“IHMC believes that through education and sharing positive stories, all Canadians can grow and connect in the best way possible.”
📚 Read Also: Canadian Imams Express Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
The theme of the 2021 event is “Anti-Indigenous Racism and Islamophobia: coming together for a month of healing.”
Throughout the country, communities will be organizing information sessions, joint healing circles, inviting Indigenous people to mosques, hosting art exhibits, highlighting artists and hosting any other relevant, COVID-safe gatherings.
Islamic History Month
Celebrating Islamic History Month in Canada (IHMC) annually aims to celebrate, inform, educate, and share with fellow Canadians the rich Muslim heritage and contributions to society.
Back in 2007, honorable and departed, Mauril Belanger, MP, for Ottawa-Vanier proclaimed IHMC. The cities of Kingston, Burnaby, and the province of Manitoba also proclaimed the event.
Later on, IHMC became an independent body with a new Chair in 2013. The Board members are currently from Saskatoon, Regina, London, Ottawa, and Winnipeg.
In 2019, Toronto Mayor John Tory proclaimed October as Islamic Heritage Month, encouraging citizens to learn more about Islam and participate in activities hosted by the Muslim community.
The annual Islamic History Month provides a time to focus on celebrating and educating the Muslim and non-Muslim community on the rich history, heritage and culture of Canadian Muslims and Muslims around the world.
Muslims are the fastest-growing religious community in Canada, according to the country’s statistical agency, Statistics Canada.
Historically, Canada’s Muslim population increased by 82 percent over the past decade – from about 579,000 in 2001 to more than 1 million in 2011.
Muslims represent 3.2 percent of Canada’s total population.