Commentary
Reflecting on what it means to be Canadian this Canada Day, let’s take a trip back to the 1972 Summit Series. Not for Canada’s victory over the Soviets, but for its indirect impact on a more significant drama unfolding in Uganda.
Amid a weakening global economy and increasing anti-immigrant sentiments in the West, few countries were willing to welcome the soon-to-be refugees.
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As fate would have it, the Aga Khan made his request for a specific number of refugees just as the USSR tied the game at three goals each. The Canadian official, seeing the waiter displaying three fingers on each hand at that precise moment, relayed the score by placing six fingers on his own hand for the other officials to see.
Unaware of the signaling system, the Aga Khan interpreted this gesture as Canada agreeing to welcome 6,000 refugees. To avoid causing offense, the official went along with it.
“The refugees were only allowed to take $25,000 out,” Moul recounted. “If you tried to take anything more, you were shot by the military police without a trial.”
These emigres, previously one of Africa’s most educated populations, quickly made their mark in professional spheres. The community became known for its business acumen, with former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien joking about needing Ismaili entrepreneurs in his economically challenged hometown.
The next generation, children of the exiled Ugandans, excelled in cultural and political arenas. Notable Ismaili Canadians of Ugandan descent include Rahim Jaffer, Omar Sachedina, Arif Virani, and Farah Mohamed.
Today, Canada is home to around 100,000 Ismailis, with recent immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and former Soviet Republics. They occupy prominent roles across various professions and cultural institutions, actively participating in community events.
The Aga Khan’s initiatives have led to the establishment of significant Canadian cultural landmarks, such as the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto and the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa.
The story of Canada’s Ismaili community exemplifies the country’s values of pluralism, generosity, and opportunity. It serves as a testament to the nation’s ability to overcome challenges and celebrate its diversity.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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