November 6th, 2026
In October, Waterloo Region District School Board students (WRDSB) gathered at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School (KCI) for a day of learning and connection in celebration of Islamic Heritage Month. The theme of the event was “Salaam – Paix – Peace.”
The event featured community speakers, cultural performances and interactive learning opportunities.
The opening keynote speaker, Ismail Mohamed, shared insights from his work strengthening communities, supporting families and creating opportunities for those often left behind. During his talk, he encouraged students to embrace their identities and reminded them that their backgrounds are a source of pride, noting: “We are part of this country. We belong here. We belong in decision-making.”
Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to connect with volunteers from the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA). At the booth, volunteers discussed and highlighted the many contributions of Muslim scholars and communities throughout history, including advancements in algebra and surgical instruments, the development of dissolvable stitches, and the creation of coffee.
The Art and Legacy of Islamic Calligraphy
This year’s theme for Islamic Heritage Month, chosen by Islamic History Month Canada (IHMC), was The Art and Legacy of Islamic Calligraphy. The 2026 theme recognizes calligraphy as a significant historical, artistic, cultural, and spiritual tradition. At the event, a booth further showcased this theme, showing how the artistic form of calligraphy has evolved and spread across the globe. During an afternoon session, students learned more about the history, meaning and cultural significance of calligraphy.
The celebration offered students space to share experiences, explore different perspectives and build connections across school communities, serving as a reminder of the importance of celebrating identity, honouring history and creating opportunities for everyone to feel seen, valued and included.
