Sakyadhita Canada is an official branch of Sakyadhita International (SI), which is an international association of Buddhist women formed in 1987. Working at the grassroots level, Sakyadhita International provides a communications network among Buddhist women internationally and promotes research and publications on Buddhist women's history and other topics of interest. SI members strive to create equal opportunities for women in all Buddhist traditions. To find out more about Sakyadhita International, go to sakyadhita.org.

Our Beginnings

In 1987, Ayya Khema (one of the founding members of Sakyadhita International) asked Shirley 'Jayanta' Johannesen to be the Canadian representative of Sakyadhita. Jayanta accepted the position and has been involved in many aspects of the Canadian branch activities, including coordinating the development and incorporation of Sakyadhita Canada.

Jayanta has volunteered her time at international conferences, given presentations, led workshops and guided meditations. In 1991, as part of SI, she formed the Calgary Women's Dharma Forum, a support group of women from all Buddhist traditions. As Buddhist values were put into action in the local communities, participants' leadership skills were developed and the network was extended to other Buddhist women in Canada and internationally.

Our Mission

Sakyadhita Canada's mission is to

  • Establish an alliance of ordained and lay Buddhist women in Canada

  • Create a network of communication for Canadian Buddhist women

  • Support the objectives of Sakyadhita International

  • Promote harmony and dialogue among all Buddhist traditions and other religions

  • Encourage research and publication on topics of interest to Buddhist women

  • Foster compassionate social action for the benefit of humanity

  • Promote world peace and harmony through the teachings of the Buddha

Our Representatives

President
Marybeth White
(Ontario)

Vice President
Sharon Gravelle (Alberta)

Past President

Barbara MacKay (British Columbia)

Founding Member
Jayanta (Shirley Johannesen)
(Alberta)

Treasurer/Secretary
Cheryl Bartell
(Manitoba)


 

Communications
Barbara MacKay (British Columbia)

Netletter Editor

Sharon Gravelle (Alberta)

Membership
Patricia Q. Campbell (Ontario)

Members-at-Large
Donna Brown (Manitoba)

Xiao Han (Quebec)

Manuel Litalien (Ontario)

Yongshan He (Manitoba)

Eleanor Pontoriero (Ontario)

Jayanta (Shirley Johannesen)
(Alberta)