University of Calgary Archives & Special Collections
Harb Gill and Family
Larry Grant in the documentary “Cedar and Bamboo”, from the Vancouver Dialogues Project
Fung Ling Ma and Family
National Multiculturalism Day
Diversity is one of Canada's greatest assets, as people from all backgrounds actively contribute to civic life. On June 27, we recognize, appreciate, and honour Canada's multicultural fabric. This day offers an opportunity to celebrate and understand the significance of multiculturalism in our country, communities, public spaces, and within the Canadian forces, which enables us to live in peace and harmony.
A Brief Timeline of the History of Multiculturalism in Canada
John Murray Gibbon's 1938 book Canadian Mosaic: The Making of a Northern Nation is recognized for introducing the concept of Canadian multiculturalism.
Before 1970, most of Canada's immigrants came from European countries.
In 1971, the government of Canada adopted multiculturalism as an official policy, making Canada the first country in the world to allow more immigration from different continents.
In 1982, Section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms further entrenched multiculturalism.
In 1988, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act received Royal Assent. This Act recognizes and promotes multiculturalism as reflecting the diversity of Canadian society, that all persons have the right to full and equitable participation in all aspects of Canadian society, and that all have the right to preserve and share their heritage.
In 1993, British Columbia adopted the Multiculturalism Act, mandating the government to deliver services and programs sensitive to the province's multicultural reality.
In 2008, British Columbia launched EmbraceBC to enhance understanding of diversity. The same year, the British Columbia Multicultural Awards were introduced to honour outstanding contributions to cultural integration.
On May 15, 2014, the government formally apologized to Chinese Canadians for historical injustices. Additionally, the third week of November is celebrated annually as Multiculturalism Week in British Columbia.
In 2018, the provincial government announced the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network, which supports community projects, education, and training to combat racism and promote inclusion.
June 27 is dedicated to fostering equity, inclusion, and mutual respect by celebrating the plurality of our multicultural heritage.
Resources to learn more about Canada's rich multicultural history.
—A Cook at Sea is the story of a Mauritian immigrant to Canada who became a cook in the Royal Canadian Navy.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/culture/canadian-identity-society/multiculturalism.html
June is National Indigenous History Month
The MILEPOST at Robert Ostler Park, Campbell River, Vancouver Island, B.C.
Photo Credit, Leticia Sanchez, July 2023
Leticia Sánchez, PCHC-MoM Vice President
Officially declared in 2009, National Indigenous History Month builds on the momentum of National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on June 21 since 1996. The month aims to educate Canadians about the vital roles that Indigenous peoples have played and continue to play in shaping Canada. It also highlights the need to address historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous communities.
Celebrating National Indigenous History Month is an essential tribute to the heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada. We all have a role in seeking truth, reconciliation, and inclusion by acknowledging historical wrongdoings, recognizing the strength of Indigenous communities today, and fostering future respectful relationships. National Indigenous History Month provides a precious opportunity to reflect and gain a deeper appreciation of Indigenous heritage, values, and common interests. Whether attending a local event, exploring educational resources, or simply reflecting on the histories and contributions of Indigenous peoples, every action contributes to a broader understanding and appreciation.
The Pacific Canada Heritage Centre-Museum of Migration Society (PCHC-MoM) understands and recognizes the past and present connections among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It is committed to continuous learning and active participation in reconciliation by honouring the past, embracing the future, and building relationships based on respect, collaboration, and knowledge.
As part of our commitment to reconciliation and respectful relationships, we honour Elder Larry Grant, PCHC-MoM’s Honorary Advisor, and Elder Margarita James, two notable Pan-Asian and Indigenous heritage figures living in Pacific Canada.
Larry Grant, a Musqueam Elder, was raised in the traditional territory of the Musqueam region by a traditional, henqeminem-speaking Musqueam family. After four decades as a tradesman, Larry enrolled in the First Nations Languages Program, awakening his memory of the henqeminem language's embedded value to self-identity, kinship, culture, territory, and history before European contact. He is presently assisting in revitalizing henqeminem in the Musqueam Language and Culture Department and co-teaching the introductory henqeminem course through UBC.
Larry is the Elder-in-Residence at UBC’s First Nations House of Learning. He is a Faculty Fellow at St. John’s College and the inaugural Honorary Life Fellow for Green College. In 2010, he received the Alumni Award of Distinction from Vancouver Community College, and in 2014, he became an Honorary Graduate of the Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP) at UBC.
Watch All Our Father's Relations to learn more about Elder Larry Grant. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3722618/
Article of interest: “Kânîsostîkwâw” by Karen Aird. https://fpcc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BC-History-Fall-2023-56.3-Karen-Aird-1.pdf
Elder Larry Grant, PCHC-MoM’s Honorary Advisor, speaking at the Passage to Freedom Screening, Hearts of Freedom Travelling Exhibition at UBC Robson Square.
Photo Credit, Yulu Wang, May 2023
PCHC-MoM Society 2024 Call for Directors
The Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration Society (PCHC-MoM) is looking for new Directors to serve on the Board!
Are you passionate about preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity? Do you believe in the power of storytelling to foster understanding and connection? If so, we invite you to apply for a position on the Board of Directors at PCHC-MoM! Click here to learn more.
Upcoming events.
Check out PCHC’s upcoming events here.
About
The Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration (PCHC - MoM) Society is a non-profit society incorporated in 2011 to build a wider and improved understanding of Canada’s history and growth through intercultural explorations of historic and current trans-Pacific immigration.
Our mission is to establish a Museum of Migration at a site of historical significance for Canadians whose families first arrived in Canada through its western portals, and to create a supporting national research network for an interdisciplinary and more inclusive interpretation of Canada’s history.
