October 12, 2021

October is Islamic Heritage Month at the TDSB

~from the TDSB web

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) proudly recognizes Islamic Heritage Month during the month of October since our Board of Trustee passed their motion on June 22, 2016. Our main theme for the month continues to be: Reflect. Celebrate. Learn.

Canadian Islamic Heritage Month is also 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." (Link: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/16i20 )

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. It will be posted to the TDSB website and shared with all our schools shortly. 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.

During the month of October several Islamic Heritage Month events are being organized for students, staff and TDSB community members throughout the month of October. TDSB secondary and middle grade students 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.

TDSB community members, students and staff will be invited to a join a virtual event with Master Chef contestant Reem Ahmed and City TV Host Maleeha Sheikh in the upcoming weeks. 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. Details will be shared (registration required).

Flyer: Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir event: October 21, 2021

Islamic Heritage Month Guide bit.ly/PLIslamicHeritageMonth

Somali Heritage Month at the TDSB - October 2021

~from the TDSB web

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) proudly recognizes Somali Heritage Month during the month of October. The TDSB has been marking Somali Heritage Month since June 2016, and we continue to expand on the selected theme Educate. Elevate. Excel.

In October 2020, the Government of Ontario proclaimed Somali Heritage Week Act, 2020 which will take place on June 25 through July 1.

"By proclaiming the week of June 25 through July 1 as Somali Heritage Week, the Province of Ontario recognizes the economic, political, social and cultural achievements and contributions of Somali Canadians in all aspects of Ontario society. Like many refugees and immigrants who have made Ontario their home, Somali Canadians are proud to be part of diverse communities across the province."

The attached power point is being shared with you as it provides information about the Somali Heritage. Enjoy and learn about us!

Please follow us on Twitter: SomaliHM@TDSB

Poster

Quotes

Power Point

Somali Heritage Month Guide bit.ly/PLSomaliHeritage

~Women's History Month Canada 2021

Women's History Month was proclaimed in Canada in 1992, where its purpose is to give Canadians "an opportunity to learn about the important contributions of women and girls to our society – and to the quality of our lives today". October was chosen to coincide with the celebration of the anniversary on October 18 of the decision of the court case Edwards v. Canada, more commonly known as the Persons Case, in which it was established that Canadian women were eligible to be appointed senators and in general had the same rights as Canadian men with respect to positions of political power.