Islamic Relief Canada to educate Muslim students about Indigenous history for Truth and Reconciliation Day

London, ON - As part of its Truth and Reconciliation Day initiatives, Islamic Relief Canada will be holding an interfaith awareness session for elementary and middle school students from two Islamic schools. 

Indigenous elder Vivian Recollet, along with Muslim imams Dr. Munir El-Kassim and Sheikh Aarij Anwer of the London Muslim Mosque, will be speaking virtually today from 9:30 am to 10:30 am to Grade 4 to 8 students attending Al Taqwa Academy and London Islamic School.

The speakers will discuss our shared history, the trauma caused by residential schools, why practising Muslims must stand up for Indigenous rights, and ways to become better allies.

“By reaching out to Muslim school students, our hope is that we can raise awareness and encourage action by future generations. We felt having both the perspective of an Indigenous elder and religious scholars from our own community would have a greater impact in achieving those goals,” says Saimah Sarwar, team lead for Islamic Relief Canada’s London region.

Islamic Relief Canada is also hosting a workshop about Indigenous rights for its staff members to commemorate Truth and Reconciliation Day.

On October 1, the charity is launching its national sermon campaign in which imams from mosques across the country will speak to worshippers about the need to support Indigenous rights during the Friday prayer. Orange shirts designed by Secwépemc artist Kel-c for Islamic Relief will also be available for worshippers.

Read the full statement of Islamic Relief Canada's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation online here

To purchase Orange shirts designed by Kel-c Jules, a Secwépemc artist and daughter of a residential school survivor click here for the Hand in Hand design and here for the Loons & Stars design