Tamu Dhee Canada
Annual General Meeting
Saturday, 06 June 2026
Minutes

Chair: Som Gurung, President
Facilitator: Yamuna Ghale, Secretary
Note-taker: Naba Gurung

Welcome:
The Tamu Dhee Canada organized its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) after its incorporation as a federally registered non-profit organization. Yamuna Ghale, Secretary opened the meeting by acknowledging the presence of all, including the President, Advisors and BODs. She then invited Sujan Gurung to share information about an upcoming event:

Sujan Gurung, Concert Information:
Tea Leaves, a registered Canadian corporation, for the last 4 years, has been organizing various events with successful musical bands. They are organizing Kandara musical concert tour in entire North America—6-7 cities in the US, and 2 cities in Canada, namely Toronto and London. Tealeaves.com is the website where tickets are available, or one may directly contact Sujan Gurung. Special discounts- maybe available for early birds. He also appealed for help. Kandara is coming out for musical tours after a hiatus. Old songs are being presented in revised versions. Yamuna added the date and venue- 24 July @ Toronto Pavillion, and appealed for support from the Tamu community.

Tamu Dhee Canada Incorporation:
Secretary Yamuna Ghale apprised the Annual General Meeting (AGM) that the TDC has been formally incorporated as a non-profit organization on November 11, 2024. Now that we are registered, AGMs should be held every 18 months. This is our first AGM after being officially registered. She further encouraged women and youth participation and requested everyone to come forward. She then presented the AGM agenda for review, discussion, and resolution.

Agenda Overview
1. Programs and Activities Report
2. Financial report (2024 to current)
3. Financial outlook and Future Plans
4. Membership engagement
5. BOD expansion
6. Remarks by the President and senior advisors
7. Any other business
8. Open forum
9. Adjournment

1. TDC Progress Programs and Activities Report

• The Secretary, Yamuna Ghale presented the highlights of the TDC programs and activities for the last 2 years, including Tamu Lhosar (new year) celebrations, summer picnic, Deusi-Bhailo, volunteer and performers’ appreciation, sywai-sywai (visiting bereaved families to offer condolences) etc.

• Treasurer Bijou Gurung presented the report. She took over from Prava Gurung in November 2024, and the balance was $33,283 at that time. She highlighted various income and expenditure lines. November 2025 closing balance was 37,623.58. Recently, TDC contributed (organizational fund) to Tamu Artist Association of Nepal to assist them in organizing “Dhan Bahadur Gurung Musical Night”. Similarly, TDC members raised funds for Tamu artist Suraj Gurung (for Suraj Gurung Bajau Abhiyan- Save Suraj Gurung Campaign) as he was fighting for his life due to kidney failure. She reported that there was a total deposit of $113,282.74; and withdrawal of $71,106.60 with a balance as of today at $42,176.14

• The meeting discussed how do we account the TDC finances before registration? The meeting resolved to consult with a CPA.

• The meeting also discussed if an audit was needed? The discussion concluded that an audit is generally not mandatory for a not-for-profit organization, because TDC is not a charity. We may do internal audit or financial review for our own purposes. We should, however, strive to do tax filing on a regular basis as required for a not-for-profit organization.

• Now that we are registered, we should strive for grants from the cities, such as from Brampton.

• We need to plan and organize events to attract grants- such as targeting the children, women or youth etc. Grants for entertaining events such as picnics are not available.

• Accounting- income and expense- better if all the documents are readily available- if anyone wants to check/study- all papers should be ready- in case of any doubt. The BOD response was that supporting documents are available for anyone to see/review. For reimbursements we have all the records. We are transparent and are our transactions are based on receipts.

• A question was raised the 2025 Deusi-Bhailo expense for curiosity. BOD explained that we expended funds for food rather than doing potluck, and for the sound system. Deusi-Bhailo season coincides with short days, and people are busy for pooja-path, etc. so not much time left for potluck.

• Manish Gurung explained about Artist Suraj Gurung fundraising, including why he deserved our support, the amount raised, and the plan to handover the fund.

• There was a suggestion to present the income and expenditures for 2024 and 2025 separately.

• There was an advice to share income-expenditure details of every event after a few weeks of that event to all the members so that everyone will remain updated.

• There was a suggestion to purchase a simple accounting software for record keeping and reporting purposes, to which several speakers agreed.

• We may need to have a Board of Directors (BOD) meeting that minutes that records all the income prior to the registration.

• There was an advice that TDC should do tax filing within the 6 months of fiscal year end.

• TDC currently has a family membership for $100 (lifetime), which need revision

• Suggestions for fee ranged from $50 per person to $500 per family (couple) for lifetime.

• Many members emphasized lifetime membership to keep it simple. Renewal-and tracking who is where, adds to administrative burden.

• Yamuna Ghale, Secretary suggested we should not always depend on donations. So, membership should be a source of our income.

• There was a suggestion for an online portal for self-registration.

• TDC did not have a membership drive in the last 2-3 years. We have many potential members. We need to work hard to attract. We need to approach them.

• Let’s keep the life membership fee low. Life membership is not due for renewal. Let’s have a concept of annual contribution by the life members. Let’s think from this angle. But we need to attract more members. Let’s keep the fee as it is. And set up a minimum annual contribution by the life members.

• TDC needs to have a proper record keeping of all the registered members.

• TDC should not have many membership categories, not even student category, among others.

• TDC needs to demonstrate the benefits of being a member, and what TDC may offer to them.

• Tamus need to take it emotionally with a sense of belonging. We are not here just for transactional and cost-benefit purposes. We are born Tamu for a lifetime. Members get support that can not be measured in monetary terms.

• Let’s remove the family membership category in light of the registration. Let’s go for individual membership, which is also fair to those who are single. Also, in the event that we need voting, individual membership will be considered simple and equitable.

• Some people may find $100 high, and question the benefits.

• Regarding the benefit of being a member, TDC should attract people and demonstrate the benefits. TDC may offer a subsidized rate for members, such as for Lhosar tickets.

• The AGM agreed if the fee is too high, it may be paid in installments

• TDC is a “Chautari”, and people should join with kind hearts. One should be happy that such a platform exists with open arms. Only with this sentiment we can run an organization. People in many organizations did not even attend meeting despite the allowances, but here all of us are dedicating our gifts and talents for free. At the same time, we need to also think of what we can offer to the members. We should also record the list of life members.

• Our focus is more important on mutual support and care than just raising funds. Events such as Lhosar brings- I am proud of being a Tamu- vibe. This remains for a few days- and then fades- Then summer picnic comes- sentiment and love for the organization raise. Momentum and vibes- high and then suddenly fades, so we need to strategize how to keep members engaged, and how not to lose the momentum.

• TDC known for Lhosar- and picnic only. How we go beyond? Maybe we should think of adding events such as training and workshop on dance, public speaking, entrepreneurship etc.

• We have a social responsibility but limited funds, so we need to define support to whom, where and how? – First priority should be members- and in Canada. Let’s focus on members.

• Yes- focus/priority should be for the members. Frustration- same people are contributing time and the same people are donating- always- repeatedly. We need to develop a habit of donating- and think collectively.

• It’s hard to determine by the AGM. Maybe we should delegate to the board. We need to have the awareness and sense of compassion- if 100 people contribute, even small contributions of $5 may become more.

• It is vague.

• It is a democratic discussion, and none should mind- if your point is not taken. The priority is for the members. That’s the benefit. Whoever is in need within the membership. However, we should not shy away to contribute towards humanitarian causes. President receives appeal for support from all over the worlds in various emergency situations. We need to empathize with the needs.

• Our time contribution is invaluable.

• Our balance of $42k is not much, which we may expend even for a single event.

• Health, humanitarian, natural disaster, cultural events etc. may be supported on a case-by-case basis

• It’s not just financial- individual connections by the members- and our solidarity, is important.

• We need to support NJAC and related events too.

• The President and the BOD has been very careful to analyse the requests and offer support accordingly after analysing them and having thorough discussions.

• The BOD is experiencing limited workforce, which is likely to cause frustrations and burnouts. We need to encourage wider membership engagement, encourage youth and new participants to come forward. If not, we may have to seriously think whether we are even able to organize the upcoming summer picnic. This is a serious matter, and frustration is real. Few people who are always contributing have become tired. They need support.

• A metaphor of “Chautaro- vatkina lagyo”- we should not let this sacred platform to fall apart- was eloquently presented.

• We need to expand the BOD to at least 9 people, and seek more helping hands, for regional and thematic workload division. Advisors are not counted as quorum.

• The BOD deserves our love, care and respect. We need strong- department/wings so that the President and Secretary are not overloaded.

• We should take it as emotional and sacred platform. Not transactional. This committee becomes strong only when we support. We should always ask, if not us who will do? We need to identify the vacant positions- identify support positions. We need to voluntold. Similar situation in many orgs. Our attachment and spirit should come from the heart- not from the head.

• We need to think about it seriously. People’s participation is going down. We need at least 9 people; advisors can be even less. If a person misses meetings three times, we should replace that person. Let’s identify/select people who are self motivated. Let’s take steps. Maybe focus on people who are more settled and maybe able to contribute time.

• This challenge is for everyone. There are so many challenges. But if many contribute even small amount time, that will have a big compounding effect. Allocate some time- if not us, then who will do it?

• We need to think about what’s the quorum for BOD meeting and even for the AGM. Maybe we should note 5% quorum for the AGM, as we do not have much physical attendance.

• We are lacking proper structure. We also need to identify responsibilities for each role- We have President and Secretary overwhelmed. We need to identify departments with a lead- let’s identify them. Maybe recruit people through volunteer forms so that they will self-identify.

• We put it on the agenda- to seek feedback from the general members. We will continue the discussion- as this is a vast and ongoing topic for discussion.

• Having a calendar of meeting dates for planning purposes based on our pre-determined calendar of events will help distribute tasks and responsibilities. For example, we start planning meetings in November for Lhosar. So, we need pre-identified set of meeting/planning dates.

• Have a pre-set calendar of the TDC meetings. At least 6 regular meetings of BOD per year, and other meetings on as needed basis.

• We want our next generation to follow our language and culture- but there is a danger of losing their interest. How should attract them. Kids go to a corner to play with mobile in our events. We should plan community volunteer hours for them. As a registered organization- we can certify the volunteer hours- we need someone who be the supervisor- coordinator.

• Food bank- clothing drive. We need to bring youth- involve them for in-Canada activities. Introduce children to such types of charitable causes.

• Examples of moral support and humanitarian response extended to various Tamu and non-Tamu members in the community and beyond, including in Nepal were shared. We are not just for money and financial transactions- but far beyond that. Examples of helping community members being supported through informal counselling, home visits innumerable phone calls and other moral supports were described. We are not here for benefits and profits, or names and fames. There are several community issues that are important and we tried to address them to the extend possible, but we also need to not disclose them for privacy reasons. Relationship maintenance and managing expectations are important and demand time and skills. A lot of time is devoted. Community engagement is important.

• Although the meeting went beyond the scheduled time (1pm -5pm), participants patiently remain engaged in discussions by showing their love, passion and care to the organization/community

• The Chair thanked all the participant for their active participation and formally adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm.