奉 MATSURI FOUNDATION OF CANADA 

The Foundation began in 1999 to introduce the centuries-old spiritual traditions of Shinto to Canada. Its mission has expanded to provide opportunities for education and information about both Shinto and Buddhist religions, holding and sponsoring religious ceremonies, and to offer education programs to study and further participants’ understanding and experience of these rich spiritual practices.

Matsuri Foundation operates its Spiritual Centre on Knapp Island, near Sidney, BC. There are various religious structures, a large Centre building for teaching and practice, and numerous trails for walking meditation and prayer.

The name “Matsuri” is a derivative of the Japanese verb “tatematsuru” which means to make an offering with deep gratitude. The original kanji for matsuri or tatematsuri was a pictograph of 2 hands holding out a branch or small bush.