The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Abbotsford took part in an Orange Shirt Day gathering at the Mission Friendship Centre on September 30. The Jama’at is grateful to Dawn Styran, RSW, Executive Director of the Centre, for the kind invitation.
The orange shirt stands for the loss of culture, freedom and self-esteem suffered by generations of Indigenous children in the residential school system. It is worn each year as a call to reconciliation and healing.
Elders from local First Nations shared their reflections on the message that Every Child Matters. Rizwan Peerzada, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Abbotsford, also addressed the gathering. He spoke briefly on the importance of reconciliation and on the same principle.
Guests included Brad Vis, Member of Parliament for Mission-Matsqui-Abbotsford; Darryl Kropp, Conservative Party of BC candidate for Abbotsford-Mission; and Andy Garcia, City of Mission. In all, 101 people attended.
The Jama’at was represented by Rizwan Peerzada, Ahmadullah Mubashir Zazai, Izzat Ullah Zazai, Mudassar Zazai and Fahim Channa.
