Understanding begins with listening
Muslim Awareness Week is Québec’s platform for education, dialogue, and action against Islamophobia. We bring communities together to build genuine connections and dismantle misconceptions.
Built on respect and rooted in Québec
Muslim Awareness Week began with a simple belief: understanding comes through honest conversation and shared experience. Since our founding, we have worked to dismantle misconceptions and build genuine connections between various communities across Québec.
From vision to movement across Québec
What started as a local initiative has become a province-wide movement uniting citizens, institutions, and faith communities. Each year, new partnerships, youth projects, and awareness campaigns continue to strengthen this collective effort for understanding and solidarity.
Foundation & First Edition
Year 2019
Muslim Awareness Week (SSM‑MAW) is officially launched as acommunity‑driven initiative rooted in the collective responseto the Quebec City mosque attack of January 29, 2017. The firstedition establishes SSM‑MAW as an annual platform dedicated tointercultural dialogue, public education, remembrance, and the fightagainst prejudice. Early programming includes public discussions,commemorative activities, and awareness initiatives aimed atfostering mutual understanding and social cohesion. This foundationalyear defines the identity of SSM‑MAW as both a space of memoryand a proactive movement toward a more inclusive society.
Expansion & Institutional Engagement
Year 2020
The second edition marks a significant expansion of SSM‑MAW through strengthened partnerships with community organizations, public institutions, universities, and civic actors. The programming diversifies to include cultural events, conferences, educational workshops, and citizen dialogues. This year confirms SSM‑MAW’s relevance within Quebec’s social landscape and reinforces its capacity to mobilize diverse audiences around issues of inclusion, coexistence, and collective responsibility.
Resilience and Adaptation
Year 2021
In the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic, SSM‑MAW adapts its activities through virtual and hybrid formats. Despite physical restrictions, the organization maintains a strong presence through online panels, digital educational content, and remote community discussions. This edition emphasizes empathy, mental health, solidarity, and social cohesion, demonstrating SSM‑MAW’s resilience and its ability to remain impactful during times of collective uncertainty.
Consolidation and Program Diversification
Years 2022 - 2023
These editions are characterized by the consolidation of SSM‑MAW’s organizational structure and the professionalization of its processes. Art exhibitions, academic lectures, thematic roundtables, interfaith encounters, and youth‑focused activities become central components of the programming. SSM‑MAW strengthens itsinstitutional credibility, expands its volunteer and partnernetworks, and increases its media presence across Quebec.
Civic Dialogue and Community Impact
Year 2024
The 2024 edition places a strong emphasis on civic engagement, critical reflection, and community healing. Programming addresses themes such as Islamophobia, social justice, inter-community relations, and youth engagement. Through conferences, artistic initiatives, and public forums, SSM‑MAW deepens its role as a platform for awareness, dialogue, and collective learning.
Public Recognition and Institutional Growth
Year 2025
The seventh edition represents a major milestone in the institutional development of SSM‑MAW. It features an expanded and structured program including an official launch at Montreal City Hall, a large‑scale community expo, blood donation initiatives, academic collaborations, public commemorations, and multiple thematic round-tables. This year marks a significant increase in public recognition, media visibility, and cross‑sector partnerships.
Building Bridges and Long‑Term Vision
Year 2026
The eighth edition reflects the maturity and long‑term vision of SSM‑MAW. The programming integrates academic spaces, artistic performances, interfaith dialogue, large public gatherings, and a closing ceremony symbolically passing the torch to Black History Month. This edition positions SSM‑MAW as a sustainable, forward‑looking initiative rooted in remembrance, education, and long‑term social impact.
Our Community of Partners
Small actions, lasting change
Each edition of Muslim Awareness Week brings people together through learning, volunteering, and shared dialogue. From classrooms to cultural centres, our reach continues to grow—empowering individuals to act against Islamophobia and for inclusion.
Volunteers mobilized
Events organized
People engaged directly
Leadership Driving Our Mission Forward
Our Board brings experience and heart to initiatives that strengthen community bonds and mutual respect.
Samira Laouni is an expert, educator, and public speaker who has been actively engaged for over 25 years in community action, intercultural dialogue, and human rights advocacy. She holds a doctorate in International Economics from Université Paris I – Sorbonne and is recognized for her inclusive leadership and sustained involvement in social issues related to equity, diversity, and anti-discrimination.
She is the co-founder and President of Muslim Awareness Week (SSM-MAW), overseeing the development of its annual editions since 2019. She is also the founder and President of C.O.R. (Communication, Openness and Intercultural Bridging) and has held several governance roles within major organizations, including the Fédération des femmes du Québec. Within SSM-MAW, she brings a clear vision focused on dialogue, dignity, and building a more just and inclusive society.
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Salam El-Mousawi is an information technology specialist with over 25 years of experience in software development, web solutions, and technology project management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Concordia University and a Graduate Diploma in E-Commerce Management from McGill University. He currently works as a technical consultant within major organizations.
As a co-founder of SSM-MAW, he has been actively involved in building initiatives that foster dialogue and intercultural understanding. His career is also marked by strong engagement in community and civic organizations. As Treasurer, he brings strategic insight, rigor, and financial oversight to support the sustainable development of the organization.
Abbas Hammoud is a microelectronics engineer and researcher specializing in ultra-low-power analog and mixed-signal circuit design. He holds a doctorate from Polytechnique Montréal and works as a technical lead in semiconductor design.Author of several scientific publications and former laboratory instructor at Polytechnique Montréal, he combines academic rigor, technological leadership, and innovation. As a Board Member of SSM-MAW, he contributes analytical expertise and a strong commitment to advancing impactful educational and civic initiatives.
Badreddine Filali Baba is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of international experience in the cement manufacturing industry. He has held senior leadership positions across Canada, the United States,Switzerland, and Morocco, including Senior Vice President roles in manufacturing, engineering, human resources, and corporate sustainability.
His career reflects a long-standing commitment to innovation, operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and human leadership. As a Board Member of SSM-MAW, he contributes strategic governance experience and sustainability-driven insight to advance the organization’s mission and long-term growth.
Jawad Kanani is a professional in finance, commercial operations, and digital transformation with over ten years of experience in global pharmaceutical companies. He currently serves as Solution Design Manager – Revenue Management at Novartis Pharma Canada.
His background includes roles in financial analysis, business planning, corporate treasury, and budgeting across Novartis, Sandoz, and Deloitte. As a Board Member, he supports financial governance, strategic planning, and organizational optimization for SSM-MAW.
Become a Bridge Builder!
By offering your time and skills you help build bridges and foster understanding, while making meaningful connections and contribute to a more inclusive Quebec.
Learn & Discover
Find answers to common questions about our events, how to support us, and the broader context of Muslims in Quebec.
Raising awareness about Islamophobia helps recognize and combat prejudice and discrimination against people of Muslim faith. By encouraging dialogue and understanding, MAW contributes to a more just and inclusive society where everyone can live and practice their faith safely.
MAW activities are open to everyone—youth and adults, people of any faith or none at all, newcomers and long‑time residents. The spirit of the week is inclusive, and anyone curious about Muslim diversity in Quebec is welcome.
Muslim Awareness Week (MAW) is an annual week of solidarity and exchange where people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs are invited to learn more about the achievements, contributions, aspirations and concerns of Quebecers of Muslim faith. It’s an opportunity to build bridges and celebrate the richness of Quebec’s diversity.
No, MAW is not a religious event. It is a cultural and civic week that promotes mutual understanding and connection among Quebecers of all backgrounds. Activities focus on culture, volunteering, education and civic engagement rather than worship.
The main goal of MAW is to bring Quebecers of all backgrounds closer together. The week encourages mutual understanding and combats prejudice through dialogue, cultural activities and awareness initiatives.
A living library is an activity where people become ‘books’ to share their stories with visitors. During MAW, Quebecers of Muslim faith discuss their experiences and answer questions to foster understanding and dismantle stereotypes.
MAW includes vigils and commemorative talks in memory of the victims of the Quebec City mosque attack. These moments of reflection and dialogue highlight the importance of fighting hatred and promoting inclusion.
The blood drive is a solidarity initiative that shows the commitment of Muslim communities to the wellbeing of all. Organized in partnership with Héma Québec, this activity saves lives and raises awareness about the importance of donating blood.
The program includes fairs and exhibitions, interfaith round tables, living libraries, conferences, film screenings, art exhibitions, blood drives and commemorative events. These events aim to stimulate dialogue and showcase the talent and initiatives of Muslim communities.
In addition to attending activities, you can support MAW by volunteering, sharing information with others, establishing partnerships or making a donation if fundraising campaigns are active. The team welcomes ideas and collaborations; feel free to reach out through the site.
You can offer your help by contacting the organizing team through the contact form on the site. Share your availability and areas of interest, and the team will let you know about specific needs. Volunteers are essential for greeting guests, supporting events and promoting the week.