 Print
Vancouver Islamic History Month 2019
10-30-2019
Canada is celebrating Islamic History Month (IHMC) in October and the government is encouraging Canadians to partake in activities across the country to build greater understanding of Muslims.
“Today marks the beginning of Canadian Islamic History Month,” said the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, in a press release. “First recognized by the Parliament of Canada in 2007, this month is an excellent opportunity to honour our country’s large Muslim community and recognize its valuable contributions to shaping our country.”
“Muslim-Canadians enrich our lives and contribute to the prosperity and growth of our country through outstanding achievements in many fields, including literature, mathematics, science, sports and the arts,” he added. “Our government is proud to promote the diversity that makes Canada an inclusive country and a great place to live.”
“This year, as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, let us cherish this diversity, which unites us and makes us strong,” noted Minister Rodriguez. “As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, I invite all Canadians to celebrate Canadian Islamic History Month to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Muslim community’s rich heritage and to participate in activities taking place across the country.
Bridge building is one of the goals of IHMC. The 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.
The SFU Centre for Comparative Muslim Studies (CCMS) working with the Vancouver Public Library hosted its second Islamic History Month Celebration on 5 October 2019.
Aslam Bulbulia stated, “This year we seek to make space within the celebration of this month to explore what it means to be Muslims in relationship with Indigenous communities.
Muslim communities have increasingly become the focus of negative public attention, and as we work to reclaim our narratives we also recognize that Indigenous communities have been facing similar struggles for generations. The diversity and positivity of Muslim art and cultural practices are not often highlighted, as is the case with Indigenous communities, which is why Islamic History Month provides a unique opportunity to showcase our local artists and performers, highlight the importance of telling our own stories and examine what it means to be on this land and in good relationship.”
Footnotes:
|