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<figure id="figure-s9tatpcb3m87htufl" class="selected"><img id="s9tatpcb3m87htufl" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3nhQ3UY0hi9K2pouZIVAglIT1HCRvtXcrsxV7Tdj9rfBePLCYp65pw6JdryCX8EG.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3nhQ3UY0hi9K2pouZIVAglIT1HCRvtXcrsxV7Tdj9rfBePLCYp65pw6JdryCX8EG.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) 2025 brought together communities across Canada and the United States to raise awareness and funds for poverty, food insecurity, mental health, and housing challenges. In Surrey-Newton, this annual initiative was a powerful reminder of the impact grassroots organizations have in strengthening and supporting vulnerable populations.The Foundation for a Path Forward joined Moving Forward Family Services, along with partners SEVA, SACH, the South Asian Legal Clinic of BC, and Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen, as they led the charge for this meaningful cause. These organizations have long been committed to providing affordable counseling, legal aid, food support, and outreach programs to those in need, making a tangible difference in the lives of Surrey residents.Held on February 22, 2025, CNOY Newton saw participants gather at Newton Athletic Park before setting off on a 2.5-km walk, with an option to complete the route twice for a 5-km challenge. The walk, which followed a path along 128th Street, 80th Avenue, 132nd Street, and 76th Avenue, symbolized solidarity with those experiencing homelessness and financial hardship, raising both awareness and funds to support vital local services.For the Foundation for a Path Forward, participation in CNOY 2025 reinforced its dedication to tackling social inequities, fostering community resilience, and advocating for inclusive policies. By standing alongside local partners and committed residents, the event underscored the power of collective action in addressing urgent social issues. More than just a fundraiser, CNOY 2025 was a movement, shining a spotlight on the urgent need for sustainable solutions to poverty and homelessness while rallying support for organizations on the frontlines of this critical work.

Foundation Joins the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) 2025

<figure id="figure-2qobdwehrem87igwzf"><img id="2qobdwehrem87igwzf" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12HqGdwC7HumyardCGT5YyJVVTRXtqDbnE8CKedPiQ09vMpbQMq3tORMvHDzZDVN.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12HqGdwC7HumyardCGT5YyJVVTRXtqDbnE8CKedPiQ09vMpbQMq3tORMvHDzZDVN.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The BC Muslim Association (BCMA), which includes Tariq Tyab who is the co-founder of the Foundation for a Path Forward, presented Strategic Recommendations for the Honourable Ministers and MLAs to Support the Muslim Community to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia on February 13, 2025. Held at 2218 Quadra St. in Victoria, the session gathered key government representatives, including Attorney General Niki Sharma, Parliamentary Secretary Amna Shah, MLAs Paul Choi and Jodie Wickens, and senior staffers, to discuss pressing issues affecting British Columbia’s Muslim population.<figure id="figure-ztk0wyfgim87ii9dd"><img id="ztk0wyfgim87ii9dd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/6OM7jfEJJEGilNTzAh9ggtQAG3NOKhXFrdU0uDJymOZQd6JBwMWzq8XQAazX3wyX.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/6OM7jfEJJEGilNTzAh9ggtQAG3NOKhXFrdU0uDJymOZQd6JBwMWzq8XQAazX3wyX.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Tariq Tyab, co-founder of the Foundation for a Path Forward and a member of the BCMA, played a key role in the presentation, contributing insights into policy recommendations and community needs. The presentation covered several critical topics, including community center and infrastructure support, grants for community programs, government collaboration and policy advocacy, combatting Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, affordable housing and financial inclusion, and education and cultural preservation. These themes underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to support Muslim communities in British Columbia through legislative action and strategic partnerships.The presentation emphasized the importance of government funding for community centers that serve as vital hubs for cultural preservation, social services, and youth programs. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the need for strengthened policy efforts to combat Islamophobia, particularly in response to the rise in hate crimes and discrimination faced by Muslim Canadians.At the conclusion of the session, the Legislative Assembly awarded the BCMA a certificate of appreciation in recognition of its dedication to strengthening local connections, fostering community growth, and advocating for the well-being of British Columbia’s Muslim population. This acknowledgment reaffirmed the significance of continued dialogue and collaboration between government officials and Muslim organizations to ensure inclusive policies and equitable opportunities for all communities.

Foundation Contributes to BCMA Strategic Planning Presentation to Legislative Assembly

Politician speaking publicly from the lectern

<figure id="figure-vafwgzxtmm87ikxjl"><img id="vafwgzxtmm87ikxjl" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1400488393/photo/politician-speaking-publicly-from-the-lectern.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=FCUTKuUhnlZUsRSWlgHSaBQ7ocSx-eZCx6ji0jxEapU=" alt="Politician speaking publicly from the lectern" title="Politician speaking publicly from the lectern" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1400488393/photo/politician-speaking-publicly-from-the-lectern.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=FCUTKuUhnlZUsRSWlgHSaBQ7ocSx-eZCx6ji0jxEapU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Foundation for a Path Forward recently delivered a seminar on online hate in Canada as part of a professional development session for educators at Okanagan Skaha School District 67 in Penticton, BC. Organized by South Okanagan Immigrant &amp; Community Services (SOICS), the session took place virtually on February 14 and provided critical insights into the growing challenges of online hate and its impact on children and youth.The session welcomed over 20 registered participants, with invitations extended beyond the school district to include community members. Educators engaged in discussions about the spread of online hate, the ways in which harmful narratives affect young people, and the role of digital spaces in shaping public discourse. The Foundation for a Path Forward provided practical strategies for navigating online hate, equipping attendees with tools to foster safer, more inclusive environments both in classrooms and online.The seminar emphasized proactive measures that educators can take to protect students, from promoting digital literacy and critical thinking to recognizing and addressing the psychological toll of online harassment. Attendees explored the intersection of social media, misinformation, and extremism, gaining a deeper understanding of how to support students who may encounter hate-driven content online.This event was a testament to the ongoing commitment of SOICS and the Foundation for a Path Forward in addressing pressing social challenges through education and community engagement. As online hate continues to evolve, sessions like these ensure that educators remain equipped to guide the next generation in navigating the digital world with resilience and awareness.

SOICS Presents with Foundation for a Path Forward for Pro-D Session at School District 67

The Foundation for a Path Forward successfully hosted a Youth Engagement event in North Vancouver, bringing together students, parents, and educators for an essential conversation about racism, discrimination, and the importance of fostering inclusive communities. Held at Sutherland Secondary School, the session was organized in collaboration with the North Vancouver District Parents Advisory Council (DPAC) and spearheaded by Vicky Sra, who has been a strong advocate for increasing awareness among parents about the realities of racism in their children's lives.The event was designed to challenge the misconception that racism is not an issue in North Vancouver or that it is often dismissed as unintentional. Attendees, including students, parents, SD 44 staff, school administrators, and members of the school board, heard firsthand accounts from speakers about the personal impact of racism, discrimination, and bias. These stories highlighted how exclusionary experiences—sometimes dismissed as harmless—can have lasting effects on an individual's sense of belonging, mental health, and overall well-being.One of the core objectives of the session was to move beyond abstract discussions and focus on the lived experiences of racialized individuals. Rather than framing the conversation around politics, the session emphasized how racism manifests in everyday interactions and how it affects those who experience it. Speakers shared their personal journeys, detailing the emotions and challenges they faced and what could have made them feel more supported and safe. The discussion also explored the role of education in combating discrimination, urging parents and educators to take a more proactive stance in addressing both implicit and explicit biases.The presence of school district representatives and administrators underscored the significance of these discussions in shaping policy and school culture. A recurring theme throughout the evening was the need for schools and communities to take bias, perceived racism, and discrimination seriously. The session made a strong case for ongoing education and awareness-building efforts to ensure that individuals cannot continue to hide behind ignorance or dismiss harmful behavior as unintended.The Foundation for a Path Forward was proud to facilitate this important and timely dialogue. The event reinforced the urgent need to equip parents, educators, and students with the tools to recognize and confront racism in all its forms. As the evening came to a close, there was a shared sense of commitment to continue these conversations beyond the event, fostering an environment where discrimination is actively challenged and inclusion becomes the standard.

Foundation Youth Engagement with The Other People at Sutherland Secondary School, North Vancouver

<figure id="figure-1fnpwbxcgrm6ukzukw"><img id="1fnpwbxcgrm6ukzukw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2e2vZme4oM8OLKzFmB3NsvEpbRlTfAsD1RNSQTiuO6tHvA6G8ZtMZdtlSeeSCyww.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>To mark World Earth Day on April 22, 2025, "Saving Our Planet: Faith in Action 3" will bring together faith leaders, environmental advocates, activists, and community members to engage in hands-on, solution-focused environmental action. This gathering will take place at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church. This is not just another speaking event—it’s a working, collaborative engagement where people from different faiths and backgrounds meet, collaborate, and take real action to address climate change and environmental justice.The event will include multi-faith and intercultural dialogue, interactive projects, and cooperation for environmental initiatives, ensuring that attendees leave with new partnerships, tangible action plans, and a commitment to protecting the Earth.Objectives<ol><li>Beyond Awareness — Take Action: Move from dialogue to real-world solutions and collaborative projects.</li><li>Interfaith &amp; Intercultural Collaboration: Leverage shared values from different traditions for environmental justice.</li><li>Sustainable Community Building: Connect people to work together beyond the event for lasting change.</li><li>Support &amp; Resource Sharing: Support grassroots environmental efforts led by diverse communities.</li></ol>

[UPCOMING EVENT] Saving Our Planet: Faith in Action 3

The Foundation for a Path Forward recently delivered a compelling workshop at the University of Manitoba, titled Online Harms, Islamophobia, and Resilience. This crucial event brought together scholars, community leaders, and students to address the pressing issue of digital hate and its impact on marginalized communities, particularly in the face of rising Islamophobia. The workshop provided a platform for critical discussions on the harmful effects of online intolerance, while also equipping participants with strategies to counteract these threats and build stronger, more inclusive digital spaces.Through interactive sessions and expert-led conversations, attendees explored the real-world consequences of online hate, examining how misinformation, stereotypes, and discriminatory narratives contribute to a more hostile digital environment. The Foundation for a Path Forward emphasized the need for proactive engagement, sharing practical tools to navigate and challenge online Islamophobia effectively. From digital literacy techniques to community-driven advocacy, the workshop encouraged participants to take an active role in fostering digital well-being and resilience.This event was not only an opportunity to learn but also to connect with others who are committed to creating safer, more respectful online spaces. By bringing together diverse voices, the workshop reinforced the importance of collective action in addressing online harms. The Foundation for a Path Forward remains dedicated to empowering communities with the knowledge and tools needed to combat digital hate, ensuring that the fight against Islamophobia continues beyond the workshop and into everyday digital interactions.

Foundation for a Path Forward

Foundation News

Foundation Joins the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) 2025

Foundation Contributes to BCMA Strategic Planning Present...

SOICS Presents with Foundation for a Path Forward for Pro...

Foundation Youth Engagement with The Other People at Suth...

[UPCOMING EVENT] Saving Our Planet: Faith in Action 3

Foundation's University of Manitoba Workshop - Online Har...