Tai Salih

Tai Salih, a former refugee, is the visionary Founder of the Red Ma'at Collective. Committed to empowering under-served and marginalized communities, she leads a non-profit organization providing trauma-informed yoga for Black, Indigenous, and racialized women and youth. As the founder of the Red Ma’at Healing Center, Tai advocates for mental health with a decolonized and anti-oppressive counselling approach, specializing in trauma, racial trauma, and gender violence. Progressing towards a psychotherapy designation, she also serves as a Red Cross Canada reservist, is a yoga instructor, a writer, and an activist for social change.

IG: @red_maat

1. What have been the most rewarding aspects of your work so far?

The most fulfilling aspect of my work is captured in the meaningful connections forged and the transformative impact of the healing spaces I create. Community engagement is at the heart of my mission. I strive to equip my brothers, sisters, and youth with tools and resources, offering a touch more compassion as they navigate an inherently unjust world. Building bridges and fostering resilience through shared experiences defines the essence of my commitment. It's about empowering others to face the challenges with strength, knowing they are not alone in the journey toward justice and healing.

2. What have been some of the more challenging aspects?

One of my significant work challenges involves crafting impactful programs on a tight budget. While some services are free for the community, others operate on a sliding scale to accommodate diverse financial situations. Sadly, the communities I serve often face chronic underfunding, adding strain to my resources. Nevertheless, my dedication to delivering top-notch programming remains steadfast. Despite financial hurdles, I persist in finding solutions, trusting that, Inshallah, I'll continue providing valuable resources and maintaining the quality of support that these communities truly deserve.

3. Name a Black Muslim woman who has been an inspiration to you and why.

Ilyasah Shabazz is such an inspiration to me, the profound impact through her advocacy for justice, education, and cultural preservation is to be admired. An accomplished author, a dynamic public speaker, and a community work role model a footprint I hope to achieve Inshallah. As she promotes literacy and empowers communities, I am to work towards being a community leader and advocate like her Inshallah. May Allah reward her for her work and inspiration.

4. In light of the prevailing atrocities we are witnessing in regions such as Gaza, Sudan, and Congo, please provide insights into potential avenues for demonstrating solidarity with the affected populations, as well as healing mechanisms you have been using to cope during this time. 

One realization that has become clear to me is that when we examine each atrocity individually, it's easy to become overwhelmed, burnt out, and even feel hopeless. It's crucial for us to remember that, whether in Congo, Ethiopia, Gaza, Sudan, or elsewhere, these atrocities share a common root cause -colonialism and imperialism. Identifying this common thread is essential in understanding what needs to be dismantled to liberate all people. The interconnected nature of these realities mirrors our own interconnectedness, a fact often obscured by societal divides and constructs imposed by the same oppressive forces.

There comes a moment when we must step back and recognize the insidious intentionality behind how we are manipulated and pushed. Healing during these times, for me, manifests as a multifaceted form of resistance. It extends beyond on-the-ground activism to include my writings, the use of my platforms, coalition and connection building, and anchoring acts of faith, compassion, joy, and community. By addressing these issues collectively and acknowledging the broader context, we empower ourselves to contribute meaningfully to the dismantling of oppressive systems.