TORONTO – Canadian Muslims took part in the inaugural National Day of Prayer and Mindfulness that was called for by Indigenous Elders on Sunday, August 6, to pray for unity, understanding and a peaceful resolution of issues facing them in the land.

At two major Islamic Centers in the Greater Toronto Area – the Islamic Institute of Toronto and the ISNA Islamic Center – gatherings were held for the National Day of Prayer and Mindfulness that was initiated by Elder Dave Courchene from the Turtle Lodge in Manitoba, acting on behalf of the National Indigenous Elder Council from the four directions across Canada.

“Thank you for joining in the Day of Prayer,” said Elder Dave Courchene in a message sent to the Canadian Muslim community and read out at the Islamic Institute of Toronto by Dr. Sabina Ijaz.

“It means so much to us to have the Muslim community support our concerns and our faith in the Spirit.”

“As the Elders and Knowledge Keepers of our Original Nations, we ask for you to help support our ancestral schools of knowledge that share our knowledge of values and protocols in acting as stewards of the land, that can help all people make peace with each other and make peace with the earth,” added Elder Courchene.

“I also welcome developing further relationships with the Muslim community, and continuing a process we started together many years ago.”

Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick and Professor Robert Lovelace of Queens University addressed the breakfast gathering at the Islamic Institute of Toronto.

Several faith groups have endorsed the National Day of Prayer and Mindfulness across the country.

The Elders made a call for a National Day of Prayer and Mindfulness, “a national day that people of all religions, denominations and sects pray or meditate in their own way, in their own churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and lodges.”

According to the Elders, “the hope is that they stand with Indigenous people and call out in their own way for unity, understanding and a peaceful resolution of issues.”

A resolution to hold the National Day of Prayer and Mindfulness on August 6th was passed unanimously at a recent meeting of the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs Committee on Health.

“The tone of the national conversation has become harsh and divisive. It is only through Spirit that we can come together as human beings and work together to bridge our differences and create positive solutions,” said Turtle Lodge Elder Dave Courchene.

“The power of spirit will unite, not only First Nations, but everyone on Turtle Island.”