Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada – Peace Village
February 9 | 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Total Participants: 8
The Northern Ontario Indigenous Team arranged this visit. Wasauksing First Nation is an Ojibwe community, located on Parry Island near Parry Sound, approximately 225 kilometres north of Vaughan — about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive by car, including approximately 400–500 on-reserve residents and around 1,900 registered members. The reserve spans about 7,800 hectares, making it one of the largest
island-based First Nation communities in Ontario.
Four members from the Wasauking Nation attended:
- Chief Shane Tabobondung
- Mathew Hupfield (Social Services Councillor)
- Zak (Youth Leader)
- Lorna Pawis (Elder Women Leader)
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at team was led by Luqman Ahmad Chattha Sahib. (National Indigenous Desk In-Charge). Members of the Northern Ontario Indigenous team, comprising of Murabbi Mahboob ur Rahman Sahib (Missionary Hadiqa Ahmad), Zafar Ahmad Nadeem Sahib (Nasir); Adam Saeed Sahib (Secretary Tabligh Barrie Holly & Nazim Tabligh Northern Ontario Majlis Ansarullah).
Respected Suhail Mubarak Sharma Sahib (Missionary In-Charge) and Respected Jamil Ahmad Sahib (Regional Amir Northern Ontario) joined during parts of the visit.
MTA Canada recorded the entire program.
This was the second time the Chief visited Peace Village and Baitul Islam Mosque. Last year in December, he visited with his son. This time, Council members also joined him.
The purpose of this visit was to build a long-term friendship between the Wasauking First Nation and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. The goal is to understand each other better, share cultures, and collaborate, especially in youth programs.
The guests were welcomed in Tahir Hall. The meeting began with a Smudging ceremony, led by the Youth Leader. This is a sacred Indigenous practice where sage is burned for spiritual cleansing.
After that, the guests toured the Baitul Islam Mosque. They watched the Zuhr prayer from the gallery. Respected Suhail Mubarak Sharma Sahib explained the history of the Jama’at, the system of Khilafat, and answered their questions. The guests showed
interest in how Muslims pray together, how Wudu (ablution) is done, and the peaceful atmosphere of the Mosque.
Lunch was then served. During lunch, discussions were held about shared beliefs in One God, stories of the Great Flood, and the prophecies of Wovoka, a Native spiritual leader from the 1880s who spoke about peace, renewal, and hope for his people and also discussed about the Solar Eclipse that fulfils the prophesies of Hazrat Promised Messiah a.s. Respected Jamil Ahmad Sahib also joined the lunch discussion.
After lunch, the group moved to the boardroom. A presentation was given about the Jama’at’s work with Indigenous communities across Canada. This included youth programs, scholarships, volunteer projects, clean water support through IAEEE, and training workshops.
During the formal discussion, both sides talked about organizing a Cultural Exchange Day focused on youth. The goal would be to increase understanding and help reduce problems such as drug use and crime.
It was explained that the Jama’at does not take money from the government and does not seek outside donations. All work is supported by members of the Jama’at. The Chief had asked about a Letter of Support for a government grant. It was clarified that any such request would need proper review. However, full volunteer support was offered.
Both groups also talked about the hardships they have faced. Wasauking representatives shared how Indigenous communities have suffered from unfair laws, loss of culture, and past trauma. Jama’at representatives shared how Ahmadis face persecution in some countries. This helped both sides understand each other better.
It was agreed that trust takes time. Both sides decided to start with small youth-focused activities and slowly build the relationship.
At the end of the visit, gifts were given to guests. The Chief invited the Jama’at to visit their reserve in the summer. He was also invited to attend Jalsa Salana in Canada.
