UCalgary researcher-driven national symposiums tackle identity, Islamophobia and mental health among Canadian Muslim youth

As Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism continue to challenge communities across Canada, a series of multi-city symposiums, launching in Calgary on Nov. 24, aims to spotlight the experiences of Canadian Muslim youth and advocate for meaningful change.

The events, bringing together experts in academia, mental health, youth services and activism, were originated by Dr. Aamir Jamal, PhD’13, an associate professor in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work, alongside a team of dedicated researchers. Their goal is to promote a deeper understanding of Muslim youth-identity formation and propose actionable strategies that foster mental well-being and a sense of belonging.

The first Calgary-hosted symposium, Muslim Youth Identity and Wellbeing: Insights and Practices, will be followed by other events in Vancouver and Toronto in spring 2025. These gatherings draw from the findings of Jamal's national study on Canadian Muslim youth, which explored the complex interplay between identity, faith and Canadian values in an environment often marked by discrimination.

The findings emphasize the role of community and faith-based supports in helping youth navigate experiences of otherness and Islamophobia, which have surged by more than 200 per cent in recent years.

"This is about more than academic discussion," Jamal says. "The symposium is a platform for policymakers, community leaders and practitioners to work toward culturally and religiously informed solutions."

For many Canadian Muslim youth, the process of forming an identity is complicated by societal perceptions and personal struggles. Jamal's research, which involved interviews with youth from cities including Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, sheds light on how Muslim youth often find themselves balancing their Canadian and religious identities. These identities frequently feel in conflict due to pervasive stereotypes and racial profiling.

Jamal says a study participant shared that travelling with visibly Muslim family members often invites unwanted attention and scrutiny at airports. Such experiences of "othering" and discrimination, described by many he interviewed, shape a cautious approach to expressing their Muslim identity.

Islamophobia negatively affects mental health

The impact of Islamophobia on mental health is also a central focus of the symposium. Jamal's study found that consistent exposure to discrimination and racial profiling negatively affects the mental health of Muslim youth. Jamal emphasizes the need for mental health programs that not only address these issues, but do so through culturally sensitive, faith-based approaches.

"When we think about supporting youth, we must recognize the unique challenges they face as both Muslims and Canadians," Jamal says. "Effective mental health programs must be built upon trust and cultural understanding."

A key recommendation from Jamal's team is to equip mosques and community centres with resources to offer mental health support tailored to Muslim youth. This would involve not only training community leaders and mental health professionals, but also fostering an environment where young Muslims feel safe discussing such concerns without stigma.

Addressing media stereotyping

Another focus of the symposium will be the influence of media on public perceptions of Muslims and Islam. Jamal's research team found that young Muslims frequently feel misrepresented by media portrayals that disproportionately associate Islam with terrorism and extremism, with stereotypes often linking Islam to violence, forcing them to downplay or hide their identities to avoid negative interactions.

The symposium will address this issue by advocating for media literacy initiatives and training for journalists to improve representation and prevent harmful stereotypes. A recommended approach is to highlight the contributions of Canadian Muslims across various sectors and promote narratives that counteract the prevailing stereotypes.

Jamal hopes the symposium series will lead to a lasting transdisciplinary support network through an online "community of practice" for Muslim youth and their advocates, allowing professionals, youth workers, religious leaders and social activists to share resources, ideas and evidence-based practices for supporting positive youth development.

Despite the challenges, Jamal's research reveals that Muslim youth in Canada generally maintain a strong sense of pride in their Canadian identity. They appreciate the freedoms afforded by Canadian society and are committed to making meaningful contributions. Jamal says this generation of Muslim youth is more outspoken and confident than previous generations, embracing a modern understanding of Islam that resonates with their experiences as Canadians.

A pivotal moment for real change

The Calgary symposium, held at the Polish Canadian Cultural Centre, marks a significant step in amplifying these voices and paving the way for policy shifts that reflect the realities of Muslim youth in Canada. By fostering a collaborative dialogue between youth, community leaders and policymakers, Jamal and his team aim to build a framework for resilience, inclusivity and shared growth — one that not only supports Muslim youth, but also strengthens the social fabric of Canada as a whole.

"We are in a pivotal moment where we have the chance to create real change," Jamal says. "This symposium is about standing with Muslim youth, supporting their journey and affirming their rightful place in Canada."

The symposiums are funded through a Connection Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. This symposium series is made possible through the dedicated efforts of young Muslim organizers, including UCalgary students Abdul Jawwad Al-Shawwa, BSc'22 (Cumming School of Medicine), Sarah Abouali (Werklund School of Education), and Yussra Asrar (Faculty of Kinesiology), in collaboration with the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA).

Learn more about the launch event.