A collection of verified local news coverage, community voices and civic milestones involving the Williams Lake Muslim community and the Central Cariboo Islamic Center. Every link below opens the original article on the publisher's site.
CCIC chairperson Dr. Rafiullah Sahibzada announces his candidacy for the October 2026 civic election, citing years of volunteering with local literacy and restorative-justice groups. “I want to give back to the community by serving them.”
Read the ArticleAfter CCIC members raised safety concerns with council, Williams Lake unanimously recognizes Islamophobia as a form of harm under the B.C. Anti-Racism Act and commits to community action.
Read the ArticleThe CCIC board declines its first donated parcel after a geotechnical review, and continues the search for a safe, permanent site — while still running a Ramadan food drive for local families.
Read the ArticleRoughly $23,000 raised and an acre of land donated at a Nov. 1 fundraiser, as the Williams Lake Muslim Association restructures into the Central Cariboo Islamic Centre under the BC Muslim Association.
Read the ArticleAbout 150 people — including guests from the Sikh, Ukrainian and Hindu communities — join an Eid al-Fitr dinner at St. Andrew’s. Mayor Rathor: “Williams Lake is a mosaic.”
Read the ArticleThe founding story: with nearest mosque in Prince George and prayers held in a rented studio apartment, Imran Khan, Afroj Shaikh and Rafiullah Sahibzada relaunch the Williams Lake Muslim Association. “The community is actually connecting and it’s growing... in a very positive way.”
Read the ArticleOn June 23, 2026, Williams Lake City Council unanimously resolved to recognize Islamophobia as a form of harm under the B.C. Anti-Racism Act, affirming that hate speech, religious discrimination and intimidation have no place in the community — a resolution brought forward after CCIC members shared their concerns with council.
“The love and support from our neighbours across the Cariboo show that we are one community, united by kindness and hope.” — Mayor Surinderpal Rathor
Members of our community have also written directly to local readers to share what our faith and festivals mean.
Dr. Rafiullah Sahibzada explains the meaning of Eid-ul-Adha and the story of Prophet Abraham’s sacrifice to Williams Lake Tribune readers.
Read the ArticleAre we missing an article, interview or award? Let us know at cariboo.secretary@thebcma.com and we'll add it here. For day-to-day updates, follow @ccic_bcma on Instagram or Williams Lake Muslims on Facebook.
