Muslim-Indigenous Youth Project Re-Launches With Support From Community and Canadian Government

After a successful first launch in commemoration of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Day in September 2021, organizers are gearing up for the next chapter with exciting new activities and learning outcomes. 

Candidates aged 14 to 22 are encouraged to register for the Indigenous education program, developed with a unique concept and tangible objectives for youth participants. 

"Planning for seven generations is a sacred concept among Indigenous Peoples. It urges current generations to live and work for the benefit of the seventh generation into the future,” stated Imam Irshad Osman, MIC Program Convener. “This is similar to the Islamic concept of accountability, sustainability, and stewardship. So we’ve adopted this concept as the overarching theme, and to get everyone involved in this responsibility, starting with the vibrant Muslim youth in our community.”

The MIC is a special initiative aimed at helping Muslim youth develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous People's cultures, traditions, struggles and quest for healing and reconciliation in Canada. The program pairs youth from Muslim communities with Indigenous groups to learn about, discuss and practice inclusion and connectedness with First Nation peoples, culture and knowledge. 

Organizers have been hard at work developing this year’s month-long program to include developmental projects focusing on the importance of reconciliation. "At the graduation ceremony of the first cohort, we realized there’s a need and appetite in the Muslim community for building meaningful allyship with the Indigenous community,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada, the nonprofit human rights and advocacy group behind organizing the MIC. “We’re lending our tools and resources to re-launch the program to continue inspiring ongoing commitment among Muslim youth and adults towards justice and reconciliation,” added Ghayyur.

The MIC seeks to fulfill engagement and allyship between Muslim faith groups and Indigenous peoples across Canada. Applicants can register until September 22nd, 2022 using the link https://bit.ly/MuslimIndigenous.  

Justice For All Canada is a non-profit, non-governmental organization conducting grassroots human rights advocacy for minorities facing oppression, persecution, and genocide in Canada and around the world. 

The Muslim-Indigenous Connection is generously supported by Canadian Heritage.