan IV, who led numerous philanthropic initiatives globally. Following his passing in February, the community now follows its 50th Imam, Prince Shah Rahim al-Hussaini.

Having settled in Calgary over five decades ago, the Ismailis have become a vibrant part of the city’s cultural fabric. Their involvement in the Calgary Stampede began in 1986 with a parade float, and the Stampede Breakfast has since evolved into one of the city’s key cultural events. This year’s breakfast featured traditional dishes alongside local favorites, highlighting the community’s culinary heritage.

The event serves not just as a meal but as a platform for the Ismailis to give back to the broader Calgary community. Alisha Kanji, media spokesperson for the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre’s Calgary chapter, remarked, “As Ismailis, a big part of our value system is to be able to give back to the communities in which we live, in which we come from.” She noted that the breakfast fosters connections with other communities, allowing them to showcase their values and contributions.

The Ismaili Jamatkhana partnered with the Canadian Immigration Women’s Association, which provides resources to immigrant women. Mayor Gondek praised this collaboration, highlighting the essential role of women in supporting families and the challenges they often face without adequate support.

Among the attendees was Lazeema Rajabali, who has been part of the breakfast for the past decade. She expressed the importance of such events, stating, “It helps us connect to the broader community. We do a lot of volunteer work, so this gives them an opportunity to take a look at what we are about.”

The Stampede Breakfast continues to stand as a testament to the Ismaili community’s spirit of volunteerism and cultural pride, contributing to the rich tapestry of Calgary’s diverse society.