Islamic Relief Canada Launches Truth and Reconciliation Statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day

Burlington, ON – Islamic Relief Canada is introducing a statement today committing to truth and reconciliation.

On the occasion of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the first-of-its-kind statement from a Muslim charity in Canada, was written with the guidance of an elder from the Indigenous community.

“We were horrified to learn about the 215 children who were found buried at the Kamloops Indian Residential School recently. As part of our mandate to advocate for justice and human rights — and from a moral and religious perspective — we felt moved to express our solidarity with the Indigenous peoples of Canada. As allies, we also want to take tangible action to improve lives and build better relationships between our communities,” says Reyhana Patel, head of communications and government relations at Islamic Relief Canada.

The Islamic Relief statement includes five action items, summarized below:

1. Engaging with Indigenous peoples in a “good way”, guided by the principles of respect, recognition, sharing and responsibility.
2. Promising to promote ongoing education and awareness initiatives for staff to learn about Indigenous history, rights and cultures.
3. Supporting the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world, including the right to clear water, housing sanitation, health and social security.
4. Adhering to the Indigenous-developed OCAP Principles when engaging in information-sharing involving Indigenous peoples.
5. Building new relationships with Indigenous nations through advocacy, culturally sensitive programs and service delivery that enhance Indigenous wellbeing.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Sanam Islam, Communications Coordinator at Islamic Relief Canada, at [email protected] or 437 970 5656.

About Islamic Relief Canada
Islamic Relief Canada is a registered charity in Canada and a prominent Muslim NGO that works in more than 30 countries to provide humanitarian relief and build resilient, prosperous communities.

Visit islamicrelief.ca for more information.