As has been the case elsewhere across Canada, Muslims and non-Muslims gathered in North Battleford in memory of those who were slain in Quebec City.
Six were killed in the shootings that happened at a mosque in Quebec Jan. 29. In memory of those victims, Battlefords residents gathered for prayers and a service at the Islamic Centre and mosque Friday night.
It was an interfaith gathering of about 100 people, with those from the local Muslim community joined by other community and faith leaders, all of whom gathered in a show of support.
While it was a solemn gathering with prayers offered at the start and near the end, the program itself was informal. A book of condolence was set up to be sent to the mosque in Quebec City, and those in attendance had the opportunity to say a few words expressing their thoughts and condolences.
Mayor Ryan Bater spoke on behalf of the City of North Battleford. Like many others who went up to the microphone to speak that evening, he said he found it "difficult to find the words" in the wake of the shootings.
"You automatically think 'well, that kind of thing can't happen here,' and then I started thinking that there's a lot of people in Quebec City right now who thought the exact same thing a week ago."
Bater said he was happy to see so many people "coming in solidarity not only with the Muslim faith community here in the Battlefords, but also the people of Quebec City who are suffering a great deal right now, and going through tremendous grief. Let our thoughts be with those people, not just tonight but into the future."
Battlefords RCMP Insp. John Sutherland offered the support of his force to the local Muslim community.
He said "its unfortunate that we're brought together today by an individual who didn't accept and understand diversity," said Sutherland.
"I'd like you to be confident that myself and the detachment and the RCMP across Canada understand and are diverse, and support you and we are here to ensure your protection, and will be, in this country."
Imam Ilyas Sidyot from Saskatoon noted all of those in the room had "gathered for solidarity and standing shoulder to shoulder to denounce and dispel this kind of hate."
He added that he had received over 200 messages and offerings of flowers from those in Saskatoon, including support from churches in the community.
While it was a somber occasion, organizers of the memorial gathering welcomed the support shown by those in the Battlefords during this time.
"They are showing us we are a part of this community," said Hafiz Imran Zaka, Imam and president of the Islamic Centre of North Battleford.
He said people have sent flowers and messages of support, and expressed thanks to the community for that.
The interfaith memorial was in fact the very first such community gathering to take place at the new mosque since it was established in 2014.
Renovations had been ongoing since then and Islamic Centre officials hope to hold a formal grand opening sometime in the summer.
They expect to invite the greater non-Muslim community for that event as well, under more celebratory circumstances.
"At that time the mood would be different," said Zaka. "But the message would be the same — we are all together."
