Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

View the Video at the CTV website:
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100528/aga-khan-centre-...

The Aga Khan, left, and Stephen Harper look over a model of the Aga Khan Centre and Museum, which will be built in Toronto by 2013.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Friday conferred an honorary Canadian citizenship on the Aga Khan, making the billionaire descendant of the Prophet Mohammed and spiritual leader to 15 million Ismaili Muslim followers worldwide only the fifth person to be so honoured.

And though that "citizenship" is merely a symbolic gesture, if the Aga Khan (who lives in France) were to prove a model Canadian citizen, he would not be the first among his people to do so.

The Aga Khan, head of the world's Ismaili Muslim community, unveils plans for the Aga Khan Museum for Islamic Art and Culture and Prime Minister Stephen Harper bestows the spiritual leader with honorary Canadian citizenship. Includes short interviews of attendees.

View the Video at the CBC website:
http://www.cbc.ca/video/player.html?category=News&zone=arts/artdesign&si...

CBC Second News Video:
http://www.cbc.ca/video/player.html?category=News&zone=arts/artdesign&si...

Global Toronto News VIDEO report of the Groundbreaking

Global Toronto presents a News Clip on the Groundbreaking Event

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Aga Khan break ground at the future site of a $300-million cultural centre for Ismaili Muslims. Andrew Segal reports. May 28

View the clip at the Global Toronto site:
http://www.globaltoronto.com/video/index.html?releasePID=0EHMPetOUXW54yo...

2010-05-28: H.H. The Aga Khan Speaks at the Foundation Ceremony of the Wynford Park Complex after receiving Honourary citizenship from Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

2010-05-28: H. H. The Aga Khan at the Foundation Ceremony of the Wynford Park Complex in Toronto.

‘I’d like to see Canada more vigorous,’ he says in a Globe interview covering everything from Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan to the importance of pluralist societies

The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims and renowned philanthropist, spoke to The Globe and Mail Friday in a conversation that ranged from the prospects for Afghanistan to his profound admiration of Canadian pluralism.

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim

Prime Minister Harper,
Madame Clarkson,
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me begin by expressing my profound appreciation for the great honour which this country has paid to me today by extending this generous gift of Honorary Canadian Citizenship.

I have been deeply moved by your gracious gesture — which I also regard as a tribute to the institution of the Ismaili Imamat, which I represent. It is a significant recognition of the values which our community of faith shares with the people of Canada.

His Highness the Aga Khan speaks during the foundation ceremony for the Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum for Islamic Art and Culture in Toronto May 28, 2010.

His Highness the Aga Khan and Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (R) view a model of the Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum for Islamic Art and Culture and their Park during the foundation ceremony in Toronto May 28, 2010.

His Highness the Aga Khan and Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (L) arrive for the foundation ceremony for the Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum for Islamic Art and Culture and their park in Toronto May 28, 2010.

His Highness the Aga Khan and Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (R) view a model of the Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum for Islamic Art and Culture and their Park during the foundation ceremony in Toronto May 28, 2010.

His Highness the Aga Khan and Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (R) view a model of Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum for Islamic Art and Culture and their Park during the foundation ceremony in Toronto May 28, 2010.

His Highness the Aga Khan and Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (L) unveil the commemorative plaque for the Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum for Islamic Art and Culture and their Park during the foundation ceremony in Toronto May 28, 2010.

For the more than 70,000 Ismaili Muslims here in Canada, the foundation ceremony for the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre today is a fitting tribute to the man who has done so much to further our understanding of Islamic art and culture – and who continues to work tirelessly on humanitarian projects around the world.

This man is a visionary. Small wonder that he and Trudeau became so close over the years, a friendship that really began when Canada welcomed thousands of Ismaili Muslims fleeing Idi Amin’s Uganda back in 1972.

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff poses with H.H. The Aga Khan at the Groundbreaking ceremony.