SALDACSierra Leone Descendants Association in Calgary
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Dozens of SALDAC members and their children in matching green SALDAC T-shirts, gathered under the trees at the 2026 Picnic in the Park

Sierra Leonean community in Calgary · since 2015

Proud Sierra Leoneans. Engaged Canadians.

SALDAC brings Sierra Leoneans and their Canadian-born children together to celebrate Salone culture, support newcomers, and take part in Canadian civic life. We're nonprofit and nonpartisan.

Become a MemberSee Upcoming Events
  • Since 2015Founded September 30, 2015
  • SALONE@65Independence celebration, April 25, 2026
  • Youth Krio readingYoung people reading in Krio, October 2025

Start where you are

Whoever you are, SALDAC has a place for you

  • New to Calgary

    Find people who know Salone, and know what it's like to start again here.

    Become a Member

  • Born or raised in Canada

    Stay close to your family's language and culture, with people your own age.

    See our programs

  • A friend of Sierra Leone

    Allies are welcome. Come to an event, or support the community's work.

    See upcoming events

What we do now

Culture you can bring your whole family to

All programs
A guest in black posing on the red carpet in front of the Sierra Leone 65th anniversary backdrop and green, white and blue balloons
Every April

Sierra Leone Independence Celebration

Who it's for
Everyone: families, friends and anyone who wants to celebrate Sierra Leone.
What happens
Sierra Leone became independent on April 27, 1961. Each year SALDAC marks it with an evening of music and culture. In 2026 it was SALONE@65.
See past celebrations
SALDAC members in green T-shirts posing together on the grass at the 2026 Picnic in the Park, with picnic blankets in front
Summer

Picnic in the Park

Who it's for
Members, families and friends of all ages.
What happens
A day outdoors in a Calgary park: food, company and matching SALDAC T-shirts. Held since at least 2022.
See the 2026 photos
Last held October 12, 2025

Youth Krio Reading Circle

Who it's for
Youth and young adults. [[TBC: age range]]
What happens
Young people read together in Krio, the shared language of Sierra Leone, so the next generation keeps hearing and speaking it.
Ask about the next reading

Upcoming events

Come to the next one

Next event announced soon. Join the SALDAC Calgary group on Facebook to hear first, or sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of this page.

Join the Facebook Group

Past events and photos

A welcome from our President

Many of us know what it is to arrive in a new country, learn new systems and start again. We also know what it takes to keep Salone alive in our homes: the language, the music, and the way we look after one another. SALDAC exists so that no one has to do either alone.

Abdullah Kamara, President

Read the full letter

Membership · $10 per month

Newcomer, Canadian-born or ally: there's a place for you

Members keep SALDAC going, from the Independence Celebration to the youth reading circle.

Become a MemberJoin the Facebook Group

News & media

Latest from SALDAC

All news

FAQ

Questions people ask

Who can join SALDAC?

Sierra Leonean newcomers, long-time residents, Canadian-born children and grandchildren of Sierra Leoneans, and allies who share our vision.

Is SALDAC political?

No. SALDAC is nonpartisan. We operate free from political or external influence, guided by the needs of our community.

How do I hear about events?

Join the SALDAC Calgary group on Facebook, or sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of any page.

Join the community

Membership is $10 per month. Call 587-889-9626 or send us a message with any questions.

Become a MemberContact SALDAC