Ismaili Council Creates Social Justice Taskforce

The Aga Khan Council for Canada created a Social Justice Taskforce in June 2020 to explore and advance issues of justice in society, building on a strong historic tradition and deep roots in the principles of the Muslim faith. The group unites representatives from the Aga Khan Council for Canada and the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board (ITREB) Canada, which leads religious education for Canadian Ismaili Muslims, with the aim of fostering greater inclusivity and equity.

In addition to discussions of the issues in the Ismaili community’s digital programs, the taskforce hosted panel discussions on social justice and equity between various institutions in June 2020 and January 2021, with more planned for the near future.

“Our call to action really has been to find ways to create spaces for safe, but sometimes uncomfortable, conversations,” said Taleeb Noormohamed, a member of the taskforce and communications convenor for ITREB Canada.

Dr. Shelina Kassam, a taskforce member and critical race scholar and professor at the University of Toronto, explained the taskforce aims to help Ismaili institutions reflect on how to improve inclusion and counter negative biases: “The work is happening because of the culture of inclusion, equity, justice—these conversations are happening more intentionally and more regularly.”