Conference delves into colonization, racism

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This article was published 20/01/2025 (587 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

At first glance, Muslims and Indigenous people in Manitoba might not have much in common.

However, the two groups have experienced racism and the effects of colonialism, including efforts to convert them to Christianity.

“We are all living with the history and trauma of colonization,” Shahina Siddiqui, executive director of the Islamic Social Services Association, said. “We have much in common from that experience.”

The association will hold the first national Muslim-Indigenous Solidarity Conference, which is happening at the Hilton Suites Airport Hotel on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26.

Siddiqui said the goal is to “strengthen the bonds between the Muslim and Indigenous communities through learning, sharing and healing circles.”

Indigenous elders, Muslim imams, community leaders, academics and activists are scheduled to make presentations.

Topics to be discussed include the legacy of colonialism for Indigenous people and Muslims in North America; the role of colonialism in gender-based violence; the role of the church in assimilation, education and Christianization of Indigenous people in Canada and Muslims around the world; the spiritual commitment of Indigenous people and Muslims to peace, justice and human rights; and the role of spirituality in healing for members of both groups.

In addition, there will be space for smudging and to speak to counsellors.

“The legacy of colonialism is still with us today in the form of racism and dehumanization,” Siddiqui said, noting many countries in the developing world that are home to Muslims — Egypt, Syria, Sudan, India, Jordan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Indonesia — were colonized by European powers such as Britain, France and the Netherlands from the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century.

“This is an opportunity for members of both communities to hear from each other how they are addressing the colonial legacy and racism, so we can share and learn together and build resilience,” she said.

Diane Redsky, a member of the conference planning committee and CEO of the Kekekoziibii Development Corp. at Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, said the event is also an opportunity to highlight positive aspects Muslim and Indigenous communities share. That includes the importance of prayer, fasting, ceremonies, storytelling, community and respect for elders.

“We share many values,” Redsky — who is Ojibwa — said, noting both Muslims and Indigenous people believe in the importance of peace, harmony and healing.

The conference will be a time to “share food, teachings and stories,” she said.

The conference, the last in a series of events designed to promote understanding between the two groups, is being held with support from the Winnipeg Foundation. Registration is $200. For more information, go to wfp.to/solidarity.

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