October is Islamic Heritage Month in Canada. This is a time to
celebrate, inform and engage with Islamic history and culture and learn
about the many contributions that Muslim people have made to Canada and
beyond.
Muslims
are ethnically diverse and represent many interpretations of Islam and
practice their faith throughout the world. The OCDSB works to be aware
of this diversity when teaching and speaking about Muslim identities,
stories and realities. We will be reflecting, celebrating and learning about Islamic history and culture through:
- Providing classroom resources and activities that explore Islamic excellence across all areas of life
- Encouraging engagement with Muslim community partners for learning opportunities such as guest speakers
- Supporting
schools in developing awareness and understanding of the contributions
of Muslim Canadians through announcements, displays and activities
- Ensuring
that Muslim students and staff have easy and safe access to spaces for
performing the Salah and engaging in reflection during the school and
work day
- Supporting engagement through Muslim Student Associations in schools and an Employee Resource Group for Muslim staff
- Developing staff awareness of cultural practices, traditions and observances and accommodation practices
- Promoting positive reflection and representation of Muslim identities and standing up to Islamophobia
In
celebration of Islamic Heritage Month, Muslim students in grades 7-12
are invited to join a virtual weekly Google Hangout. This is a
student-led and student-driven space open to all students who are a part
of a Muslim family, including those who are exploring their Muslim
identities. Meets will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on each
Monday in October, with the exception of Monday, October 9th due to the
Thanksgiving holiday. More information has been sent to students and
families via email.
As
part of our District's commitment to human rights, equity and
inclusion, we work to identify and address barriers so that everyone may
feel valued while participating and excelling in the OCDSB community.
In addition to the protection and promotion of learning and working
conditions that value and represent Muslim identities and perspectives,
it is our moral and legal obligation to address incidents of
Islamophobia, racism and hate when they arise. Our response includes
concrete actions through education and raising awareness so that we may
foster and maintain safe, welcoming and inclusive learning and working
environments.
If
you see or experience Islamophobia or any other kind of hate or
discrimination we encourage you to report it to a trusted staff member,
your principal or vice principal, or to the Office of the Human Rights and Equity Advisor. The OCDSB is committed to protecting and upholding the human rights of all students, staff and families.
As we enter Islamic Heritage Month, the OCDSB reaffirms its commitment to cultivating an environment where all
students, families and staff feel safe and protected expressing who
they are; where critical thought and learning is encouraged and
differences are respected; and where accountability is assured for acts
of Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hate, and all forms of hatred, racism and
discrimination.
Learn more: