Many women from across Fort McMurray took the time to try on a hijab.
For the seventh straight year, World Hijab Day was celebrated in the community with people young and old visiting Peter Pond Mall to learn more about the Islamic headscarf.
Speaking to reporters, President and Co-Founder of World Hijab Day YMM Kiran Malik-Khan says this day is about understanding.
“If you don’t want to understand that’s your choice – just like happiness is a choice, negativity and racism is also a choice, so they’re making a choice to understand and to be educated.”
Annalee Nutter took time out of her day to come and try on a hijab.
She believes this event does a good job of promoting diversity and helping end discrimination.
“It’s not an oppressive thing and it’s something they hold dear to their hearts and it’s important for them to make awareness for everyone else in the community.”
Despite not being able to wear a hijab, multiple men came out in support.
Councillors Sheila Lalonde, Verna Murphy, and Jane Stroud were also in attendance and took time to try on a hijab.