On October 1st, the Islamic Restoration Society (IRES) had the privilege of taking part in the Ethnocultural Conference: Building Bridges – Culturally Informed Practices in Justice Work, hosted by the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS). This gathering brought together professionals, community leaders, and organizations dedicated to creating meaningful, culturally respectful solutions within the justice system.
IRES was honored to contribute through a breakout session titled “The Village Approach: Restoring Broken Bonds and Preventing Crime in Muslim Communities,” led by our Project Coordinator Malik Muradov and Board Member Sister Rayan Zaza. With nearly 50 participants in attendance, Malik drew upon his experiences as a chaplain, parole officer, and community leader to shed light on both the challenges faced by Muslims in the justice system and the hope that emerges when faith, family, and community unite.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many attendees expressed how the IRES model offers a unique and much-needed perspective: one that is faith-rooted, culturally informed, and focused on prevention as well as reintegration. The keynote speaker, Cam Steward, was so inspired by IRES that he announced he would donate all proceeds from the sales of his book at the event to our organization — a generous gesture of solidarity and support.
Beyond the presentations, the conference proved to be a turning point for IRES in building partnerships and strengthening networks. We engaged with dozens of professionals who showed a clear eagerness to collaborate with us in reducing Muslim involvement in the justice system, supporting reintegration, and easing burdens on society through healthier, stronger communities.
This conference was more than just an event — it was a milestone for IRES, a platform to share our vision, build meaningful partnerships, and take a significant step forward in our mission to restore hope, reduce recidivism, and rebuild broken bonds in our communities.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team and volunteers who represented IRES with professionalism and passion. Most importantly, we thank Allah (SWT) for His guidance and for granting us success in our dawah and community service.
