Somali in Canada


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Islam (Sunni)
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
More extensive map at peoplegroups.info

Introduction / History

The Somali first appeared in the Horn of Africa around 1200 and began expanding westward and southward about 150 years later. They converted to Islam around 1550, under the influence of Arab traders that had settled along the coast of present-day Somalia. By 1650, they had moved into Ethiopia. The Somali share a common language, adhere to a single faith, and share a cultural heritage. Their name is derived from the words, "so maal," which literally mean, "Go milk a beast for yourself!" To the Somali, this is actually a rough expression of hospitality. There are a large number of Somalis in Canada. As Somalia entered a new phase of chaos in the 1990s, more came to Canada. Some of them came from the United States. In addition to Toronto, many Somalis live in Ottawa while some live in Edmonton and other places. The Somalis in Canada speak Somali, English and French.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The daily stresses of navigating through a new culture while seeking to retain and treasure your heritage make it difficult to become a part of the host community. Many Somalis have found it hard to get work even though some are qualified. Language problems have been one cause. The Canadian government, along with Somali organizations in Canada, are helping young Somalis with work experience, training and other schemes to find work. There are Somali organizations in Canada to help Somalis in Canada. The Canadian Somali Congress works with national and local authorities. Some Somalis have gone back to Somalia. Somali Canadians have helped in the rebuilding of Somalia.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Sunni Islam is the religion of the Somalis. Very few dare to stray from the Islamic fold. Very often, they view Jesus as a "foreign god," and a desire to follow his way of life is seen as an uncritical acceptance of another culture as well as a denial of one's heritage.


What Are Their Needs?

Somalis in Canada often need work training so they can adapt to the new environment. Those who lived in a war zone might need trauma counseling. Loving Christians can help with these needs and gain a hearing.


Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual hunger and openness among Somali Muslims in North America. Pray that God will give Somalis dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ. Pray that Canadian Christians will help lead the Somalis into a movement to Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Somali in Canada.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Somali
People Name in Country Somali
Pronunciation soh-MAH-lee
Alternate Names Issa; Ogaden; Sab; Shabelle; सोमाली
Population this Country 104,000
Population all Countries 26,949,000
Total Countries 25
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 2
PeopleID3 14983
ROP3 Code 109392
Country Canada
Region America, North and Caribbean
Continent North America
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Toronto (Etobicoke), Edmonton (McCauley), Ottawa (Ridgemont), Calgary   Source:  Global Gates 2021
Country Canada
Region America, North and Caribbean
Continent North America
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Toronto (Etobicoke), Edmonton (McCauley), Ottawa (Ridgemont), Calgary.   Source:  Global Gates 2021

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Primary Religion: Islam (Sunni)
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.07 %)
0.07 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
99.90 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.03 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Somali (104,000 speakers)
Language Code som   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Somali (104,000 speakers)
Language Code som   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Somali

Primary Language:  Somali

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1915-1935)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1972-1976)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1979-2008)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings DAVAR Partners recording, Old Testament DAVAR Partners International
Audio Recordings Recorded oral Bible Oral Bibles
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Somali Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rock International: King of Glory Rock International
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Walking with Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Four Spiritual Laws Cru
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Walk with the Prophets and meet the Messiah Al Massira
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
General Zume Training Zume Project
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Somali YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App Download audio Bible app from Google Play Store Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Somali YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Download scripture in this language eBible.org
Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  MarosMatousek - Shutterstock  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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