Calgary mayor proclaims October ‘Islamic History Month’
by Alex Dhaliwal
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas urged Canadians to learn about ‘Muslim experiences’ as he proclaimed October ‘Islamic History Month’. There are no Christian or Jewish equivalents.
Farkas said the month encourages Canadians to learn about the diverse experiences of Muslims while fostering “greater understanding, inclusion, and respect.”
He also highlighted this year’s theme of Islamic calligraphy, calling it “a living legacy of faith, art, and expression.”
“Together as Canadians of all faiths, backgrounds, and origins, we can help build stronger, more welcoming communities where everyone feels valued, respected, and included,” Farkas said.
He concluded by proclaiming Canadian ‘Islamic History Month “on behalf of City Council and Calgarians.”
Muslims represented seven per cent of Calgary’s population in the 2021 census, with 95,925 residents identifying as Muslim — the city’s third-largest religious affiliation.
Farkas has made several other proclamations recognizing Calgary’s religious and cultural communities.
In April, he proclaimed Sikh Heritage Month, honouring the Sikh community’s history and contributions to Calgary and Canada while highlighting Baisakhi and Calgary’s annual Nagar Kirtan.
Following threats against the Dashmesh Culture Centre this summer, Farkas also declared: “Sikh Calgarians are Calgarians. Period.”
In May, Farkas formally proclaimed Asian Heritage Month, recognizing the contributions of Calgary’s Asian communities.
Farkas has also marked observances connected to Christian and Jewish communities — but not through equivalent heritage month proclamations in 2026.
In December 2025, Farkas proclaimed Christian Minority Week, recognizing Christian minorities’ contributions to Calgary’s “social, cultural, and spiritual fabric.”
“May the message of Christmas inspire compassion and reflection well beyond the season,” he said.
On January 27, Farkas signed a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, honouring the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and its survivors.
However, neither Christian Minority Week nor International Holocaust Remembrance Day is on the level of an entire month dedicated to the respective cultures.
Calgary has previously proclaimed Jewish Heritage Month, which has been federally recognized each May since 2018. City records show it was also recognized in May 2023, the same year Calgary proclaimed Sikh Heritage Month throughout April.
But unlike Canadian Islamic History Month and Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, there is no federally designated Christian Heritage Month in Canada.