The current landscape for Muslims in Canada is dominated by bad narratives. We approach narratives as a collection of thousands of interconnected stories that together tell us how we should feel, view, and relate to a specific subject, person, and community. Narratives are recognizable to both individual and society because when repeated and sustained long … Continued
On January 29, 2017, a gunman entered the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City, opened fire and killed six men and seriously injured 19 others. In 2021, the federal government designated January 29 as the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, to honour the victims and to express solidarity with … Continued
Developing the Narrative Change Lab has not been an easy process. The ideas and timelines we began with have been set aside for something unlike what we imagined. The Lab has expanded and is now made up of three parts collectively focused on (1) creating and developing (new) narratives, (2) investing in research and (3) studying audiences. We have been challenged to dig deep and … Continued
It’s been four months since we began our work in the Narrative Change Lab. Our plan for the Lab has been to develop it in phases, while intentionally integrating different narrative approaches and theories, building networks of consultation and exchange, and inviting allies, supporters, and stakeholders into each part of the process. This initial phase … Continued
The Sisters Project combats negative stereotypes of Muslim women by celebrating and sharing their stories. Alia has photographed and interviewed over 160 Canadian women from 12 cities and eight provinces. Check out media coverage here and learn more about the project here.
Our granting programs over the years has connected Inspirit with a diverse range of change leaders from across Canada. From civic engagement to storytelling, these organizers, educators, artists, environmentalists and activists bold push against the boundaries of inclusion. Diasporic storyteller, photographer and Afrofuturist artist Riya Jama is one such change leader. Using original photography and … Continued
Civic participation is an important tool for creating lasting social change, particularly for racialized and marginalized communities. Particularly for Calgary-born and raised Ilyas Gora, getting involved in the political process is critical for getting his community’s collective voice heard. “If you don’t have a seat at the table, at least you can be in touch … Continued
