Canadian Islamic History Month

The federal government launched the first Canadian Islamic History Month in October 2007. In addition to celebrating the longstanding and widespread contributions of Muslim communities to all areas of Canadian society, the month aims to expand knowledge of the history of Islam within a Canadian context and to deepen understanding of the cultural diversity of local Muslim communities. It also urges nationwide conversations about Islamophobia, its impacts at an individual and community level, and actions needed to address Islamophobia in all its forms. Communities of all faiths and backgrounds are encouraged to engage in dialogue about productive strategies to address inclusion and belonging of Muslim communities in Canada.

Each October, Ontario additionally marks Islamic Heritage Month, which since 2017 has been celebrated to mark the contributions of Muslim communities to Ontario’s history and society. A commitment to denounce and oppose Islamophobia is similarly contained in this provincial act, which emphasizes the importance of reflection and learning to reach, in its words, a “new understanding.”

Statement by Minister Khera on Canadian Islamic History Month

Bill 38, An Act to Proclaim the month of October Islamic Heritage Month [PDF]