From: The Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples/Tibetans/Brian J. Given
In Canada, as in Tibet, the Buddhist religion binds the community together and is the major influence on Tibetan-Canadian lifestyle. Tibetan lamas are at the centre of a network in which monks, nuns, and serious students of Dharma (“spiritual teachings”) study a broad range of Tibetan scholarly and meditation disciplines. Most lamas also have non-Tibetan students, some of whom are interested only in Dharma study while others participate in other kinds of Tibetan community activities as well.
There are Tibetan community associations with elected leaders and executive committees in Ontario (Toronto, Belleville, Lindsay), Alberta (Calgary), and British Columbia (Vancouver). Members of smaller Tibetan-Canadian communities, such as those in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Victoria, Peterborough and Cobourg, Ontario, and Lethbridge and Cardson, Alberta, participate in events with the larger organizations based elsewhere. The various community associations differ somewhat in their priorities but all organize social events and keep their members informed about local, national, and international Tibetan issues, and all have been active in helping new arrivals. Aside from playing leading roles in the larger organizations, women have established the Bhodkyi Bhurned Tshogpa (Tibetan Women’s Association), with branches in Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal.
The Bhodkyi Shonnu Lhentshog (Tibetan Youth Congress), based in Belleville, Ontario, has branches in every city in which Tibetan Canadians have settled. These groups have established effective national communication networks and are in contact with Tibetan youth groups in other countries. It is noteworthy that at least ten young Tibetans have made trips to India to work as volunteers in Tibetan refugee communities.
