The new president of the Manitoba Islamic Association has rural roots. Osaed Khan grew up in the southern town of Altona, spending his entire childhood in the community before moving to Winnipeg in his late teens. He plans to use this background in his new position, and says growing up in the small town was a great experience.

"I think it's important to recognize that Altona was great, these little towns are great, and they're very welcoming, but I don't want to sugar-coat my history, there were some times where unfortunately individuals had a different look at newcomers that are not the same," explains Khan. He adds it is important for the Manitoba Islamic Association to continue to offer outreach programs to various church and other groups in rural Manitoba, including open invitations to visit MIA mosques.

"We really want to make our mosques and our community centres open to make sure there aren't any secrets, it's very transparent what goes on." Khan encourages those who do have questions to call up their local mosque or neighbours who are Muslim and talk to them. "Don't be a stranger."

"Last year I came to Altona to one of the churches...it was a great success and people had a lot of great questions, they were more about the political atmosphere at the time in Canada but now with the atmosphere in the United States, it may be trickling over into Canada unfortunately."

Meantime, Khan says that while the transition to President has gone smoothly, it's been all hands on deck since the mass shooting at a Quebec City mosque on Sunday. He's been busy organizing various means of support through interviews, prayer services and candlelight vigils. Focusing on the newcomer Syrian families to the Pembina Valley, Khan says there is something rural Manitobans can do too and adds it's important that all different faith groups reach out and support each other following tragedies like this.

"A lot of community members were concerned about how our neighbours feel about us, we get a little bit anxious and a little bit worried. It's still nice to see that if there is any negative concerns towards Muslims...within other faith groups that we, as any community leaders, should address it. We're a little bit still worried that some of the Muslims in the rural towns...that they feel safe."

An evening of solidarity Wednesday at the Altona Mennonite Church saw members of various local churches come together and grieve with members of the area Muslim community.