RCMP hosts first Eid al-Fitr celebration at National Headquarters in Ottawa
By Mara Shaw
People and culture
Muslim RCMP officers, and leaders positioned to bridge gaps with the Muslim community gather for a celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Image by Serge Gouin, RCMP
July 4, 2024
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Each year, Muslims around the world come together to conclude a month of spiritual fasting, prayer, and reflection to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. The lunar calendar determines the specific days of celebration, so the timing changes yearly. It's one of two more widely celebrated holidays in the Muslim faith - Eid Al Adha being the other.
The Muslim Federal Employees Network (MFEN) hosted its first all-day event for employees to come together and celebrate Eid, a time of joy, gratitude, and community spirit.
The event opened with welcome remarks from Bryan Larkin, Deputy Commissioner of Specialized Policing Services, and Official Languages Champion, MFEN Founder Leila El-Khatib, RCMP Muslim chaplain Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal, and Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia and human rights activist Amira Elghawaby.
When El-Khatib envisioned the event, she aspired to create an interactive space not only for fellow Muslim colleagues to come together but also for all RCMP employees to join in and learn more about the diversity of their colleagues.
"All public servants want to be seen in all their rich identities — they want to be appreciated and valued for all that they bring to the workplace," says Elghawaby. "These events allow us to share the positive aspects of our identities."
The morning session featured a panel discussion where RCMP officers, public servants, and civilian employees shared their unique perspectives as Muslims. "I was a Muslim before I became an RCMP officer," says panelist Constable Falak Mughal, who is based in Alberta. "It's important for me to have that recognized in the workplace, and to be able to share and celebrate my identity with colleagues."
Creating space for authenticity
One theme threaded throughout the discussions was the idea of showing up to work as your whole self. For the panelists, this meant embracing all aspects of their culture and faith within the work context. Mughal shared her experience feeling nervous requesting time off around Eid. She recalled requesting multiple days off because the lunar calendar hadn't yet identified the specific day for celebration. Curious about the cultural celebrations, Mughal's boss at the time learned the only reason she requested multiple days was because she had been shy to say she wasn't sure on which day Eid would fall. In their open exchange, the two agreed that in the future, Mughal can feel comfortable making an informal request until she's sure of the dates. Through curiosity and openness her boss created a safe space for Mughal be authentic.
"Events like this give opportunity for all employees to learn more about the diversity that exists within the RCMP," says Chaplin Twakkal. "It also demonstrates the willingness of the RCMP to engage in these events and highlight its diversity."
In 2023, the RCMP introduced a renewed set of core values. One of the five is to show respect. Expanded as, "We treat all people with fairness. We value and promote reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion by being considerate of the democratic rights, history, and lived experiences of others."
Initiatives like this help to reinforce this value, says Manitoba Constable Aisha Awan. "It's nice to see the buzz around events like this," she says. "We're laying the groundwork and I think we are on the right path."
Cultural fanfare
After the morning sessions, El-Khatib welcomed participants to explore booths, engage in cultural activities, and enjoy cuisine from countries around the globe. Employees indulged in some cultural traditions, including henna art and Turkish lamp-making, that are special to the Muslim community.
"For some people this may seem like a small gesture, but it's a huge win," says Mughal. "This may be the first event, but our work shouldn't stop here. This is the foundation; we need to continue to build on it."
