The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) proudly recognizes Islamic Heritage Month during the month of October since our Board of Trustees passed their motion on June 22, 2016. Our main theme for the month continues to be: Reflect. Celebrate. Learn.
Canadian Islamic Heritage Month has been recognized across our nation since October 2007. Subsequently, since November 2016, the province of Ontario established October as Islamic History Month through the Islamic Heritage Month Act, "proclaiming a month to be Islamic Heritage Month in Ontario will provide all Ontarians, both today and in future generations, with an opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and learn about the rich and longstanding Islamic history in the Province and the diverse roles and contributions of Muslim people in communities across Ontario. This new understanding will turn help combat anti-Islamic sentiment."
The TDSB Islamic Heritage Month Volunteer Planning Committee initiated a poster created by photographs provided by author Richard A. Awid with the theme History of Early Canadian Muslims. In addition, we’re excited to release an updated version of the TDSB Islamic Heritage Month Resource Guidebook (2021) as it may be used as an educational tool to learn about the Islamic heritage. To supposrt individuals in using this resource, please see more here.
During the month of October several Islamic Heritage Month events are being organized for students, staff and TDSB community members. TDSB students - Grade 7-12 will be invited to attend a virtual event with Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, former American Professional Basketball Player who challenged the International Basketball Federation when informed that she could not participate in the league while wearing a hijab. Bilqis will share the challenges she faced while trying to change this requirement for players.
Friday, October 22 Event with Master Chef Contestant Reem Ahmed & City TV Host Maleeha Sheikh
All students, staff, and the TDSB community are invited to join a virtual event with Master Chef contestant Reem Ahmed and City TV Host Maleeha Sheikh. We will learn about preparing a meal and we'll hear a candid conversation about Islamophobia and what is like to be Muslim in Canada.
Registration is required. (Ingredients will be shared once you register)
Date: Friday, October 22, 2021
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Registration: https://bit.ly/IHM2021COOK
Should you require additional information, please contact Islamic Heritage Month Volunteer Committee members Aly Hirji at aly.hirji@tdsb.on.ca or Anisa Manjra at Anisa.manjra@tdsb.on.ca
Follow the Islamic Heritage Month Committe on Twitter at - @tdsb_ihm