by Emma Kirke
In addition to the turning of the season, October marks Islamic Heritage month. Established in 2007 by the Canadian federal government, the month was created to provide an opportunity to honour the rich history of Islam, the diversity of Muslim communities across the country, and the many contribution of Muslims in Canada. As Mifrah Abid from the Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener-Waterloo shared with the Waterloo Record last year, “Islamic History Month is a way to bring back the focus and centre these voices. It’s also a time for Muslims to reaffirm themselves, to be who we are unapologetically.”
The number of Muslims living in Canada has grown significantly in recent decades, but it is also important to acknowledge the long history of Muslims in this land now called Canada, dating back over 170 years to the days of the fur trade. Closer to the KW region, many organizations have a history of supporting the Muslim community and helping to promote values of diversity and inclusion in the region.
CPA Peace Incubator is home to the Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI-Kitchener-Waterloo) a division within the Grand River Friendship Society. The institute works to "advance social cohesion through personal interaction by promoting respect and mutual understanding among people of all cultures and faiths through dialogue and partnership". Their activities include Ramadan Family Iftar Dinners, intercultural friendship dinners, dialogue activities, and other activities to promote mutual understanding and combat misinformation in the multicultural world we live in.
Such work feels very important given the recent Islamophobic attacks that have taken place on Canadian soil, in addition to hatred and division that has seeped into public discourse online with real-world consequences. Canada now also has a National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, acknowledging where Canada has failed in creating safe places for Muslim communities. Beyond the many institutions doing this work, it is also important for each person to step up and be active bystanders to help prevent politics of division from taking root. Everyone plays a part in fostering a community where all feel at home.
Later in the month, Kindred Credit Union is supporting the Coalition of Muslim Women in hosting the Radiant Ladies Night Gala. This women-only event aims to create a space where women from all cultural backgrounds to come together, connect, and build an inclusive community. Money raised through the silent auction will go towards helping Muslim women facing gender-based violence and Muslim victims of hate to access support on their way to justice.
Closer to Grebel, members of the Muslim community, including Islamic Relief Canada, came together to sponsor the Malcom X Scholarship for the PACS program in the name of a great African American social justice activist, Malcolm X, who was also a devout Muslim. The scholarship will support Black and Indigenous students in the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies program.
Living in a democracy and striving for peace means protecting and uplifting minority voices in our community. As Lt. Governor of Ontario, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell has often said, “democracy is about how we choose to live together.” By coming together, building bridges and imagining the world we want to live in, we create a stronger democracy and a more peaceful world.