EDMONTON, Canada — Somalia’s ambassador to the United States and Canada, Dahir Hassan Abdi, joined former ministers, prominent figures and members of the Somali diaspora in Edmonton, Alberta, for the 2026 Somali Heritage Week celebrations, organizers said.
The event, held from June 26 to July 1, formed part of wider global commemorations of Somali Independence Week and brought together Somali communities from across Canada. Activities included cultural exhibitions, traditional performances, and panel discussions focused on Somali heritage, identity, and community development.
The program was organized by the Alberta Somali Heritage Association (ASHA). ASHA chairman Osman Mahmoud Mohamed Shire thanked attendees for their participation and engagement, saying the event aimed to strengthen unity and preserve Somali cultural identity among younger generations in the diaspora.
Ambassador Dahir Hassan Abdi delivered speeches at several sessions, expressing appreciation to the organizers for their efforts to bring Somalis together. He urged the Somali community in Canada to safeguard their language, traditions and cultural values, emphasizing the importance of passing them on to future generations while maintaining strong ties with their homeland.
