A crowd of Yellowknifers gathered at the citySA国际影视传媒檚 Islamic Centre on Friday to show support for their local community following a tragedy a world away.
and several others injured when a white supremacist attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand last week.
The names of those killed, ranging from just three years old to 71, were read aloud at the vigil on Friday.
Nazim Awan, chair of the Islamic centre in Yellowknife, thanked people for coming and opened with a verse from the Quran.
SA国际影视传媒淪A国际影视传媒楪od created the human race and made us into nations and tribes that we may know each other, not so we can despise each other,SA国际影视传媒�" said Awan.
"We have different tribes, different skin colours, different origins, different languages, different culture. But weSA国际影视传媒檙e from same progeny; from Adam and Eve.SA国际影视传媒�
As tragic as the attack in Christchurch was, it is not a new occurrence, he said.
SA国际影视传媒淚t has happened in human history due to hate, due to misunderstanding, due to fear,SA国际影视传媒� said Awan.
While it may be easier to ignore these things, we should fight them together.
SA国际影视传媒淩emember, Islamophobia kills," said Awan.
"Islamophobia is a reality. We cannot ignore it and just say this doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 exist. It is a reality, even in Yellowknife."
The way the people and leaders of New Zealand reacted in support of their Muslim community after the attack is an example for others to follow, he said.
SA国际影视传媒淭hey said you are not others. You are us. That is the message we have to take.SA国际影视传媒�
Tee Lim, who called himself a 'kiwi in Somba K'e', organized the 'Love and Solidarity: S谦谦虁mbak'猫 Vigil for Christchurch.'
SA国际影视传媒淲e should all feel safe wherever we choose to make our homes,SA国际影视传媒� said Lim.
SA国际影视传媒淲e grieve with you, we mourn with you and we stand with you.SA国际影视传媒�
Lim reminded the crowd that they were on Chief Drygeese territory, the traditional land of the Yellowknives Dene people.
SA国际影视传媒淚f youSA国际影视传媒檙e not indigenous to a place, then youSA国际影视传媒檙e an immigrant, just like me,SA国际影视传媒� said Lim.
Islamophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment, white supremacy and racism are all real things, he said.
SA国际影视传媒淭hey kill and they live with us in this country - meaning in New Zealand, Canada and elsewhere - and they need to be challenged," said Lim.
Yellowknife mayor Rebecca Alty also offered support to the Muslim community on behalf of the city.
SA国际影视传媒淭he tragedy in New Zealand feels like a world away and yet it has touched so many of us as we feel the pain of loss and condemn the action of the individual who instigated this hate crime,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
The Muslim community is valued, and is part of what makes Yellowknife so diverse and unique, said Alty.
SA国际影视传媒淲e stand with you at this difficult time and support your freedom to practice your faith in peace and tolerance.SA国际影视传媒�
