Immigrants and the Canadian Mosaic

1. We are all immigrantsFirst NationsEnglish and French19th century patterns20th century situation to the present

2. History of some world migrationsExamplesRefugees

3. The Canadian MosaicDescriptionConflicts and stereotypes

1. We are all immigrants

First Nations: since the Ice AgeEnglish and French settlers since the 17th

centuryVarious immigrations in the 19th century,

e.g., from Britain, Ukraine, Japan, China.Underground Railroad:

see map

In 2008 the immigration rate in Canada was 6.01 per 1,000

(as compared with 3.52 per 1,000 in the USA)

We are all immigrants

Saskatchewan is the only province where the number of people of British or French background is smaller than the number of people from other ethnic groups. Various European ethnic groups are found here, including British, German, Ukrainian, French, Norwegian, Polish, Dutch, Swedish, and Russian. The province’s Aboriginal population is around 130,000, or 8 percent of the total. Many other non-European peoples (Africans, Chinese, Indians and other southern Asians, and Filipinos) live in Saskatchewan as well.

2. History of some world migrations

History of some world migrations

History of some world migrationsContemporary migration patterns

History of some world migrations

History of some world migrations

Refugees “ Boat people”

History of some world migrations

Human trafficking

3. The Canadian MosaicDescription

- Mosaic versus Melting Pot

- Uniqueness- Relativism- Visible minorities- Ethnic awareness

Conflicts and stereotypes

Questions to ponderIs Canadian unity strong or weak? (Think of

different regions and ethnic groups)Is there no national culture in Canada?Should immigrants be encouraged, or simply

allowed, to retain their original cultures?From folklore to sharing of power: is

mainstream society ready for this?Can Canadian schools possibly accommodate

every group’s needs? (Think of school holidays)Multiculturalism versus interculturalism