PREFACE
The purpose of this digital archive is to celebrate and record the heritage of Canadian Muslims by narrating their stories to engage and encourage curiosity and further exploration of Canadian Muslim excellence. Our project also works toward developing connections with a range of audiences, such as scholarly researchers, K-12 educators, librarians, school-aged children, college/university students, government, media, and members of the general public to teach Muslim Canadian history.
The term Canadian Muslim references, “an ethnically, culturally, racially, and theologically diverse community, which includes newcomers, refugees, immigrants, and Canadian-born individuals” 1. Knowing the “single most powerful factor at work in achieving the repudiation of violence and reframing of the conflict and its solutions is social, economic, and political inclusion” 2 this site aims to reach audiences at various platforms to illustrate that Canadian Muslims deserve to be included, respected, and celebrated for their historical contributions. Through this site, we aim to enhance pride and celebration in Canada for our Muslim community members.
Although there is accessible research about Canadian Muslims making an impact in their community, there is a clear gap in resources and/or information readily available that highlights their impact outside of their communities of faith. Through celebrating Canadian Muslim excellence, all communities will benefit from developing a greater understanding and appreciation for those who have positively contributed to Canada. Canadian Muslims will also see themselves within the fabric of Canada, rather than feeling isolated within their communities of faith. By creating resources to fill some of the gaps in educational resources, Canadian Muslims will be able to see themselves in the Canadian identity, while also inspiring today’s Muslims and non-Muslims to work together to create a better country and world for all.
While researching it was evident that there are many Canadian Muslims that are having a positive impact in their fields. Many of those we read about are individuals who are champions in their individual fields and not necessarily in Canada as a whole. We also noted that there is a great majority of Canadian Muslims doing important work to support members within their Muslim communities – this was noted from those who were forming and maintaining Muslim Coalitions in their communities, and resource centres to help fellow Muslims navigate systems within their ethnicity, and more. Noting that our search criteria centred around amplifying awareness about those that have had an impact in the entire country, and those that we believe should be taught about in schools, not all our local community contributors were selected. It is important to note that the work that many are doing within their faith-based communities is important and highly valued.
From the stories of these remarkable Canadian Muslims, it is evident that Canadian Muslims have contributed to the Canadian identity positively. Coming to understand the ways that Canadian Muslim journalists, physicians, entertainers, and entrepreneurs have stood out in Canada, demonstrates that their faith is in no way an impeding factor for them to positively contribute to the Canadian identity. It is through learning about impactful Canadian Muslims that people can come to understand the true impression they have made.
Educators and system-wide administrators need to consider the lack of representation and education geared toward celebrating Canadian Muslim excellence. To help combat any negative stereotypes and biases we need to overtly expose our students to the meaningful impact that Muslims have had on Canada.
Our search was able to find individuals that immigrated to Canada and individuals that were born and raised in Canada. Along with the remarkable people doing valuable work within their faith-based communities, we had the pleasure of reading about individuals who met our search criteria and have most definitely positively impacted Canada. In particular, the first Canadian Muslim inhabitants, Canadian pioneers, and Canadian Muslim excellence were found in the fields of medicine, entrepreneurship, education, Arts and entertainment, film and media, journalism, education, athletics, and culinary arts. Our findings included Canadian Muslims ranging from as early as 1851 to the current year, where we have been pleased to also read about some young up-and-coming Canadian Muslims who are also beginning to do great things for Canadians.
Noteworthy Canadian Muslims to date have been those that are i) the first Muslim and/or Muslim Canadian to ever accomplish their status in their chosen field, ii) those recognized on a national and/or international scale, and/or iii) those educating others and working to eliminate Islamophobia on a large scale or in ways that are atypical. While working to disseminate this information to educators, students, librarians, researchers, and community members at large we have ensured that the information provided to each of these demographics is accessible.
Creating this archive is not only a way to celebrate the successes of Muslim Canadians but also a strategy in combatting Islamophobia. This archive will assist in changing the fixed mindsets of those with negative biases toward Muslims. When people learn of the stories presented, they will come to understand that there are many Muslim Canadians that we should be grateful for. Recognizing the positive impact that they have had on our country will also encourage other Muslim Canadians to believe that they too can make a positive difference in the world. Not only do we hope that this archive will motivate Muslim Canadians to allow their excellence to shine, but we also hope that this website invites them to see that people just like them have been noticed and heard. It is important for people to see others who look like them being honoured and recognized – this allows future generations to believe that they too can also make a difference.
Besides, it is essential to note that this archive alone will not be the end of our work. Along with sharing the resource with others, it is essential that all citizens see the need to reflect on and challenge their own biases. When one identifies their bias, they are able to disrupt the preconceived notions and stereotypes. It is through the disruption of negative stereotypes that we will be able to break down Islamophobia and increase awareness of the truth. What is the truth? We have remarkable Muslim Canadians who are making a mark on Canada. Canada is better because of its diversity, and Muslim Canadians are both an important and welcome contributor to our country.
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