Members of the Masjid Al-Noor mosque welcomed Canadian Studies students to the downtown St. Catharines mosque on Saturday, Nov. 6. Students in CANA 2P91 Culture and Power in Canada I: Cultural Communities, taught by Brian de Ruiter, have been studying the dynamics of race, gender, linguistic diversity, multiculturalism, ethnic relations and cultural appropriation through Canadian literature, art, film and popular culture. Students toured the mosque with Adam Hamdani, whose family was involved in founding the mosque in the mid 1980s, to learn more about Muslim culture and the role the mosque plays in Niagara’s Muslim community. Masjid Al-Noor is St. Catharines' only mosque and prior to the pandemic welcomed up to 1,500 worshippers for prayer on holy days. In addition to meeting the needs of its community, the Islamic Society of St. Catharines has been involved in fostering interfaith relationships and connecting with the broader St. Catharines community.