A History of Multiculturalism in Canada

What does it mean to be Canadian?

As this guide aims to show, there are many different ways to be, and identify as, Canadian. For example, Indigenous Canadian, French-Canadian, Afro-Canadian, and Chinese-Canadian (among many other examples) are all Canadian identities. Hyphenated identities acknowledge one’s unique culture and heritage, as well as the struggles and challenges that accompany that heritage.

A longhouse in the reconstructed 15th century Crawford Lake Iroquoian Village (Dreamstime. com/Bobhilscher/ID 158758789).

Section 2: Indigenous Pluralism and

Activity: Pre - contact Multiculturalism

Early Colonialism S ince time immemorial, hundreds of nations have been living on the land known as Turtle Island , forming complex civilizations with intricate social, political, economic, and cultural systems. Aside from a brief Norse settlement in present day Newfoundland in the late 10th or early 11th century, interactions with Europeans began near the end of the 15th century. This is often referred to as the point of “first contact,” although first contact took decades and assumed many different forms across the continent. As settlers continued to arrive in what we now call Canada, Indigenous peoples’ relationships with Europeans grew increasingly complex. Europeans attempted to establish dominance over lands and resources, and these early encounters often had negative consequences for Indigenous groups. Over time, the structure of their relationships became more formalized through agreements, treaties, laws, and acts that would (and often still do) govern the lives of Indigenous peoples according to European laws and conventions. One of the many negative side effects was the suppression and criminalization of many aspects of Indigenous cultures. Other cultural elements were appropriated by Europeans.

This land was (and is) inhabited by hundreds of Indigenous nations and cultural groups, each with distinct cultural features. Learn more about the people upon whose traditional lands you live now. 1. Working in small groups, choose an area in Canada to explore. Use a website such as native-land.ca to identify which Indigenous group(s) call this area their traditional territory. 1. Once you’ve determined who lived (and perhaps still lives) there, research the culture(s) of these people(s), using The Canadian Encyclopedia to start. Take notes as you go. Who were the people who lived on this land before European colonists? What were elements of their cultures before contact? What was the cultural landscape before the area was colonized? Have these cultural elements survived? If so, how have they changed? 2. In your group, create a short presentation and share it with the class.

Teacher Tip: Provide local resources for more specific information on First Nations, Indian Bands, etc.

Map telling the story of the Beothuk, Newfoundland (Library and Archives Canada/Maps, plans and charts/e011161242).

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