Objective

The "Canada-Odisha Society of Americas" (CANOSA) is a non-profit socio-cultural organization, established in 1971 and actively involved in promoting integration through social and cultural activities and providing forum for newcomers for adaptation and integration into the Canadian milieu.

Our vibrant community of over 500 Odia families (Odisha, India origin) residing in different parts of Canada, with a strong desire to cradle and nurture the rich Odia culture, even outside our homeland, provided the impetus for the formation of this society. Particular emphasis is placed on sustaining our unique heritage of ancient Indian culture and heritage, supporting the society we live in and reinforcing the future generation with meaningful values and appreciation of our cultural roots. We also promote volunteerism and leadership qualities among the youth. We organize recreational, athletic and community endeavors of interest to its members.

Besides cultural events, our community has made a deliberate effort to come together whenever a need has come to help our fellow Odias back home in India or anywhere. Whether it was the Super Cyclone, the drought, or the Tsunami; funds have been collected, rehabilitation projects undertaken and implemented to achieve goals.

We participate in the activities of similar other organizations in North America (e.g. Canada Day, Panorama India, Kala Manjari, Festival of Chariots etc.). We provide a forum for exchanging ideas and views with other associations those have interest in Odisha and its culture. We also provide helping hands to newcomers for adaptation and integration into the Canadian milieu.The Odisha community will continue to flourish in North America as long as we are able to maintain cultural traditions and pass them along to future generations.

The objectives of the CANOSA are:

a) Encouraging its members to develop and nurture community spirit.

b) Promoting and preserving the arts, language and heritage of Odisha.

c) Organizing socio-cultural events in order to promote dance, drama, music, heritage and tradition unique to Odisha.

d) Organizing to help celebrate the festivals typical to the people of Odisha (such as Bishuba Milana, Kumar Utsava, Ratha Jatra) and inviting other community people to participate.

e) Arranging lectures, workshops, classes and seminars on the topic of arts, language, music, dance, drama and other related topics featuring the culture of Odisha.

f) Providing helping hands to new comers from Odisha for adaptation and integration into the Canadian milieu.

g) Developing volunteerism and leadership qualities among the youth.

h) Participating in the activities of similar other organizations in North America.

i) Organizing recreational, athletic and community endeavors of interest to its members.

j) To provide a forum for exchanging ideas and views with other associations those have interest in Odisha and its culture.

k) Accepting donations, gifts, legacies and using funds as received together with interest accumulated thereon for the aforesaid purposes.

l) Any other activities not inconsistent with the above said objects.