Unveiling Shi’i Religious Identities: Case Studies of Hijab in Culturally Homogeneous Canadian Schools

This qualitative case study explored 10 young female Shi’i Muslim Arabic-Canadian students’ experiences associated with wearing the Hijab (headscarf) within their home, community, and predominantly White Canadian public elementary school environments. The study integrated several bodies of scholarly theories in order to examine the data under a set of comprehensive lenses that more fully articulates and theorizes on the diversity of female Shi’i Muslim Canadian students’ experiences. These theories are: identity theories with a focus on religious identity and negative stereotypes associated with Muslims; feminism and the Hijab discourses; research pertaining to Muslims in school settings; and critical race theory. In order to readdress the dearth of information about Shi’is’ experiences in schools, this study provides an in-depth case study analysis in which the methodology strategies included 10 semi-structured in-depth interviews, 2 focus-group meetings, and the incorporation of the researcher’s fieldnotes. Data analysis revealed the following themes corresponding to participants’ experiences and values in their social worlds of home, community, and schools: (a) martyrdom and self-sacrifice as a means for social justice; (b) transformational meaning of the Hijab; (c) intersectionality between culture, religion, and gender; and (d) effects of visits “back home” on participants’ religious identities. Additional themes related to participants’ school experiences included: (a) “us versus them” mentality; (b) religious and complex secular dialogues; (c) absence of Muslim representations in monocultural schools; (d) discrimination; (e) remaining silent versus speaking out; and (f) participants’ strategies for preserving their identities. Recommendations are made to integrate Shi’i Muslim females’ identity within the context of Islam and the West, most notably in relation to: (a) the role of Muslim community in nondiverse settings as a space that advances and nurtures Shi’i Muslim identity; and (b) holistic and culturally responsive teaching that fosters respect of others’ religiosity and spirituality. This study makes new inroads into feminist theorizing by drawing conceptual links between these previously unknown connections such as the impact of the historical female exemplary role model and the ritual stories on the experiences of Muslim females wearing the Hijab.

The Cutting out of the Caroline (1838)

Two newspaper clippings from the Montreal Herald of 1838 and an essay clipped from a book, handsewn into a booklet with paper cover and handwritten title and notes. The burning of the Caroline / Susanna Moodie -- The cutting out of the Caroline : a true story / by Francis W. Rowsell -- Juvenile courage and patriotism : instanced in Canada, during the disturbances at the close of the year 1837

Joanna E. Wood short stories, 1898-1900

Joanna Ellen Wood (1867-1927) was an acclaimed Canadian author who wrote several novels and short stories. Wood was born in Scotland, but emigrated to Canada with her family in 1869. In 1874 her father purchased a farm overlooking the Niagara River at Queenston. It is believed she was supported by her brother William, who encouraged her writing. She was based in New York City from 1887-1901, using William’s business address there to receive correspondence while she traveled or spent time in Queenston. Around 1906, Wood moved with her mother to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where she joined the Niagara Historical Society. By 1914, she was living in Buffalo, but later spent time at her sisters’ homes. It was at her sister’s home in Detroit where she suffered a stroke and died in 1927. Wood’s literary career was short-lived. She published her first novel, The Untempered Wind , in 1894, and a second novel, Judith Moore …, in 1898. Both novels received critical acclaim, and a third novel, Farden Ha', followed in 1902. Unfortunately the majority of Wood’s numerous and award-winning writings cannot be found. Her career peaked in 1901, when she was the highest paid Canadian fiction writer. For unknown reasons, her career abruptly ceased in 1902, with no further publications or mention made of her in the Canadian Magazine.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 31 May 1918

The letter reads: " Darling Artie, I have just been reading the war news and Oh! how terribly discouraging it is. This mornings paper says the allies have yieldes on a forty-mile front, that Soissons had been taken by the Germans and Rheims is in grave peril and may fall at any moment. And think - only the third day of the new drive, too. I know that everything will end all right, but it surely has an awful affect on you, to read these reports. Of course no one knows, but it is the opinion of people in military circles here, that the war will last two years more at least; and in all probability five or six. Cheerful prospects. Yes? So you see, Artie dear, that you must come home on a leave, the very first opportunity you have. Understand? I am going down to Red Cross now, to do a little work. Tonight Mrs. Mizger, Doris and the two Braun girls are coming down. They want to see the rest of the pretty things that are in our sacred chest, and I just love to them, too. There are days when I have them out three or four times and I picture each thing in our little nest - after the war is over - - (Joy!!) Au revoir, honey-bunch boy. All the love, hugs and kisses that you desire. Always your, Wifie. P.S. And still no mail. Boo! Hoo! L."

Sean O'Sullivan Speaks Out Speech, 28 October 1970

A speech given by Sean O'Sullivan, 28 October 1970, at the Annual Meeting of the Fort Erie Progressive Conservative Association. He was President of the Ontario Young Progressive Conservative Association at the time and chose to speak out on his personal position against Marijuana.

Temperance Poster - "Teen-Age Turn-Out" Cornwall, Ontario

A poster produced by "A Provincial Educational Project of the Ontario Temperance Federation" for an event called "Teen-Age Turn-Out". The event is to take place at Cornwall Armouries.

Métis or Moniyâw: Explorative stories of decolonizing my Métis identity

This thesis explores my emergent processes of identifying as a Métis person through autoethnographic narratives. I provide an overview of Métis history, identification, and decolonization, especially written by and for Aboriginal peoples. Using a decolonizing framework of Indigenous métissage (Donald, 2012) – which brings together complex, and nuanced influences to build knowledge – and an autoethnographic methodology, I explore cultural knowledges through critical self-reflection. I collected autoethnographic data in the form of personal journals and family artifacts; additionally, I shared conversations with other Métis peoples, which I used to further inform my own processes of identification and decolonization. The study results are presented as narrative vignettes, offering conclusions about: a) cultural ambivalence; b) privilege; c) language and music reclamation; and d) building relationships with both people and land. This research builds upon literature by, about, and for the benefit of Aboriginal peoples and settlers and offers considerations relevant to decolonization and identification.

Stories of Informal Mentorship: Recognizing the Voices of Mentees in Academic Libraries

Based on the 2014 OLA Super Conference session “Mentorship in Academic Libraries: A Universe of Possibilities,” this article explores the benefits of informal mentorship in its various forms and how librarians are embracing a new way of thinking about mentorship both individually and organizationally. The lived experiences of two professional academic librarians are shared as they argue that informal mentorship offers the opportunity to co-create a meaningful mentorship experience by recognizing the importance of the mentee’s voice. This paper will discuss the value of informal mentorship and how, when certain elements are present within it, this model can allow us to reimagine mentorship in academic libraries. Concepts such as “accidental” mentorship, “purposeful” mentorship, mentorship “network,” and “peer” mentorship are discussed.

Sampson, Albert, includes Application for a Loan on Real Estate, and an envelope with Mr. Sampson’s name crossed out

Sampson, Albert, includes Application for a Loan on Real Estate, April 19, 1882 and an envelope with Mr. Sampson’s name crossed out and postmarked Sept. 1882.

License no. 144 of season 1872/73 made out to S.D. Woodruff for 36 square miles in berth no. 192

License no. 144 of season 1872/73 made out to S.D. Woodruff for 36 square miles in berth no. 192. This document is slightly torn and stained along the right hand side. This does not affect the text, April 7, 1873.

License no. 145 of season 1872/73 made out to S.D. Woodruff for 35 ¾ square miles in berth no. 198

License no. 145 of season 1872/73 made out to S.D. Woodruff for 35 ¾ square miles in berth no. 198, April 7, 1873.

License no. 67 of season 1873/74 made out to S.D. Woodruff for 36 square miles in berth no. 192

License no. 67 of season 1873/74 made out to S.D. Woodruff for 36 square miles in berth no. 192, June 13, 1873

License no. 68 of season 1873/74 made out to S.D. Woodruff for 35 ¾ square miles in berth no. 198

License no. 68 of season 1873/74 made out to S.D. Woodruff for 35 ¾ square miles in berth no. 198, June 13, 1873.

License no. 11 of season 1874/75 made out to S.D. Woodruff for 35 ¾ square miles in berth no. 198

License no. 11 of season 1874/75 made out to S.D. Woodruff for 35 ¾ square miles in berth no. 198, May 20, 1874.