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Multiculturalism

A celebration of our ethnic heritage

In 1971 Canada became the first country in the world to adapt Multiculturalism. It challenges all Canadians to accept cutural pluralism while encouraging them to participate fully and equally in Canadian Society. Canadians were accepted as a mosaic of people, meaning people from all different nations are equal.

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Canada's Heritage is represented by more than 200 ethnic origins. According to Stats Canada 2001, about 13.5 percent of the population is a member of a visible minority group. This amount will reach 20 percent by 2016.

Immigration accounts for more than 50 percent of Canada's population growth, with immigrants coming mainly from Asia and the Middle East. It is projected that, after 2025, Canada's population growth will be based solely on immigration, a multicultural immigration..

CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS

The name Canada comes from the word Kanata, which means "village" or "settlement". By 1547, maps began referring to this and the surrounding area as Canada. In 1867, the name Canada was officially adopted and referred to as the Dominion of Canada until the 1950s. The July 1 holiday was established in 1879, under the name Dominion Day. And on October 27, 1982, July 1st which was known as "Dominion Day" became "Canada Day".

Canada Day celebrations are held in Ottawa and across the nation. To celebrate Multiculturalism, Communities organize activities to honor Canada and its ethnic diversity. Besides hosting the largest Tug-of-War event in Canada the The Scottish Highland Games in Embro, Ontario is a gathering of the Scottish with individual and team competitions. The Skirl of the Pipes, Highland Dancing and events like the stone throw, farmer's walk and log sawing provide excitement for the participants and spectators.

ABORIGINAL

In Toronto during November, the Canadian Aboriginal Festival is Canada’s largest and most successful Aboriginal festival. The Pow Wow is the spectacular highlight and the entire family will enjoy the visually stunning display of nearly 1000 native dancers and drum singing groups from across North America. Each Pow Wow ceremony begins with the Grand Entry, when all dancers enter the Dance Circle for the first time. The pageantry and drama of the Grand Entry make it one of the most beautiful traditional Aboriginal ceremonies and a must see for anyone interested in native culture and customs.

INUIT FESTIVALS

Whale Cove, Nunavut hosts several traditional Inuit festivals during the year. Igloo building, ice fishing, traditional arctic games and contests such as tea- and bannock-making, inuksuk-building and rabbit-hunting. Taste the traditional delicacies such as: igunaq ( aged maktaaq) pipsi (dried char) innaluaq (seal intestine) nipku (dried caribou) and quaq (frozen caribou).

MENNONITES

St. Jacob's Ontario is home to many Mennonites. Learn about the process of making Maple syrup, discover why this is the “Quilt” capital of Canada, and learn about the history, culture and religion of the Mennonite people. In March visit the worlds larges Maple Syrup Festival and eat pancakes with pure maple syrup.

WESTERN

Preserving and promoting western heritage and values, The Calgary Stampede is about much more than the Rodeo. In 1912 the Stampede was born from the vision of Guy Weadick, a famous working cowboy and vaudeville entertainer in the traveling wild-west shows that were popular world-wide in the early 1900s. He was a man with a dream of celebrating the romance of the old west. The Stampede we enjoy today has evolved from Guy's vision. He was successful because he understood that as much as things change, we need to believe in the way things were. For 10 days in July enjoy the best show in town.

There are many, many more events celebrating Multiculturalism. February is Black History Month where we honor the legacy of Black Canadians, who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today.

The Month of May is Asian Heritage Month. A celebration of the diverse culture and achievements of Asians who play a vital role in the unique and multicultural mosaic of Canada. This acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada.

Images courtesy of Canadian Tourism Commission

List of Festivals promoting Multiculturalism in Canada

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