Canada had always been a multicultural nation. From the moment the first Europeans arrived in Canada, there was already a mixing of different cultures, because the French had to make an effort to live colloquially with the Natives. The French had to accept and even learn from the cultures of the Natives. This example suggests that Canada was a multicultural nation even before New England was officially a component of Canada. The French also had to deal with the conflicts between Native nations. The fact that the French involved themselves (willingly or not) in conflicts of the Natives which they were not even directly involved in solidifies the soundness of the argument that Canada was a multicultural nation from its very beginning.
Canada is most defiantly a multicultural nation. Even though there were conflict between the First Nation people, Europeans, and French in the past, resolutions were found and everyone came together. Through trading and relations between different cultures, Canada quickly became a multicultural nation. For example, Europeans learned about the Native culture and even relied on the hunting bands for food for some time. French culture Is one of the biggest aspects of Canada, with French being the second most spoken language, and the entire province of Quebec and some parts of Ontario speaking French as their main language. With all the discoveries of places such as Port Royal, Montreal (and Quebec of course), and the St. Lawrence area, it brought people of different cultures in search of food, new worlds, etc. Some stayed, calling Canada their new home. Today, Canada is popularly known for its multiculturalism, especially Vancouver as we all know. There is every culture possible present in this city! There is no doubt that Canada is a multicultural nation since the day it was discovered.
Multiculturalism is the preservation of different cultures or cultural identities within a society, state or nation. Canada is a very multicultural country. We know that not only because we are taught it in schools but it exists everywhere. For example, at the Save-on-Foods self-checkout counters, there is a large option of languages that one can choose from including English and French (the two official national languages), Mandarin, Spanish, Hindi, Korean, and many more.
Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy in 1971 after which multiculturalism was officially recognized by section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982. By adopting multiculturalism, Canada confirmed the value and dignity of all Canadian citizens regardless of their racial or ethnic origins, the rights of Aboriginal peoples, as well as affirmed Canada’s two official languages, English and French. Multiculturalism ensures that all Canadian citizens can keep their identities and have a sense of belonging while being treated as equal. Furthermore, the rights and freedoms of each citizen in Canada are clearly stated in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Multiculturalism promotes the harmony between different races and ethnic backgrounds as well as the understanding of each culture.
Prior to adopting multiculturalism in 1971, multiculturalism in Canada was not well recognized and equality between all cultures was not established. As learned in lecture on Monday, September 9, relations between Canada and the rest of the world began with the Fur Trade involving the many First Nations communities (including the Huron, Innu, and more) and international countries extending as far as France.
Walking in the streets of Vancouver we can easily notice the diversity that the city holds and the people from all over the world that live here as Canadian citizens. Although multiculturalism is relatively new, Canada can claim to be indeed rich in diversity and multiculturalism.
Nadir, In the future, please write your blog entries drawing on the material you learn in the lectures. The blogs are aimed at getting you to reflect on what you learn regularly.
A multicultural society is made up of a diversity of cultures, and reflects this diversity in the working of its society. Canada has always been a multicultural nation, it just did not become an official policy of the Canadian government until the second half of the twentieth century. Today, multiculturalism is protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and is recognized by the government and people of Canada. Multiculturalism existed before Canada was called Canada, and even before contact between the Europeans and the Indigenous peoples of Canada occurred. Different Indigenous groups existed in within Canada, and these groups held political alliances and trade agreements with one another, because each group had something unique to offer one another. These groups also came in conflict with one another, proving that these groups held different beliefs or some kind of different societal structure and wanted stronger political power and influence.
The contact between the French and the Indigenous peoples in the seventeenth century is an example of the creation of a multicultural society. The French and the Indigenous peoples were radically different, in what they knew, and in what kind of resources and products they had to offer one another in trade. These two groups began to work together, which created a type of multicultural society due to their constant contact and relations. This multiculturalism continued when the English colonized Canada, and as immigration continued through the next few centuries. Canada is made up of many different cultures, and always has been, but unlike the seventeenth century, multiculturalism takes a different form, and has become a point of pride for the country.
The idea of multiculturalism in Canada as we know it today may be a relatively new notion, but it is not the case if we take a look back at the history of the country.
Even before the arrival of the French and the other European nations, Canada showed a diversity in culture and language. It is important to remember that whom we call the Natives were not part of the same tribe. Although these tribes were tied together by trade and diplomacy (sometimes also war), they were divided in three groups mainly: the Innu and Algonquin, the Huron Confederacy and the Five Nations Iroquois. They all presented different features (diversity) but shared some too, like religious beliefs and respect to the Earth (uniformity).
When the French started trading fur with the Natives in the 16th century, they had to adapt to their culture and language to be able to communicate. They knew it was necessary to benefit from the local products but also the knowledge of the territory the Natives held. This led to several alliances and involved the French in wars in order to support their allies. The destruction of Huronia by the Iroquois resulted in the foundation of New France when it became a royal colony, so many French people decided to settle there permanently and start a new life on this new continent.
However, one must not forget that the Norse probably established contact with the tribes in Canada around the year 1000. According to the archeologist Birgitta Wallace: “the only Natives present in central Labrador (Markland) in the 11th century would have been the Indian ancestors of the Innu (Montagnais and Naskapi)”. The remnants of settlements in L’Anse aux Meadows enhances the idea that the different expeditions organized by the Europeans were a factor in favor of multiculturalism, as they left some traces of their passing, even though the Scandinavian implication is not as consequent as that of the other European countries like France, the Netherlands or Great Britain.
The widespread understanding of multiculturalism in Canada being a new concept seems to mainly be based on the fact that its population is a product of different people with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds that immigrated to the nation throughout the past decade. Indeed, this is true. Canada has acquired an appealing reputation as a nation of rich diversity. However, Canada has clearly been multicultural since the very beginning. For instance, Canada’s indigenous peoples were definitely not a homogeneous group. There appears to be a tendency to broadly group all indigenous peoples in a collective group, when that was certainly not the case. Rather, different beliefs, values, customs, and histories defined various aboriginal groups throughout Canada, further resulting in a complex system of allies as well as enemies.
Moreover, not only was Canada multicultural in terms of its indigenous population, its multicultural roots also go back to the first time of contact between indigenous and European people. For example, the Norse people interacted with indigenous groups such as the Innu, Huron, and later, the Mohawk, long before the more widely known interactions between the English, French, and aboriginal peoples decades later. Archaeological proof of such interactions further strongly identify and emphasize that multiculturalism was a reality in Canada for a much longer time than most people might assume.
Canada is definitely a very multi-cultural society. As we learned this week in lecture, Canada has been a multi-culture society forever. Whether it was the French forming colony’s and trade posts in upper and lower Canada, the Vikings making settlements in L’Anse Aux Meadows or English trading posts in Upper and Lower Canada, Canada’s roots are based off of multiculturalism.
Tourists and newly arrived immigrants quickly see and learn that there is no race that can distinguish someone as not a Canadian. This is the beautiful part in being a Canadian. Canadians come from all different backgrounds in order to make up one lovable and fair country. Although not having one distinguished ethnicity may not be everyones cup of tea, the best part is they do not have to live here!
Many people are united with other people that share their ethnicity and others are thrilled to embrace another ethnicity. Which is personally my favourite part when it comes to the variety of restaurants available across the country. In conclusion, Canada was founded by many different countries and continues to grow with many different ethnicities in order to make one.
How is Canada a multicultural nation? i believe that it was a multicultural place before the first europeans arrived on this great diverse land mass, due to the fact that all of the indigenous peoples in the north, south, west, and east were all from different types of cultures. This fact is proven within all of the diverse languages across Canada and the many cultural beliefs,and simply the way of living that all of these many various nations that lived off the land and passed it on to the next generation. When we are talking about multiculturalism in a way of when the first immigrants arrived in Canada then we can put it forward to when the Vikings came over then the French and British and with them they were sure to of brought over some other people from different countries from Europe. So Canada is and has been a multicultural place since the beginning of time or since the word multicultural became a word in the english dictionary and vocabulary.
Jonathan, In the future please write your blog posts by drawing on the material you learn in lectures. The blogs are meant to get you to reflect on the lecture material on a regular basis.
Comments on your posts for Week 2:
Just so you know, I will offer general comments on the blog entries most weeks. Some weeks I will comment on each student’s blog (I can’t do that every week so I am rotating among the 5 tutorial sections).
In general, you all did reasonably well. I would remind you that the blogs are meant to get you to reflect on the lectures, so I expect you to draw on them directly in writing your entry.
Most of you appreciated that the place that became Canada was multicultural from the start in that it was home to many different nations and cultures; in other words, as many of you noted last week, what distinguished the place that became Canada was its diversity, which was there even before Canada existed!
However, you may want to reflect on the following: (1) the place that would become Canada might more accurately be described as multi-national; i.e. home to many different nations (Indigenous and European); in other words (2) the place that became Canada was diverse, but it wasn’t a single nation. In addition, and (3) there wasn’t always the acceptance or even the tolerance of differences and the idea of equality that lies behind the modern notion of multiculturalism.
So…where does that leave us? In the 17th and 18th centuries, the place that would become Canada was a diverse, multi-national place. It was home to many cultures, but it wasn’t a single nation. Perhaps the story of Canada is how this multi-national place became a multicultural nation-state….
jonathangeorge, 
Wesley Livermore, and 6 others are discussing.
lala 10:51 am on September 11, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Connor Easton
Canada had always been a multicultural nation. From the moment the first Europeans arrived in Canada, there was already a mixing of different cultures, because the French had to make an effort to live colloquially with the Natives. The French had to accept and even learn from the cultures of the Natives. This example suggests that Canada was a multicultural nation even before New England was officially a component of Canada. The French also had to deal with the conflicts between Native nations. The fact that the French involved themselves (willingly or not) in conflicts of the Natives which they were not even directly involved in solidifies the soundness of the argument that Canada was a multicultural nation from its very beginning.
Susanna Chan 10:39 pm on September 11, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is most defiantly a multicultural nation. Even though there were conflict between the First Nation people, Europeans, and French in the past, resolutions were found and everyone came together. Through trading and relations between different cultures, Canada quickly became a multicultural nation. For example, Europeans learned about the Native culture and even relied on the hunting bands for food for some time. French culture Is one of the biggest aspects of Canada, with French being the second most spoken language, and the entire province of Quebec and some parts of Ontario speaking French as their main language. With all the discoveries of places such as Port Royal, Montreal (and Quebec of course), and the St. Lawrence area, it brought people of different cultures in search of food, new worlds, etc. Some stayed, calling Canada their new home. Today, Canada is popularly known for its multiculturalism, especially Vancouver as we all know. There is every culture possible present in this city! There is no doubt that Canada is a multicultural nation since the day it was discovered.
Nadir Surani 8:04 am on September 12, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Multiculturalism is the preservation of different cultures or cultural identities within a society, state or nation. Canada is a very multicultural country. We know that not only because we are taught it in schools but it exists everywhere. For example, at the Save-on-Foods self-checkout counters, there is a large option of languages that one can choose from including English and French (the two official national languages), Mandarin, Spanish, Hindi, Korean, and many more.
Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy in 1971 after which multiculturalism was officially recognized by section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982. By adopting multiculturalism, Canada confirmed the value and dignity of all Canadian citizens regardless of their racial or ethnic origins, the rights of Aboriginal peoples, as well as affirmed Canada’s two official languages, English and French. Multiculturalism ensures that all Canadian citizens can keep their identities and have a sense of belonging while being treated as equal. Furthermore, the rights and freedoms of each citizen in Canada are clearly stated in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Multiculturalism promotes the harmony between different races and ethnic backgrounds as well as the understanding of each culture.
Prior to adopting multiculturalism in 1971, multiculturalism in Canada was not well recognized and equality between all cultures was not established. As learned in lecture on Monday, September 9, relations between Canada and the rest of the world began with the Fur Trade involving the many First Nations communities (including the Huron, Innu, and more) and international countries extending as far as France.
Walking in the streets of Vancouver we can easily notice the diversity that the city holds and the people from all over the world that live here as Canadian citizens. Although multiculturalism is relatively new, Canada can claim to be indeed rich in diversity and multiculturalism.
Tina Loo 12:44 pm on September 14, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Nadir, In the future, please write your blog entries drawing on the material you learn in the lectures. The blogs are aimed at getting you to reflect on what you learn regularly.
lindseyaw 11:37 am on September 13, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
A multicultural society is made up of a diversity of cultures, and reflects this diversity in the working of its society. Canada has always been a multicultural nation, it just did not become an official policy of the Canadian government until the second half of the twentieth century. Today, multiculturalism is protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and is recognized by the government and people of Canada. Multiculturalism existed before Canada was called Canada, and even before contact between the Europeans and the Indigenous peoples of Canada occurred. Different Indigenous groups existed in within Canada, and these groups held political alliances and trade agreements with one another, because each group had something unique to offer one another. These groups also came in conflict with one another, proving that these groups held different beliefs or some kind of different societal structure and wanted stronger political power and influence.
The contact between the French and the Indigenous peoples in the seventeenth century is an example of the creation of a multicultural society. The French and the Indigenous peoples were radically different, in what they knew, and in what kind of resources and products they had to offer one another in trade. These two groups began to work together, which created a type of multicultural society due to their constant contact and relations. This multiculturalism continued when the English colonized Canada, and as immigration continued through the next few centuries. Canada is made up of many different cultures, and always has been, but unlike the seventeenth century, multiculturalism takes a different form, and has become a point of pride for the country.
Pierre-Marie B. 1:18 pm on September 13, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The idea of multiculturalism in Canada as we know it today may be a relatively new notion, but it is not the case if we take a look back at the history of the country.
Even before the arrival of the French and the other European nations, Canada showed a diversity in culture and language. It is important to remember that whom we call the Natives were not part of the same tribe. Although these tribes were tied together by trade and diplomacy (sometimes also war), they were divided in three groups mainly: the Innu and Algonquin, the Huron Confederacy and the Five Nations Iroquois. They all presented different features (diversity) but shared some too, like religious beliefs and respect to the Earth (uniformity).
When the French started trading fur with the Natives in the 16th century, they had to adapt to their culture and language to be able to communicate. They knew it was necessary to benefit from the local products but also the knowledge of the territory the Natives held. This led to several alliances and involved the French in wars in order to support their allies. The destruction of Huronia by the Iroquois resulted in the foundation of New France when it became a royal colony, so many French people decided to settle there permanently and start a new life on this new continent.
However, one must not forget that the Norse probably established contact with the tribes in Canada around the year 1000. According to the archeologist Birgitta Wallace: “the only Natives present in central Labrador (Markland) in the 11th century would have been the Indian ancestors of the Innu (Montagnais and Naskapi)”. The remnants of settlements in L’Anse aux Meadows enhances the idea that the different expeditions organized by the Europeans were a factor in favor of multiculturalism, as they left some traces of their passing, even though the Scandinavian implication is not as consequent as that of the other European countries like France, the Netherlands or Great Britain.
geenalee 3:36 pm on September 13, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The widespread understanding of multiculturalism in Canada being a new concept seems to mainly be based on the fact that its population is a product of different people with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds that immigrated to the nation throughout the past decade. Indeed, this is true. Canada has acquired an appealing reputation as a nation of rich diversity. However, Canada has clearly been multicultural since the very beginning. For instance, Canada’s indigenous peoples were definitely not a homogeneous group. There appears to be a tendency to broadly group all indigenous peoples in a collective group, when that was certainly not the case. Rather, different beliefs, values, customs, and histories defined various aboriginal groups throughout Canada, further resulting in a complex system of allies as well as enemies.
Moreover, not only was Canada multicultural in terms of its indigenous population, its multicultural roots also go back to the first time of contact between indigenous and European people. For example, the Norse people interacted with indigenous groups such as the Innu, Huron, and later, the Mohawk, long before the more widely known interactions between the English, French, and aboriginal peoples decades later. Archaeological proof of such interactions further strongly identify and emphasize that multiculturalism was a reality in Canada for a much longer time than most people might assume.
Wesley Livermore 3:49 pm on September 13, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is definitely a very multi-cultural society. As we learned this week in lecture, Canada has been a multi-culture society forever. Whether it was the French forming colony’s and trade posts in upper and lower Canada, the Vikings making settlements in L’Anse Aux Meadows or English trading posts in Upper and Lower Canada, Canada’s roots are based off of multiculturalism.
Tourists and newly arrived immigrants quickly see and learn that there is no race that can distinguish someone as not a Canadian. This is the beautiful part in being a Canadian. Canadians come from all different backgrounds in order to make up one lovable and fair country. Although not having one distinguished ethnicity may not be everyones cup of tea, the best part is they do not have to live here!
Many people are united with other people that share their ethnicity and others are thrilled to embrace another ethnicity. Which is personally my favourite part when it comes to the variety of restaurants available across the country. In conclusion, Canada was founded by many different countries and continues to grow with many different ethnicities in order to make one.
jonathangeorge 4:38 pm on September 13, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
How is Canada a multicultural nation? i believe that it was a multicultural place before the first europeans arrived on this great diverse land mass, due to the fact that all of the indigenous peoples in the north, south, west, and east were all from different types of cultures. This fact is proven within all of the diverse languages across Canada and the many cultural beliefs,and simply the way of living that all of these many various nations that lived off the land and passed it on to the next generation. When we are talking about multiculturalism in a way of when the first immigrants arrived in Canada then we can put it forward to when the Vikings came over then the French and British and with them they were sure to of brought over some other people from different countries from Europe. So Canada is and has been a multicultural place since the beginning of time or since the word multicultural became a word in the english dictionary and vocabulary.
Tina Loo 12:47 pm on September 14, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Jonathan, In the future please write your blog posts by drawing on the material you learn in lectures. The blogs are meant to get you to reflect on the lecture material on a regular basis.
Tina Loo 12:50 pm on September 14, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Comments on your posts for Week 2:
Just so you know, I will offer general comments on the blog entries most weeks. Some weeks I will comment on each student’s blog (I can’t do that every week so I am rotating among the 5 tutorial sections).
In general, you all did reasonably well. I would remind you that the blogs are meant to get you to reflect on the lectures, so I expect you to draw on them directly in writing your entry.
Most of you appreciated that the place that became Canada was multicultural from the start in that it was home to many different nations and cultures; in other words, as many of you noted last week, what distinguished the place that became Canada was its diversity, which was there even before Canada existed!
However, you may want to reflect on the following: (1) the place that would become Canada might more accurately be described as multi-national; i.e. home to many different nations (Indigenous and European); in other words (2) the place that became Canada was diverse, but it wasn’t a single nation. In addition, and (3) there wasn’t always the acceptance or even the tolerance of differences and the idea of equality that lies behind the modern notion of multiculturalism.
So…where does that leave us? In the 17th and 18th centuries, the place that would become Canada was a diverse, multi-national place. It was home to many cultures, but it wasn’t a single nation. Perhaps the story of Canada is how this multi-national place became a multicultural nation-state….