Canadian Multiculturalism Day

Written By Brandon Douglas

– C1-C2 (intermediate to advanced) –

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One of my favourite Canadian holidays has always been Canadian Multiculturalism Day, a national observance that technically takes place every June 27th, but is celebrated anywhere between May and September across the country. Since 2002, the holiday has served as an annual official reminder to recognize and appreciate the contributions and impact that the countless ethnocultural groups making up Canadian society have had on the development of Canada and its diverse national identity. It is an affirmation of all Canadian residents’ dedication to the promotion of democracy through cultural freedom and equality, mutual respect, and celebratory indulgence in each other’s unique cultural differences.

The origin of this holiday dates back to 1938, when the concept of Canadian multiculturalism as a mosaic was first coined by author John Murray Gibbon. While it was controversial during its time, it grew over the decades to become popular socially and institutionally, as the Government of Canada adopted the concept as an official policy in the early 1970s. By 1982, the policy became an official section of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and by 1988 it had reached Royal Assent, becoming an integral part of the Canadian constitution. Throughout this time, immigration laws extended to other continents outside of Europe, allowing more diverse peoples to settle down in Canada, making it their forever home. Multiple Acts were additionally implemented to tear down systemic xenophobia and make way for equitable opportunity for all ethnocultural groups–though much is still being done in order to accomplish this, particularly in the context of Indigenous peoples and francophone communities.

Residents of Canada may celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day by participating in a variety of activities:

  • attending individual cultural festivals like Caribbean festivals, Ukrainian festivals, Taiwanese festivals, etc.

  • indulging in large, city-wide multicultural events like Folk Festival

  • viewing cultural fashion shows

  • travelling to see musical concerts from different cultures

  • hosting multicultural food nights

  • crafting and distributing anti-racism art (see examples below)

  • going to Indigenous museums and exhibitions on other ethnocultural groups

  • attending education events held at elementary schools, high schools, universities, libraries, community centres, government buildings, and so on

  • watching educational materials on anti-racism and multiculturalism, such as select Heritage Minutes videos and the classic, Oscar nominated 1987 short film Rainbow War (see trailer below)

  • reading up on Canadian multiculturalism policies like the Immigration Act, section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, the Broadcasting Act, the Employment Equity Act, and more

  • learning about and spreading awareness of anti-racism programs in Canada

  • providing opportunities to celebrate other multicultural holidays, such as National Indigenous Peoples Day, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, National Acadian Day, Canada Day, etc.

  • and much more…!

    • to see what Canadian Multiculturalism Day activities can be found near you, check out this list on the Government of Canada’s website

COMMON ANTI-RACISM ART

RAINBOW WAR TRAILER

Do you have a holiday similar to this Canadian one in your home country? Have you ever participated in Canadian Multiculturalism Day? Practice your English by letting me know in the comments below.

Brandon Douglas
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