Sierra Leone Canada Trade and Investment Summit (September 18-20, 2025)
Sierra Leone-Canada Trade, Investment and Cultural Show (SLCA) hosted its first ever three-day event in Canada, held in Toronto. This landmark gathering brought together community members, cultural performers, and leaders to spotlight Sierra Leone’s heritage, promote social causes, and strengthen diaspora ties. Among the distinguished guests were Ministers from the Government of Sierra Leone, and Her Excellency the First Lady of Sierra Leone. Their presence underscored the event’s importance and signaled strong governmental support for the diaspora and social issues.
Special thanks to First Lady Fatima Maada Bio for her inspiring leadership and for positioning Hands Off Our Girls as a central message of the event. Deep gratitude to the Ministers from Sierra Leone whose presence and contributions added gravitas and policy relevance. Thanks to the organizing committee: those who handled logistics, programming, promotion, volunteer coordination, and finances. Thanks to all performers, cultural troupes, speakers, panelists, vendors, and sponsors who came together to make each day meaningful. And of course, heartfelt thanks to the community members those who attended, engaged, shared, raised voices, and made the event alive.
This year at the 2025 Africa Pavilion was nothing short of amazing, and SALNAM showed up in full force each day to proudly showcase our culture. While we know our heritage is much more than dancing, we were delighted to share a vibrant part of it with the community through dance. The SALNAM Dancers truly shone this year perhaps the best team at the pavilion, captivating audiences with energy, passion, and pride. Our performances were more than entertainment; they were a celebration of Sierra Leone’s spirit, rhythm, and unity.
We want to take this moment to extend our heartfelt gratitude:
To all the mothers and volunteers who cooked and fed the kids throughout the week your love and effort kept us going.
To our dedicated Vice President, for coordinating, encouraging, and creating an environment for the kids to perform at their very best.
To Fatisha, for your invaluable assistance and support.
To every SALNAM Dancer, for showing up every single day with commitment and joy.
To all the parents, thank you for trusting us with your children and allowing them to shine on stage.
To our community members, who came out to cheer and support us, your presence meant everything.
To DJ Naza and Mr. Tee, for keeping the stage alive and full of energy.
And of course, to ACOMI, for making this incredible platform possible.
This week was a powerful reminder of what happens when we come together, we don’t just represent Sierra Leone, we live it.
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s pavilion such a success.
The SALNAM Dancers will be showcasing their amazing talents at Folklorama 2025! Come and celebrate our culture, rhythm, and heritage through dance. Everyone is welcome bring your friends and family! Check out some videos below! Let’s show our support and make this year unforgettable!
Join Us at SLCA 2025 – A Historic Celebration of Trade, Culture & Opportunity!
Dear SALNAM Community,
I bring you warm greetings on behalf of the Sierra Leone National Association of Manitoba (SALNAM).
It is with great pride and excitement that I invite you to participate in SLCA 2025 the first-ever Sierra Leone-Canada Trade, Investment, and Cultural Show, taking place from September 18th -20th, 2025 at the Viceroy Banquet Hall, 4220 Steeles Ave W, Toronto.
This landmark event will bring together leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, cultural performers, and professionals from both Sierra Leone and Canada. It’s a powerful opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate who we are as Sierra Leoneans and as a proud part of the Canadian multicultural fabric.
Why You Should Attend:
Engage with government officials and private sector leaders from both countries
Explore new business and investment opportunities
Enjoy rich cultural exhibitions and live performances
Network with fellow Sierra Leoneans and professionals from across Canada
Let’s represent Manitoba strong at this national gathering! Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, professional, or community member there is something for everyone at SLCA 2025.
If you have any questions or would like support with registration or travel planning, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Together, let’s make this event a powerful expression of unity, progress, and pride.
Warm regards,
Moe Koroma|SALNAM President The Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba Inc. T: 204.417.5843 | C: 204.557.8384
The Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba (SALNAM) proudly hosted a vibrant and fun-filled Canada Day Celebration on July 1st, 2025, at St. Vital Park, bringing together community members, families, and friends for a day of unity, joy, and cultural pride.
Under the sunny skies and the shade of beautiful park trees, the celebration brought out a large crowd dressed in red and white to honor Canada’s national day. Flags of both Canada and Sierra Leone waved proudly throughout the venue, symbolizing the strong ties between our cultural heritage and our home in Canada.
The event was filled with energy, laughter, and togetherness as people of all ages came out to participate. Children, parents, and grandparents alike joined in on the festivities, with plenty of activities, music, food, and fun to go around.
We were especially honored by the presence of NDP MLA Jamie Moses, who took time out of his busy schedule to come show support for the Sierra Leonean community in Manitoba. His presence and words of encouragement were deeply appreciated and reflected the inclusive spirit of the day.
The celebration featured a range of exciting games and competitions for both kids and adults. One of the standout moments was the classic tug of war, which brought fierce but friendly competition to the field!
Winners of the games didn’t go home empty-handed. A few lucky participants walked away with tickets to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ home game on August 1, 2025 a perfect summer prize for any football fan!
One of the most heartwarming moments of the day was the group cake cutting ceremony, where everyone gathered around a beautiful Canada Day cake to celebrate together. Laughter, cheers, and smiles surrounded the table as children and adults alike took part in the joyful moment.
The cake was decorated with the Canadian flag and the words “Happy Canada Day SALNAM,” a sweet representation of the love and unity within our community.
The SALNAM Canada Day event served as a reminder of how far we’ve come as a community. It was not just a celebration of Canada, but a celebration of culture, family, and shared values. With Canadian and Sierra Leonean flags flying side by side, we showed what it means to be proud citizens of both our native and adopted homelands.
We thank everyone who attended and supported this memorable event, especially our volunteers and community partners. SALNAM remains committed to fostering connection, celebrating our identity, and building a stronger future for all.
Speech by the President of The Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba (SALNAM)
At the 64th Sierra Leone Independence Celebration Hosted by USLAND Theme: “United We Stand” May 24, 2025 – Fargo, North Dakota
Good evening, everyone! It is a great honor for me to be here with you today. I bring warm greetings from the Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba also known as (SALNAM) . I want to say a big thank you to the United Sierra Leonean’s Association of North Dakota (USLAND) for inviting me to this important celebration. Today we celebrate 64 years of Sierra Leone’s independence. This is not just a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of our history, our strength, and our journey as a people. The theme for this year, “United We Stand,” is very powerful. It shows that when we work together, we are stronger both here in North America and back home in Sierra Leone. As President of SALNAM, I have seen how strong we can be when we unite. In Manitoba, our Sierra Leonean community works together to support one another. We help each other succeed and build a better future. Today’s event full of dancing, music, food, and stories is more than just a party. It helps keep our culture alive. It connects us to our roots. Even though we are far from home, our hearts still beat with love for Sierra Leone. We all come from different backgrounds. We speak different languages, follow different religions, and have different experiences. But what brings us together is our shared love for our country and our people. That unity is powerful. As Sierra Leoneans living abroad, we have a big role to play. We are not just watching from the sidelines. We can make a real difference. At SALNAM, we work to support education, youth, and community growth. We offer scholarships. We help young people with leadership training. We support small businesses and partner with groups in Sierra Leone to help those in need. USLAND is doing similar work. This means we have the same goals. But we can do even more if we work together. Together, SALNAM and USLAND can be stronger. We can help more people and create bigger change. So, how can our two organizations work as a team?
Programs for Youth Let’s create leadership programs for young Sierra Leoneans in both Canada and the U.S. These programs can teach life skills, build confidence, and inspire them to lead.
Cultural Events Imagine having a “Sierra Leone Cultural Week” every year one in Manitoba and one here in North Dakota. We can share our food, music, clothing, and stories. This will help our kids feel proud of who they are.
Helping Sierra Leone Together, we can collect school supplies, medicine, and other support for communities in Sierra Leone. These actions show love and unity.
A Legacy Project What if we build a “Diaspora Legacy Center” in Sierra Leone? This could be a place for youth learning, small business training, and cultural sharing. It would be a gift from us to future generations.
These are not just big dreams. If we work together, we can make them real. As we mark 64 years of independence, let us think about the future. What kind of legacy are we leaving behind? Will our children remember us as people who stood together, who cared, and who gave back? Or will they see us as divided and silent? USLAND is doing great work, especially by helping Sierra Leone become self-reliant. At SALNAM, we believe in that too. We don’t want people back home to depend on aid forever. We want to help them build lasting solutions. Let’s create a strong network of Sierra Leonean groups across Canada and the U.S. Together, we can build something great. Something that lasts. As we enjoy the music, food, and stories today, let us also think about tomorrow. Let us plant seeds. Seeds of teamwork, Seeds of unity, Seeds of hope, Seeds of collaboration, Seeds of legacy. Let today be the beginning of a strong friendship between SALNAM and USLAND. A friendship that builds a better future for Sierra Leoneans everywhere. Let us write a new story one filled with kindness, unity, and action. As we say in Krio: “Wae pipul dem join an, even di biggest rope go tear.” (When people come together, even the strongest rope can break.)
Let’s stand together and build something no rope can break.
Thank you. May God bless you all, and may God bless Sierra Leone.
On May 24th, 2025, SALNAM proudly hosted Senior’s Day at 174 Pentland, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to honoring our elders. This free event welcomed individuals aged 55 and over to an afternoon filled with joy, laughter, food, and community bonding.
From 1 PM to 4 PM, the venue was alive with activities including games, storytelling, and delicious food. The highlight of the day was seeing our seniors actively participating and enjoying themselves — a true testament to the spirit and resilience of our community.
A special moment was captured as attendees proudly displayed paintings of the Sierra Leonean flag, symbolizing unity and cultural pride.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all the seniors who came out and made the event such a memorable success. Your presence, smiles, and stories brought warmth to us all.
Honoring Our Cultural Provenance: A Beacon of Identity, Transformation, and Unity
Fellow Sierra Leoneans, distinguished guests, and friends.
It is a privilege to celebrate with you tonight, honoring the enduring legacy of our beloved Sierra Leone – the traditions, values, and heritage that unite us.
Sixty-four years ago, our independence was declared – more than political freedom, it was a reclamation of our identity, dignity, and hope.
It marked the beginning of our shared journey rooted in our collective values to build a dynamic nation that will become the pride of every Sierra Leonean.
Tonight, we honor the courageous individuals who secured our freedom from British colonial rule.
From Sir Milton Margai’s unifying efforts and Karefa Smart’s crucial negotiations to Lamina Sankoh’s advocacy for unity and Isaac Wallace-Johnson’s impactful activism – each leader’s sacrifice and vision laid the foundation for the independent Sierra Leone we cherish today.
As we celebrate their legacy, let us ask ourselves: How do we honor their courage and carry forward their vision of unity, resilience, and progress?
Their dream demands our meaningful action, both in the diaspora and in Sierra Leone.
This celebration is not just about history; it is a call to action: to honor our cultural provenance and harness its power to inspire transformation, unity, and development, both here in Canada and in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone’s inspiring cultural diversity, woven from the traditions, music, dance, and art of our numerous ethnic groups, creates a rich tapestry of expression.
This vibrant diversity reflects our heritage and binds us together, giving Sierra Leonean culture its unique strength and beauty, wherever we may be.
Our cultural provenance is our living legacy: the stories, values, and practices that define us.
It is the language of our ancestors, the songs of our villages, the artistry of gara fabric, the timeless wisdom of our proverbs, the vibrant flavor of jollof rice, and the taste of cassava leaves cooked with love.
These are living expressions of our identity.
As Mahatma Gandhi wisely said, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”
This reminds us that our culture lives through us, carried forward with pride and purpose, binding us as one Sierra Leonean family across the globe.
Consider the practices that connect us to our past and each other:
Our music, dance, performances, and vibrant food – expressions of joy, celebration, and our unique identity.
Our storytelling and oral traditions – preserving ancestral wisdom and guiding values.
And our religious harmony – a hallmark of Sierra Leone – serves as a shining example of unity and mutual respect in an often-divided world.
These pillars define us and inspire us to strive for more.
I recall the warmth of community gatherings in Sierra Leone, where elders shared stories of resilience and hope, instilling in us the values of integrity, perseverance, and unity – values that continue to strengthen me even now, far from home.
Here in the diaspora, honoring our cultural provenance is vital. In multicultural Canada, our heritage is both a bridge to our roots and a beacon enriching our adopted homeland.
By celebrating our culture, we share Sierra Leone’s unique beauty and resilience with Canada.
Crucially, we ensure our children and grandchildren grow with pride in their heritage, understanding its strength and wisdom. Though they grow in a new land, far from Sierra Leone, we empower them to know their origins.
Here in Winnipeg, SALNAM is central to preserving our heritage and fostering unity.
Initiatives like their occasional Cooking, History, and Language Training Classes aim to transmit our cultural knowledge to future generations, building a strong sense of identity.
SALNAM’s Seniors Luncheon Program beautifully exemplifies our cultural values, providing a space for elders to socialize, share wisdom, reminisce, and enjoy the warmth of community.
And who could forget the SALNAM dancers, our cultural ambassadors who bring the vibrancy of Sierra Leone to events like Folklorama, our independence celebrations, and other functions in Manitoba, inspiring pride and connecting us with diverse audiences.
However, cultural provenance is not static; it is a dynamic force of adaptation and transformation, not just a look backward.
As Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, particularly here in Winnipeg, we uniquely blend our cherished traditions with the realities of our new context while staying deeply connected to our identity – a vibrant transformation we witness daily within our Canadian community.
Also, through our music, stories, and values, Sierra Leoneans have demonstrated resilience and creativity.
Just look at the creative energy of young Sierra Leonean artists who are weaving traditional gara patterns into modern fashion, or the compelling influence our music is having on global genres like Afrobeat.
These artistic expressions powerfully illustrate that honoring our cultural heritage is a journey of growth and evolution.
Here within our Sierra Leonean community in Winnipeg, SALNAM is a driving force behind this evolution, spearheading initiatives that thoughtfully blend tradition with innovation.
Take, for example, the 2015 community envisioning exercise – a collaborative effort that brought together diverse voices with the goal of promoting sustainable change deeply rooted in our core values.
Similarly, the cross-cultural understanding workshop aimed to promote cross-cultural understanding to support our members’ integration into Canadian society and foster greater intercultural awareness.
It also served as a vital reminder that cultural transformation is about generously sharing our identity and enriching the beautiful tapestry of Manitoba’s diversity.
The attendance of the Manitoba Minister of Multiculturalism, along with the greetings received from the Mayor of Winnipeg, added significant value to the event.
Another compelling example of an innovative program that champions growth and unity within our community is the “We Yone Palaver Hut” Project, thoughtfully founded by our very own Mr. Victor Kaicombey.
This remarkable community-based restorative justice initiative draws profound inspiration from Sierra Leonean traditions of open dialogue and heartfelt reconciliation, fostering deeper understanding and strengthening the bonds of our community.
These programs embody our core values – respect, harmony, integrity, and community spirit – demonstrating the enduring strength and adaptability of our culture in action.
Core Values: The Pillars of Our Community:
In the very spirit of transformation and unity, let us wholeheartedly embrace and actively live these empowering values each and every day, both here in Winnipeg and in our beloved Sierra Leone:
– Respect and Harmony:
Our rich heritage profoundly emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and meaningful collaboration.
The inspiring religious harmony we cherish in Sierra Leone serves as a powerful example of peaceful coexistence.
Let us actively embody this same spirit in our daily lives, diligently fostering understanding and respect in all our interactions with one another.
– Education and Empowerment:
Knowledge bridges cultural preservation and progress. By valuing education and empowering our youth, we ensure our traditions inspire innovation. SALNAM’s classes demonstrate the power of this investment in our enduring legacy.
– Community Spirit:
Our vibrant culture deeply values the strength found in togetherness. As the cherished proverb in Sierra Leone wisely reminds us, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
Sierra Leonean culture strongly celebrates the transformative power of community, and programs like the seniors’ luncheon remind us of the strength in meaningful connection.
Let us support one another in our endeavors, advancing our community to new heights with steadfast collaboration and genuine care.
– Integrity and Accountability:
Our ancestors instilled in us the timeless value of living with integrity – doing right even when unseen. Let us hold ourselves accountable to these principles in all aspects of our lives.
– Resilience and Adaptability:
The people of Sierra Leone are no strangers to adversity, yet our inherent resilience radiates with strength and hope.
Let us purposefully channel this strength into diligently building a brighter and more promising future for ourselves, our community, and our homeland Sierra Leone.
Let us resolutely carry these core values and our resilience forward, inspiring others with our example, and proudly showing the world the power of unity, heritage, and pride.
Our transformation is a dedicated pursuit of excellence; let us collectively strive to make Sierra Leonean culture a globally admired and respected example for all to witness.
Unity and Development: A Shared Responsibility:
As Sierra Leoneans in Canada, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility: to share our rich heritage in this multicultural nation, showcasing Sierra Leone’s beauty.
Our responsibility extends to our homeland, supporting education, healthcare, and sustainable development.
Imagine our collective impact if every Sierra Leonean in the diaspora supported a community project or development in our homeland.
Imagine the legacy of transformation we could leave for future generations.
Unity and development are not just duties; they are opportunities to build a lasting legacy of pride and progress.
We must rise above personal issues that may diminish our individual or collective power to contribute maximally to the socio-economic and cultural advancement of our community and our nation, Sierra Leone.
United as one, we can create a legacy of transformation and lasting unity for future generations by enriching our Sierra Leonean roots with the knowledge and perspectives of our global experiences, creating a powerful synergy.
With this vision in mind, I now ask each and every one of you:
How can you honor your cultural provenance? How can you live our core values daily and embrace transformation that unites and develops our community? How can you support programs that uplift us and strengthen our community?
Remember, your actions today shape the legacy we leave for tomorrow.
Finally, tonight, let us renew our commitment to honoring our cultural provenance, living our values, and embracing transformation.
Let this anniversary remind us of our shared heritage and purpose.
Thank you. Together, with pride, determination, and hope, let us carry the spirit of Sierra Leone into a bright future.
Keynote Address by Evangelist Mrs. Deborah Kanko Kamara (Former First Lady of SALNAM) at the Sierra Leone 64th Independence Anniversary Celebration in Winnipeg on April 26, 2025.
On behalf of the Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba (SALNAM), we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Stepping Stones of Salone for their generous donation of $500.00 to our organization.
This contribution holds deep meaning not just for the support it provides, but for the beautiful story it tells. As members who were raised within this very community, you represent a shining example of what it means to give back. Your journey from growing up within SALNAM to now uplifting it speaks volumes of your dedication, pride, and belief in the power of unity.
Your donation is more than a financial gift it is an investment in our shared future. It reflects love, loyalty, and a true sense of belonging. We are so proud of your success and even more grateful that you’ve chosen to support the community that helped shape you.
Thank you, Stepping Stones of Salone, for not only remembering your roots but for nourishing them.
