|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ISLAMIC HISTORY ON DISPLAY AT ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM
THIS WEEKEND
- Event will feature special Islamic artefacts, lectures, movies and more Toronto, ON – October 1,
2009 – The current television show Little
Mosque on the Prairie might be the
primary source of education about Muslims and Islam for many Canadians, but the
show is anchored in the present.
This weekend, Canadians
will have the opportunity to take a glimpse into Islam’s rich cultural heritage
at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
The museum, in
conjunction with UM Foundation, will be holding its second annual Muslim
Heritage Weekend from Saturday, October 3 through Monday, October 5, 2009.
Visitors will be treated to special Islamic artefacts, lectures, activities,
movies and halal food. Prayer facilities will be available for Muslim visitors. WHAT:Muslim Heritage Weekend at the Royal
Ontario Museum “This is a golden
opportunity for Canadians of all faiths and ethnic background to come out and
explore the historical roots of Islam’s cultural diversity,” said Abdul Hai
Patel, honourary chair of the event and president of the Ontario Multifaith
Council. “The best way to build bridges and foster understanding is through
education and getting to know one another.”
October was designated
as Canadian Islamic History Month by the federal parliament in 2007.
"The ROM is very
excited about our upcoming Muslim Heritage Weekend,” said Chuck Thibeault, head
of sales and membership at the museum. “The event is an opportunity to
celebrate and share Islamic culture with our visitors and the community."
Discounted tickets and
other event details are available at www.CivilizationExpo.com .
The second annual
Muslim Heritage Weekend at the Royal Ontario Museum is supported by Islamic
History Month Canada, an educational and cultural project sponsored by the
Canadian Islamic Congress (CIC), Islamic Circle of North America-Canada (ICNA),
Muslim Association of Canada (MAC), Canadian Council on American Islamic
Relations (CAIR-CAN), the Coalition of Muslim Organization (COMO) and the High
Commission and the Government of Malaysia, among others. For details on Islamic
History Month Canada, visit www.islamichistorymonth.com . ###
For more information,
please contact:
Abdul Hai Patel Melissa Chase
Parliament Declares October As Islamic History Month Canada's federal parliament today officially declared October as Islamic History Month in Canada. Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier and Official Opposition Critic for Canadian Heritage, Francophonie and Official Languages, Hon. Mauril Bélanger, presented the following motion today in the House of Commons: "That, in the opinion of the House, due to the important contributions of Canadian Muslims to Canadian Society; the cultural diversity of the Canadian Muslim community; the importance of Canadians learning about each other to foster greater social cohesion; and the important effort now underway in many Canadian communities in organizing public activities to achieve better understanding of Islamic history, the month of October should be designated Canadian Islamic History Month." The Ottawa-Vanier MP was delighted that the House of Commons adopted this motion which highlights the important contribution of the Muslim community in Canadian society. "I encourage cultural exchanges between Canada's diverse communities, which make us a vibrant and dynamic society. I believe that by having a better understanding of our fellow Canadians from various communities and backgrounds that we will achieve a stronger and more cohesive country", said MP Bélanger. " October 2007 is the inaugural celebration of Islamic History Month Canada. IHMC has been a long dreamed-of intercultural and educational project of Canadian Muslims. We are thrilled at how positively Canadians are responding to our IHMC activities and programs," said today's CIC statement. To date, several Canadian cities have proclaimed October as Islamic History Month in their civic jurisdictions - including Victoria BC, Kingston ON, Ottawa ON, Calgary AB and Burnaby and Port Coquitlam BC - with others planning to follow their example. House of Commons / Chambre des communes Ottawa, Canada BÉLANGER IS DELIGHTED WITH THE ADOPTION OF HIS MOTION RECOGNIZING ISLAMIC HISTORY MONTH Ottawa, October 25th 2007 - Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier and Official Opposition Critic for Canadian Heritage, Francophonie and Official Languages, Hon. Mauril Bélanger, presented the following motion today in the House of Commons: " That, in the opinion of the House, due to the important contributions of Canadian Muslims to Canadian Society; the cultural diversity of the Canadian Muslim community; the importance of Canadians learning about each other to foster greater social cohesion; and the important effort now underway in many Canadian communities in organizing public activities to achieve better understanding of Islamic history, the month of October should be designated Canadian Islamic History Month." The Ottawa-Vanier MP was delighted that the House of Commons adopted this motion which highlights the important contribution of the Muslim community in Canadian society. "I encourage cultural exchanges between Canada's diverse communities, which make us a vibrant and dynamic society. I believe that by having a better understanding of our fellow Canadians from various communities and backgrounds that we will achieve a stronger and more cohesive country", said MP Bélanger. For more information: |