Shared History, Common Future: Celebrating Canadian Islamic History Month 2025  

Canadian Islamic History Month honours the diverse contributions of Muslim communities in Canada, from medicine and entrepreneurship to education, art, and civic life. It celebrates deep-rooted connections, shared history, and the ongoing role of Canadian Muslims in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate country. 

And despite the recent rise of Islamophobia in Canada, there’s still a lot to celebrate. This year’s national survey on race relations in Canada found that a majority of Muslims remain optimistic about future racial equality in the country. This optimism shines through in the many ways Muslims are making a difference, leading businesses, excelling in education, contributing to healthcare, arts, and public service, and building stronger communities across Canada.  

Young Muslims in Canada are leading that charge, and throughout October, the Office of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia’s campaign “Together for Canada”, will showcase just how they are doing it.   The video campaign offers fresh perspectives that break down stereotypes, demonstrate our shared struggles and dreams, and invite new connections across all our communities. 

Earlier this year, the Office also released The Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada. The guide unpacks the myths and stereotypes that can lead to discrimination and hate, demonstrates how Islamophobia affects diverse communities across the country, and how individuals and organizations can work to combat it.  

“Combatting Islamophobia requires action from all orders of government, the private sector, media, public institutions including schools and universities, civil society organizations and everyday Canadians. Together, we can take steps to ensure Canadian Muslims can live lives of dignity and respect, free from harassment and discrimination.”  — Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia 

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is committed to supporting Muslim communities build a future of belonging, safety and celebration of diversity in Canada, from events like the Nigerian Canadian Muslim Society of Windsor’s Bridging Understanding: Combating Islamophobia Summit to Healthy Muslim Families’Anti-Racism Youth Summit 2025, and the upcoming SMILE Canada Support Services event, Impacts of Islamophobia on Muslims with Disabilities, which will take place on October 22^nd, 2025. 

As we celebrate the contributions of Muslims in Canada this month, we look forward to continuing to build a future Canada shaped by shared purpose, mutual respect, and the strength of our collective diversity.