In 2007, Past FMW Board member, Dr Katherine Bullock, co-launched a new institute: The Tessellate Institute (TTI). Named “Tessellate” after a technique of mosaic-making known as “tessellation,” the institute aims to do policy-relevant research on topics pertaining to Canada’s religious and ethnic minorities.
The first major research project completed by TTI was an oral history of Toronto’s first mosque, the results of which are a website: www.mosqueone.com. It is a landmark project, the first of its kind for the Muslim community in Canada. The oral history project was funded by The Olive Tree Foundation, co-sponsored by The International Development and Relief Foundation, and produced by Jawad Jafry of Imaan Communications. It was a major voyage of discovery for the team members, many of whom had never heard of this mosque until the project.
Mosqueone.com chronicles the establishment of a mosque at 3047 Dundas St West from 1961-1968, the precursor to Jami mosque, widely held to be Toronot’s first mosque. Mosqueone.com is an online archive and virtual museum, which includes: short video clips from interviews with 8 pioneers; full transcripts of the interviews; and photographs and other legal and textual documents relating to the Dundas St mosque. Mosqueone.com is meant to be an educational resource for academics, teachers, policy-makers and general community members.
At the weblaunch at the University of Toronto, hosted by the Muslim Student Association of Toronto, whose own history is linked to the Dundas St mosque, the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, then Minister for Education in Ontario’s government addressed the crowd of students, academics, activists and Muslim community leaders and members, noting that while more work needed to be done in areas of equity, Canada was a model for diversity. She commended the oral history project, saying it was a “terrific resource” and that she would work to ensure Ontario’s teachers were aware of it.
Janaza Training: Islamic Death and Dying Traditions
Working With Immigrant Women’s (WWIW)
Stand Up, Speak Out Leadership: Muslim Women Promoting Diversity and Educating Communities
Peel Committee on Sexual Assault (PCSA)
“No Hijab Is Permitted Here” study by Women Working with Immigrant Women (2002)
A Community Dialogue on Racism and Hate Motivated Activity in Halton Region” (2002)
Partnership with the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) (2000-2001)
