Hassam Munir
Source: The Spectator
By Nicole O’Reilly for The Hamilton Spectator
Many people believe the first Muslim people came to Canada in the 1950s, but this is not true.
The community’s real history in this country actually begins 150 years ago, said Hassam Munir, an Islamic history researcher and founder of iHistory.
Munir recounted this “forgotten chapter of history” during a talk at Hamilton City Hall Saturday, an inaugural event marking the start of Islamic Heritage Month. He wove together stories of the first settlers, many from Lebanon and Syria, who came to Canada at the turn of the century.
Some of the stories showcased remarkable triumphs and others harsh discrimination.
“Think about how they must have felt?” Munir told the crowd.
Categories: Canada, Muslim Heritage, Muslims, North America, The Muslim Times