Tag Archives: Canada

Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley presents Naheed Nenshi with the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal, 2023

A Bold New Vision for Alberta: Why Nenshi Offers Hope for an Inclusive Alberta

20 April 2024

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“As mayor, Nenshi embraced innovative solutions to urban issues like public transit, affordable housing, and sustainable development. He proved his leadership abilities during the devastating 2013 Calgary floods, rallying the city through the crisis with compassion and resolve. Now, Nenshi wants to bring that same progressive, consensus-building approach to the provincial level as leader of the NDP. His vision is an Alberta that works for everyone — not just a few.”

Submitted by DR. SHAMEELA KARMALI-RAWJI

For over a decade, Naheed Nenshi has been a trailblazer in Canadian politics. Now, he’s setting his sights beyond Calgary on an even more significant challenge — leading Alberta’s New Democratic Party (NDP) and charting a new course for the province. 

To do that, Nenshi’s team is reminding residents across Alberta to purchase an NDP membership on nenshi.ca by April 22nd — for just $10. This will allow them to vote for Naheed Nenshi as the party’s next leader in June and have their voices heard.

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Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi offers guidance and reflections to members of the Ismaili community gathered at the Ismaili Centre Toronto, 2017, simerg insights from around the world
Naheed Nenshi offers guidance and reflections to members of the Ismaili community gathered at the Ismaili Centre Toronto, 2017. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.

Nenshi’s rise has been an inspiring underdog story. After initially trailing far behind in the polls during Calgary’s 2010 mayoral race, his campaign of bold ideas and grassroots engagement struck a chord. He defied the odds to become the first Muslim mayor of a major North American city. Nenshi’s journey has been one of resilience, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to public service rooted in the importance of family and community values.

The son of immigrants from Mwanza, Tanzania, he grew up witnessing his parents’ struggles to build a better life. This instilled in him that opportunity shouldn’t be taken for granted.

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Naheed Nenshi with parents Kurban and Noorjah Nenshi after Mayoral swearing-in ceremony, 2010. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.
Naheed Nenshi with parents Kurban and Noorjah Nenshi after Mayoral swearing-in ceremony, 2010. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.

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The Ismaili community of Mwanza, Tanzania, celebrates Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi, 2015.
The Ismaili community of Mwanza, Tanzania, celebrates Naheed Nenshi, 2015. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.

As mayor, Nenshi embraced innovative solutions to urban issues like public transit, affordable housing, and sustainable development. He proved his leadership abilities during the devastating 2013 Calgary floods, rallying the city through the crisis with compassion and resolve.

Now, Nenshi wants to bring that same progressive, consensus-building approach to the provincial level as leader of the NDP. His vision is an Alberta that works for everyone — not just a few. 

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Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Simerg, Insights from around the world
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Alberta Premier Alison Redford and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper review plans with emergency management personnel during Calgary 2013 floods. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.

Nenshi believes the NDP can rally widespread support by promoting pro-business and pro-worker policies focused on diversifying the provincial economy beyond oil and gas. His entrepreneurial approach aims to drive collaboration between industry, government, and communities to secure Alberta’s future.

At his core, Nenshi is driven by a passionate belief in service, equality, and doing what’s right — regardless of political convenience. He champions initiatives that bring the public directly into governance through participatory budgeting. He advocates bold climate action rooted in environmental science. He understands that prosperity must be sustainable and inclusive to all cultures and communities. He also embraces Alberta’s place as part of a pluralistic Canada united in its diversity.

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Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley presents Naheed Nenshi with the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Simerg, Insights from around the world
Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley presents Naheed Nenshi with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, 2023. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.

With his unique perspective forged from lived experiences, Nenshi could be the dynamic leader to reinvigorate the NDP’s vision for a fairer, greener, and more innovative Alberta. But he needs the grassroots support of Albertans who share that vision. 

Alberta stands at a crossroads. By choosing Nenshi, the province can embrace a leader who sees its boundless potential and will fight to uplift all of its people. The path ahead won’t be easy — but few leaders are better prepared to forge it than Naheed Nenshi.

Date posted: April 20, 2024.

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Shameela Rawji
Shameela Karmali-Rawji

Dr. Shameela Karmali-Rawji, MS MD CCFP FCFP, is a global health consultant, entrepreneur and family physician. She has established multiple medical clinics and telemedicine platforms and oversaw several retirement and assisted living facilities in Ontario and Alberta. She launched the first Urgent Care Clinic in a public-private partnership in primary care with Calgary Health Services in 2006. She has worked as a policy advisor and consultant with WHO, UNICEF, and AKDN, and she led the development of a groundbreaking, collaborative health agenda in the First Nations community of T’suu Tina, which resulted in the establishment and expansion of health services, including a medical centre. She has also planned several medical centres and hospitals in East Africa and community-based primary and secondary healthcare systems in Northern Pakistan serving over 1 million people. 

Dr. Karmali-Rawji had served as a member of the His Highness the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Canada, where she established its first Women’s Portfolio, and as Chairman of the Aga Khan Health Board for Canada. She co-convened the International Ismaili Women’s Forum in Toronto with Princess Zahra Aga Khan. She was Vice Chairman of the commissioning Board of Generations Calgary, an assisted living and long term care facility. Dr. Karmali-Rawji obtained her MD at McMaster University and her MS in International Health at Harvard University. 

Naheed Nenshi is Running for Leadership of Alberta’s New Democratic Party; Join the NDP By Monday, April 22, for Eligibility to Vote in the Crucial Election

19 April 2024

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Naheed Nenshi, the esteemed former mayor of Calgary, is paving his way to lead Alberta’s New Democratic Party (NDP) in the Party’s June 2024 Elections. To have a say in this crucial decision, it’s essential that you register as an NDP party member before Monday, April 22. This simple step, which costs only $10.00, will enable you to cast your vote in the June elections. Please visit Nenshi.ca to become an NDP member.

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Naheed Nenshi – A Personal Reflection

Clagary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, photo for CBC Ideas post in Simerg
Naheed Nenshi, then Mayor of Calgary for the 3rd term, is pictured taking a selfie at the Global Centre of Pluralism’s first award ceremony held on November 15, 2017 in Ottawa at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building. Nenshi served as a member of the jury that selected winners and honourable mentions for the Global Pluralism Award. Photograph: © Jean-Marc Carisse.

By MALIK MERCHANT

One morning last summer, I joined hundreds of Ismaili Muslims to celebrate the 66th anniversary of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, as the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community with chai, sherbet and delicious snacks at a Calgary Jamatkhana’s social hall. Considering my compromised immune system, I sat in an area with only a few people around me. I glanced to my left multiple times and asked myself: “Can it be? Is the guy next to me Naheed Nenshi?” I could not hold back and told him. “You look like Naheed Nenshi.” And he answered, “You are right, I am.”

Seated next to him was his beloved mother. I remembered how, a few years earlier, I would take my mum to the Ismaili Centre and Jamatkhana in Vancouver and, on celebratory occasions, take her to the social hall upstairs to enjoy Ismaili delicacies and chat with community members. Naheed’s care, love and warmth for his mum touched me on this significant day in Ismaili history. In the few minutes I had with him, I dared to suggest that he should, one day, seek to lead a Federal Party. His brief response told me that the idea wasn’t exactly in his mind! 

On two earlier occasions in Ontario, when Nenshi was still Mayor of Calgary, I briefly introduced myself to him with a handshake: first at the Aga Khan Museum opening in Toronto in September 2014 and three years later at the Global Centre of Pluralism’s First Award Ceremony at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building in Ottawa in November 2017. At the first meeting in Toronto, I expressed my interest in interviewing him one day, and he welcomed the idea. However, I have yet to approach him and request an interview.

Since relocating to Alberta two years ago, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of Naheed Nenshi’s leadership as Calgary’s mayor between 2010 and 2021. As the first Muslim mayor of a major North American city, Nenshi garnered widespread respect and admiration from both Calgarians and residents of the Bow Valley for his significant achievements and profound connection with the people. Despite his decision not to seek re-election for a fourth term, his legacy remains robust, and his leadership skills are undeniable.

Naheed Nenshi’s announcement on March 11, 2024, to stand for the election to become the new leader of Alberta’s New Democratic Party (NDP) is a significant development. His decision has sparked a wave of anticipation across the province. Nenshi is up against Kathleen Ganley, Sarah Hoffman, Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse and Gil McGowan to replace Rachel Notley as Alberta’s NDP leader. Notley, who led the party for a decade and served as the province’s premier from 2015 to 2019, announced in January 2024, eight months after her party lost the provincial elections to the United Conservative Party, that she would be stepping down as the leader of the NDP. She will continue to lead the party until after the June elections, when her successor will be decided.

It is noteworthy that even before Nenshi had declared his interest, a Pollara poll revealed that “One in three (33%) Albertans who say they are likely to buy an NDP membership would be “excited” if Nenshi became the next NDP leader, significantly higher than the 10-to-14% who feel that way about the three declared candidates” [at the time]. The report further highlights that “Feelings towards Nenshi are largely positive province-wide, with about twice as many Albertans feeling positive (41%) rather than negative (22%) at the prospect of him leading the NDP.” This positive sentiment underscores the potential impact of Nenshi’s leadership. His leadership has always been driven by strong values and ethics of building community, integrity and honesty and is founded on human justice and cosmopolitanism.

Since entering the race, Nenshi has graciously praised all the other candidates. Still, he feels he would be the best person to lead the NDP and defeat Premier Danielle Smith in the next provincial election in  2017.

Whether you decide to vote for Naheed Neshi or any other candidate in the June 2024 election, it is crucial that you first become an NDP party member by April 22, 2024. This is the date of the membership deadline for voting eligibility. Your participation is vital in shaping the future of the party. Please click on Nenshi.ca to become a member. As Nenshi urges in his video below, you do not need to pay more than $10.00 at this time, as options are available to submit to membership at higher and more significant amounts.

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Naheed Nenshi’s Important Message to the Ismaili Community

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Naheed Nenshi: Tweets

Date posted: April 19, 2024.

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Latest news about the Alberta NDP leadership race:

My Beloved Aunt, Nurumasi, is 104!

2 April 2024

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Mobina Marani, Ismaili artist, Simerg Visual expressions
Aunt, Nurumasi, at 100! Acrylic, 16″ x 20″, March 2020. Painting by Mobina Marani, Crystal Beach, Ontario, Canada.

By MOBINA MARANI

Two years ago, I introduced a selection of my paintings on this website as part of its Artistic Expressions category, which encourages Ismaili Muslim artists to showcase their works of art. Among the paintings on the website was a portrait that I had painted of my aunt when she turned 100. The work was completed for her 100th birthday, celebrated on March 4, 2020.

Recently, I exhibited at the Illume Festival — an event showcasing talented Ismaili artists from across Canada — at both the regional and national levels. Out of the four paintings shown at the regional event, one was picked for display at the National Illume Festival held in November 2023 at the Ismaili Centre Toronto. It was that of my beloved aunt! This couldn’t have made me happier. My aunt, carrying a tasbih (rosary), honoured me by attending the event.

Nurbanu Esmail — popularly known as Nurumasi — was born in Uganda and married Haiderali Esmail, who passed away in Kampala on December 28, 1971, when she was only 51. All their children — daughters Khatoon, Parin, Firoza and Laila, and son Sultan — are still alive. She has 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Nurumasi, at 104, may be among the oldest living Ismailis in Canada.

My aunt dedicated her life to serving the Ismaili community, its institutions, and the Imam-of-the-Time, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. She has served as a congregational leader in an Ismaili Jamatkhana and held many voluntary positions in Ismaili institutions. She was also a member of the ghusal committee that oversees all the funeral arrangements and preparations for deceased Ismaili community members. This is one of the noblest services one can perform.

Nurumasi has also keenly followed all the worldwide Imamat projects and travelled widely to see them.

SIMERG PHOTO OF THE DAY, Nurumasi with Ismaili artist Mobina Marani at the Illume Festival at the Ismaili Centre Tooronto, simerg, Insights from around the world
Ismaili artist Mobina Marani pictured with her aunt, turning the beads on her tasbih (rosary), at the National Illume Ismaili Art Festival held at the Ismaili Centre Toronto in November 2023. On the wall is Mobina’s painting of her aunt, completed in March 2020, when she turned one hundred on March 4. Photograph: Mobina Marani Collection.

Nurumasi’s immense strength has come from regularly attending the Jamatkhana for prayers and services and her devotion and love for Mawlana Haza Imam. She has come to be adored by the community members who seek her out for prayers for strength in all aspects of their and their family’s lives.

It is a privilege for me and all the family members to have been blessed with an outstanding lady who has been with us for so long. Her presence and inspiration have been a source of strength and courage to all of us. Nurumasi is indeed one of the elders who has lived by Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance to both the young and older community members, in which he asked us to fulfill our material and spiritual responsibilities to the best of our abilities. He told the old that they were never too old and that as long as they were alive, every day must be lived, and we must seek to fulfill our responsibilities. That message has guided her throughout her life, leading to the age of 104.

May Allah, in His Infinite Mercy, continue to shower our beloved Nurumasi with strength, courage and faith and bestow her with the Light (Noor) of the Imam-of-the-Time in the days and weeks to come. Ameen.

Date posted: April 2, 2024.

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Is anyone in your family a centenarian? We would like to hear from you, with a story and a photograph or two! Please write to the editor Malik at mmerchant@simerg.com.

We welcome feedback/letters from our readers. Please click Leave a comment. Your feedback may be edited for length and brevity and is subject to moderation. We are unable to acknowledge unpublished letters.

My Experience of an Amazing Act of Kindness on the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park

12 March 2024

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Storm Mountain Lookout on the Bow Valley Parkway.
L to R: Nick and Heather from Syracuse, New York State, and Azli and Scott from Edmonton, Alberta, are pictured at the Storm Mountain Lookout Point after releasing my vehicle from deep snow and ice. They had the same smiles and warmth throughout the time they fought to get my car out of the snow — they never showed a moment of frustration. Their unassuming line was, “No worries”. March 9, 2024, Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.

By MALIK MERCHANT

Who can spend 90 minutes of their precious time when they have to make it back home the same evening hundreds of kilometres away or fly the following day to their destination thousands of miles away? Moreover, they have unfinished sightseeing to complete during the remainder of a glorious afternoon. Two beautiful couples from Syracuse, New York, and Edmonton, Alberta, did precisely that as they devoted precious time and energy to helping me out of a mess I got into on the Bow Valley Parkway. Without their help, my trip to Banff, even with all the beautiful picture-taking I did, would have been in ruins and likely one I would soon wish to forget. Nick, Heather, Scott, and Azli made an act of kindness that I will never forget! READ MY STORY.

A view of Castle Mountain from the Bow River passing through Hwy 93.
A view of Castle Mountain from the Bow River, where it meets Hwy 93 (Banff-Windermere Parkway). Please click on the photo for the story in our photoblog.

Date posted: March 12, 2024.

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The Rt. Honourable Brian Mulroney, His Highness the Aga Khan and the Ismaili Muslim Community

3 March 2024

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By MALIK MERCHANT

The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, who passed away on February 29, 2024, served as Canada’s 18th Prime Minister from September 18, 1984 until June 25, 1993. Expressing sadness at his passing, the current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “Mr. Mulroney loved Canada….and made significant progress on important issues here at home and around the world. He negotiated the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement and, later, the expanded North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States and Mexico. He worked hard to build bridges between French and English Canada. He was at the forefront of environmental issues, helping secure an air quality agreement with the United States to reduce acid rain, championing the first Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and creating several new national parks. And he exemplified Canadian values, standing up against apartheid in South Africa.”

Mr. Mulroney’s accomplishments will be etched into Canadian history books forever.

But how will a religious community such as the worldwide Ismaili Muslim community remember Mr. Mulroney for generations or centuries to come when it tells its story?

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Brian Mulroney and Family
A beautiful photograph of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and his family that was released by the Prime Minister’s office in Ottawa on December 5, 1991 for the 1991 official Christmas card. From left, top row: Mark, then aged 12, Benedict, 15; Middle row: Caroline, 17, Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney, Nicolas, age 6, Mrs. Mila Mulroney; Bottom row: Clover the dog. Photograph: The Office of the Prime Minister (Brian Mulroney).

The answer lies in Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s opening of the community’s first purpose-built Jamatkhana and Ismaili Centre in North America in Vancouver. The historic event took place on August 23, 1985, in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan, who is fondly and respectfully addressed by his Ismaili Muslim followers as Mawlana Hazar Imam (Our Lord, the Present Living Imam). The Aga Khan is the 49th Imam in direct succession of Hereditary Imams beginning with Imam Ali, who was designated by the Prophet Muhammad to succeed him to continue his teachings within the Muslim community.

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Plaque commemorating the opening of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Vancouver by the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney on August 23, 1985.
His Highness the Aga Khan and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney shake hands after the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the opening of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre Vancouver on August 23, 1985. Looking on is the President of the Aga Khan Council for Canada, Farouk Verjee. Photograph: The Ismaili. Please click on photo for story and photographs.

At the end of his speech on the inauguration of the landmark Jamatkhana the Aga Khan declared, “Mr Prime Minister, it is my privilege to ask you to declare open this building, which symbolises the Ismaili Community’s confidence in its future as an integral part of the nation you lead.”

The Prime Minister unveiled the opening plaque, making it a truly proud and historic moment for Ismailis around the world, and especially those who have made Canada their home.

We have the Ismaili Centre opening day story, including Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s speech, HERE, along with rare photographs of the Aga Khan with Mr. Mulroney taken at Harrington Lake in 1992.

Date posted: March 3, 2024.

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Alberta is Beautiful: Two Hikes for the Whole Family to Enjoy in Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country

8 January 2024

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On New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024, Malik Merchant drove 90 minutes from Calgary to stunning Johnston Canyon on the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) for a hike to the Lower Falls. Then, 5 days later, his drive to Kananaskis Country was shorter, and his hike through the aspen forest to Troll Falls was slow-paced and easy-going. The two contrasting hikes are beautifully captured in his photographs.

PLEASE CLICK TROLL FALLS

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PLEASE CLICK JOHNSTON CANYON

Date posted: January 8, 2024.

Please click Simergphotos for superb photographs from Alberta and Canada, and around the world.

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Must Visit: The Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, a Unique National Heritage Site Near Calgary

27 September 2023

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Please click: TREATY 7 COMMEMORATION AT BLACKFOOT CROSSING

On Friday, September 22, 2023, Blackfoot Crossing, the Historic Site of the signing of Treat No. 7, held a special commemoration event to celebrate the 146th year of the signing with traditional activities that included drum beating and dancing by the children and youth of The Siksika People — also known as The Blackfoot. Malik Merchant drove down to the stunning site overlooking the Bow River. While he enjoyed the traditional activities as well as a BBQ lunch — all free on Commemoration Day — he was impressed and inspired by the exhibits in the beautifully curated museum dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of The Blackfoot.

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A traditional dance performance by a young child to the tune of traditional drum beating by children and youth of the Siksika Nation. Please click on image for full report and more photographs.

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A view of the valley and Bow River from Blackfoot Crossing’s lookout point. Please click on photo for full report and more photographs.

The Historical Park is just over an hours drive from Calgary and one cannot fail to admire and be impressed by the central building’s architecture that has tipis and tipi shaped structures incorporated into its design. The centre includes a cafeteria, a gift shop, a beautiful little theatre as well as an amphitheatre. The lookout point is 300 metres from the building and there is also a paved trail leading to see tipi tents and other interesting features of the area. Please click HERE or on the images below to view Malik’s full report and photographs. Also click Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park Website for more information about the unique heritage site. Plan a day to visit and learn about the history and culture of the Siksika First Nations People as well as to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and easy trails for the entire family.

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A view of Blackfoot Crossings beautiful museum dedicated to the Siksika First Nations. Please click on photo for full report and more photographs.

Date posted: September 27, 2023.

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Morant’s Curve: One of the World’s Premiere Train Lookout Points in Banff National Park’s Bow Valley Parkway

14 January 2023

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Malik Merchant returns to Banff National Park after 15 long years, and this time at the start of 2023 in the thick of winter. His photographs will bring you closer to one of Canada’s top destinations and you will be awed with what you learn and see about Morant’s Curve as well as a rare endangered snail that only lives in Banff’s sulphur springs….and, of course, we have other Rocky Mountain photographs too! You must read and share this beautiful post. CLICK FOR MORE! Or click on photos, below.

Can you spot the endangered snail? Click on image for more photographs from the Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff’. Photograph: Malik Merchant.

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Morant's Curve, Malik Merchant Simerg Photos.
Morant’s Curve, Bow Valley Parkway, Hwy 1A, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Please click on photo for more beautiful photographs. Photograph: Malik Merchant.

Date posted: January 14, 2023.

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REVIEW SIMERG’S TABLE OF CONTENTS AND VISIT ITS SISTER WEBSITES

Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos. The editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Stunning Starry Night and Milky Way Photos Taken by Ron Richey at Jasper National Park, Canada

6 November 2022

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Introduced by MALIK MERCHANT

PLEASE CLICK: STARRY NIGHT AND THE MILKY WAY, JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Pyramid Mountain, October 18, 2022.

I fell in love with Pyramid Lake and the Pyramid Mountain behind it the moment I saw it on October 17, 2022. I kept going to it every day I was in Jasper, but nothing could be as breathtaking than being at the site on a dark clear night during Jasper’s annual Dark Sky Event. On October 18, I stood next to Ron Richey as he focused his lens into the sky and photographed the Milky Way and all the millions of stars above the Lake. I am pleased to share his photographs on Simergphotos. Do not miss this incredible awe-inspiring view of our universe by Ron, an avid photographer and a passionate lover of nature. And remember he took the photos in Jasper, the 2nd largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world. So, you can imagine!

Milky Way, Pyramid Lake, Ron Richey, Simergphotos.
Our Milky Way, stretching 1000,000 light years across and 13.6 billion years of age. Please click on photo for Ron Richey’s stunning photographs.

Date posted: November 1, 2022.
Last updated: November 6, 2022 (as a repost.)

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