Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta

05/22/2026

BTSA was represented at the Affirming Connections Breakfast of Champions!

Our 'Breakfast of Champions' series continued with this group of fabulous leaders from Southern Alberta, who are working for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion through their faith community or 2SLGBTIA+ serving organization! We meet in person over pancakes to share what we're up to, how we're doing, and to simply remember we're not alone. This gathering was hosted by McKillop United Church with support from Affirming Connections.

Are you an Affirming ministry in Southern Alberta interested in hosting local leaders for breakfast in your city? Contact us so we can help you host a Breakfast of Champions!

Image description:
A graphic reading "Breakfast of Champions — Thankful for these Affirming Champions in Southern Alberta!" with the Affirming Connections rainbow coloured logo. The photo shows nine smiling people seated around a long table with a red-and-white checkered tablecloth at a casual diner.

05/18/2026

Our next Family Service is this Sunday, May 24! All are welcome!

05/04/2026

2026 Bon Odori (Dance) Practice begins May 25
Mondays, 6:30 - 8 PM in the BTSA Multi-purpose room until
Bon Odori Dance Festival: Saturday, July 18

Refreshments provided.

EVERYONE OF ALL AGES IS WELCOME: NO EXPERIENCE IS
REQUIRED. REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.

PLEASE JOIN US!

04/30/2026

04/12/2026

Today the BTSA celebrates the birth of the historical Buddha and welcomes Rev. Akiko Rogers from California to share a Dharma message. Come pour sweet tea over the statue of the Buddha! Service is at 2pm today (April 12).

03/28/2026

03/28/2026

We had a wonderful visit from Bishop Tatsuya Aoki this past weekend. Here he congratulates Assistant Minister Reverend Kynan Ono on achieving Tokudo ordination. Check out the March 27 edition of the Lethbridge Herald for the story.

03/27/2026

The BTSA had a wonderful visit from Bishop Tatsuya Aoki last weekend. Here he congratulates Assistant Minister Reverend Kynan Ono on achieving Tokudo ordination. Story at lethbridgeherald.com on March 27.

03/13/2026

Experience a traditional Japanese Buddhist service this Sunday March 15 at the Buddhist Temple
Of Southern Alberta. Rev. Dr. Roland Ikuta and assistant minister Rev. Kynan Ono will lead the 10:30am program with a typical morning service as held at the Nishi Hongwanji, our mother temple in Japan. The early Japanese Canadians maintained many traditions when establishing temples in Southern Alberta in the early to mid-20th century and also adopted western concepts such has having services on Sunday and adding English songs. This Sunday you can get a sense of what a service in Japan is like. If you can’t visit the Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, this is the next best thing!

Hongwanji is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Buddhist organization. Japanese Buddhist temples usually have its honorific mountain name and the one for Hongwanji is Ryukokuzan. Therefore, the temple’s official name is Ryukokuzan Hongwanji, however, its nickname “Nishi (lit., “w...

01/08/2026

🎉 Seijin no Hi at the Garden 🎉
Celebrate Japan’s Coming of Age Day with us at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden!

✨ FREE admission to the Winter Light Festival for anyone turning 18 in 2026 (check in at the Bunka Centre ticket office)
🎂 FREE cake (while supplies last!)

Event Highlights:
5:00–7:00 PM — Kanae’s Calligraphy Practice Table
6:00–6:30 PM — NCS Minyo Dance Performance
7:00–8:00 PM — NCS Yosakoi Dance Performance

Bring your friends, take photos, and celebrate your coming of age in style!