Canada is home to tens of thousands of Ethiopian Canadians, many of whom have made Ontario their home. Proclaiming the month of September as Ethiopian Heritage Month in Ontario would provide recognition of the valuable contributions this community has made and continues to make towards Ontario's social, economic, political, religious and cultural fabric; and Canadian society at large.
To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
WHEREAS, the Ethiopian community in Ontario is an important part of our social, economic, political, religious and cultural fabric; and members of the community are devotees of the three Abrahamic religions — Judaism, Christianity and Islam, as well as other indigenous beliefs. Ethiopia was the nation to which the first followers of Islam received the Christian King’s (Nejashi) protection due to prosecution in Mecca, known as the first Hijra. They were granted freedom to practice their faith peacefully, & to establish the first mosque, Al Nejashi, located in Tigray region of Ethiopia, where they have been observing & celebrating Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha ever since.
AND WHEREAS, September is an important month for Ethiopian Ontarians as it features significant religious, spiritual and traditional celebrations including the ushering in of Ethiopian new year, Enkutatash (gift of jewels), the festival of Maskel (celebrated by devotees of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church) and Irreechaa Waaqeffannaa Thanksgiving Annual Celebration.
AND WHEREAS, proclaiming the month of September as Ethiopian Heritage Month would provide the Ethiopian community in Ontario an opportunity to celebrate their customs, traditions, and proud history, showcasing their heritage to fellow Canadians and preserving it for future generations to come;
WE, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to pass the Ethiopian Heritage Month Act and officially recognize September as Ethiopian Heritage Month in Ontario.