A Project by Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA) Canada
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide culturally sensitive resources, support, and education to individuals, families, and communities, ensuring that mental health is prioritized and addressed effectively, to meet the specific needs of the Canadian Muslim population through collaboration with mental health professionals, community leaders, and organizations, we strive to create a safe and inclusive space for Muslim Service Providers to seek help, gain knowledge, and find strength in their mental health journey.
Our vision is to inspire and encourage excellence, innovation, and collaboration for healing, resiliency and wellness.
Our Mandate
The institute will serve as an intermediary; a backbone organization. Rather than providing direct services to vulnerable people, the institute will empower the Muslim community, its partners, and stakeholders in the realm of mental health:
Centre of Excellence: Coordinating and promoting best services among practitioners and their organizations.
Hub for Research: A Repository of best practices, a clearing house of information, best practices, and service models from across North America and Europe to develop a Canadian model to address Islamophobia and related issues and impact.
Islamophobia Resiliency, and Healing: Support victims of hate and violence. Develop and deliver workshops to address islamophobia and research.
Institute Goals
Educate and equip stakeholders by training the trainers and preparing representatives to educate professionals within their respective communities.
Develop a Spiritual counseling model for internalized Islamophobia, self-isolation, and vicarious trauma of community.
Address the impact of hate speech and incitement of violence on social media.
Advocate against systemic Islamophobia through accredited sector-specific trainings and education about Islam and Muslims.
Help and facilitate systems navigations with justice, policing, and court systems.
Establish a Hub for research, become a clearing house of information, best practices and service models from across North America and Europe by developing a Canadian model that addresses the impacts of Islamophobia and related issues.
MEDIA CENTER
Research and Articles
46%
Of Canadian have an unfavorable view of Islam - more than for any other religious tradition
(Angus Reid Institute)
56%
of Canadians believe that Islam suppresses women's rights
26%
of Muslims Polled felt that their beliefs were not welcomed in Canadian society
(Geoff Robbins/The Canadian Press)
42%
Of Canadians think discrimination against Muslims is "Mainly their Fault"
(Angus Reid Institute)
47%
of Canadians support banning headscarves in public
(Angus Reid Institute)
According to Stats Canada, Islam was the second most commonly reported religion in Canada in 2021, with nearly 1.8 million, or 1 in 20, people. In 20 years, the share of the Muslim population in Canada has more than doubled—up from 2.0% in 2001 to 4.9% in 2021
(Angus Reid Institute)
UPCOMING EVENT(S)
Multiple Dates
Multiple Dates