SALDACSierra Leone Descendants Association in Calgary
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.

  • 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.

    Subscribe
  • 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
Women in African print dresses gathered around the anniversary cake at the SALONE@65 celebration
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, dancing 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
Every August

Picnic in the Park

Who it's for
Members, families and friends of all ages.
What happens
A day outdoors in a Calgary park: a barbecue, sack races for the children 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.
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

Our impact

What SALDAC does, year after year

See our impact
  • Every December

    Kids' Christmas

    A Christmas party for the community's children and their families.

  • Every December

    Food baskets for seniors

    SALDAC puts together food baskets for seniors in the community.

  • 2024

    Computers and lessons for seniors

    With the Bridge to Oasis (BTO) Foundation, SALDAC helped provide seniors with computers and lessons in the basics they need for daily life.

  • With CACC

    Donated goods for members

    In cooperation with the Calgary African Community Collective, SALDAC receives donated goods and shares them with members.

Abdullah Kamara, President of SALDAC, in a navy check jacket, patterned shirt and tie

A message from our President

SALDAC is therefore more than an association. It is a bridge between generations, a connection between heritage and home, and a place where our community can come together with pride and purpose.

Abdullah Kamara, President

Read the full message

Monthly subscription · $10 a month

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

Subscribers keep SALDAC going, from the Independence Celebration to Kids' Christmas and the food baskets for seniors. $10 a month, $100 a year, or $200 a year for a family.

News & media

Latest from SALDAC

All news

FAQ

Questions people ask

Who can join SALDAC?

Membership is open to all persons of Sierra Leonean descent living in Calgary and surrounding areas, and to friends and allies of the Sierra Leonean community who support our objectives, regardless of age, gender, religion or national origin.

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

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