Remembering the Quebec Mosque Attack - Video Resources
Home No More
Running Time: 19:01
Recommended grade level: 7 & up.
Description: In the aftermath of the terrorist attack on a Quebec City mosque, 3 Muslim women contemplate leaving the place they call home.
Prompts/Questions
How do you define ‘home’?
Ammata noted, “Jan 29 tragedy, that was a turning point. But before that I have noted that things started degenerating in society” (5:17min). What are some strategies to we deal with instances of hate and intolerance before they escalate? Make a list of bystander intervention strategies.
“But I felt like being black, and wearing a veil, was just at the top of…. at the top of the top. You know bringing together race and a religious symbol was kind of just too much to the eyes of many people” (9:20 min). What it meant by this powerful statement? Adopt an intersectional lens and explore this statement further, note classroom reflections. How might this relate to gendered Islamophobia and or anti-black racism?
What does meaningful allyship mean? Can you relate the experiences of Islamophobia to your own experiences of being othered/ feeling different?
“We talked a lot about building bridges in the society and I think we need that. I’m not running away from that, no, no… There’re still people who will do that, who will keep doing that (17:57). Can you give an example of what building bridges might look like? List ways you can create safe and inclusive spaces in your schools and communities.
The Mosque: A Community’s Struggle
Running Time: 44:08 mins.
Recommended grade level: 9 & up.
Description: This film follows the lives of the families who lost loved ones and the mosque community in Quebec City who is still coming to grips with the horrific act of violence that took place a year prior, on Jan 29, 2017.
Prompts/Questions:
At 4:40 min into the documentary we see a haunting image of a shelf with shoes. This shelf has been untouched since the horrific incident of Jan 29, 2017. What might this symbolize?
What are some examples of collective healing and community building in the documentary?
Anti-racism activist, Nora Loreto notes that there is a “far-right radio ecosystem” in Quebec which easily translates into xenophobia within society (15:17-15:47 mins). How might this hateful messaging translate into policies/practice? How might this impact Muslim communities in Quebec? Can you think of any current examples of polices/legislation that evoke this xenophobic rhetoric? Why is critical media literacy important?
Aymen Derbali took 7 bullets on the day of the incident and potentially prevented many more lives from being lost. Aymen is now paralyzed and continues to speak against hate and intolerance. Some say that he is the “living embodiment of the tragedy”. If you could describe Aymen in 3 words what would they be?
“I don’t think we’re going anywhere. We’re here to stay and we’ll continue together. The most important is that we continue to work together to create a better world, a better Quebec and better Canada” (42:41 min). What does this quote mean to you? What are ways that we can make our classrooms and communities more inclusive?
Your Last Walk in The Mosque
Not Available Online
Running Time: 50:00
Recommended grade level: 9 & up
Description: The film details the impact of the horrific events that took place on Jan 29, 2017. With reflections from the families and community on how they carry the trauma of this event and how it will continue to shape their lives.
Prompts/Questions
What are some examples of the ways in which this community is coming to terms with this horrific event?
What policies and practices can be put into place to make our communities safer?
How would you create more inclusive classroom and school?