"Ethnicity, write J.W. Berry and J.A. Laponce in their introduction to this volume, is likely to be to the twenty-first century what class was to the twentieth; that is, a major source of tension and political conflict. However, ethnicity is also increasingly likely to be a source of inspiration and diversification within society." "Because of the rapidly developing importance of ethnicity and culture in Canada, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Ministry of Multiculturalism and Citizenship undertook in 1991 a project to review research on the subject. This volume, in nineteen chapters, is the record of the findings. Papers cover such topics as demography, political philosophy, history, anthropology, sociology, media studies, literature, language learning, education, and ethnic and multicultural attitudes." "Looking back to the Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, mandated in 1963, the editors point out that the terminology has changed radically, and that the evolution from biculturalism to multiculturalism has clarified not only the political agenda but the research agenda as well. An insistent theme recurs throughout this volume: multiculturalism is taken increasingly as being a characteristic of Canadian society as a whole, rather than a concept focused exclusively on new Canadians." "While the Canadian population has always been ethnically diverse, only recently has the diversity been systematically analysed. Ethnic and multicultural studies are remarkably well developed in Canada, the editors conclude. However, they point out one shortcoming more apparent in some fields than others: we often know quite well how the dominant group views a minority, but we often lack knowledge of the reverse attitudes and opinions. Berry and Laponce recommend that we replace one-way mirrors with windows, preferably open windows."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Ethnic elites, the influential business owners, teachers, and newspaper editors within distinct ethnic communities, play an important role as self-appointed mediators between their communities and "mainstream" societies. In Ethnic Elites and Canadian Identity, Aya Fujiwara examines the roles of Japanese, Ukrainian, and Scottish elites during the transition of Canadian identity from Anglo-conformity to ethnic pluralism. By comparing the strategies and discourses used by each community, including rhetoric, myths, collective memories, and symbols, she reveals how prewar community leaders were driving forces in the development of multiculturalism policy. In doing so, she challenges the widely held notion that multiculturalism was a product of the 1960s formulated and promoted by "mainstream" Canadians and places the emergence of Canadian multiculturalism within a transnational context.

Being equipped to confront issues related to racial and ethnic diversity is a crucial skill for Canadians. This new edition of Seeing Ourselves uses a collection of personal comments and essays, written by students from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, to examine what it means to participate in the cultural and ethnic "mosaic" that comprises Canada today. Carl James creates a dialogue with students and readers that probes the meaning of ethnicity, race and culture, both in terms of the meanings individuals bring to these concepts and how they are understood in Canadian society as a whole. The varied perspectives, detailed analyses and careful reflections will be invaluable to anyone seeking to understand the meaning and implications of ethnic diversity in Canadian society today. To facilitate classroom discussion, this edition also includes background information and new, up-to-date statistics on the Canadian population - immigration trends, ethnic composition, religious affiliation and other characteristics of Canadians.

Ten essays on multiculturalism form a comprehensive picture of the problems and prospects of pluralism and mirror the nuanced issues which arise when theories and goals of cultural sensitivity confront real life.

Since he immigrated to Canada two decades ago, Neil Bissoondath has consistently refused the role of the ethnic, and sought to avoid the burden of hyphenation -- a burden that would label him as an East Indian-Trinidadian-Canadian living in Quebec. Bissoondath argues that the policy of multiculturalism, with its emphasis on the former or ancestral homeland and its insistence that There is more important than Here, discourages the full loyalty of Canada's citizens. Through the 1971 Multiculturalism Act, Canada has sought to order its population into a cultural mosaic of diversity and tolerance. Seeking to preserve the heritage of Canada's many peoples, the policy nevertheless creates unease on many levels, transforming people into political tools and turning historical distinctions into stereotyped commodities. It encourages exoticism, highlighting the differences that divide Canadians rather than the similarities that unite them. Selling Illusions is Neil Bissoondath's personal exploration of a politically motivated public policy with profound private ramifications -- a policy flawed from its inception but implemented with all the political zeal of a true believer.

This thorough study will be of assistance to those seeking to understand the role of education in contemporary Canada. Education policy and practice regarding language and culture are highlighted, as is the crucially important question of cultural transmission.

A uniquely Canadian approach to multicultural counselling In a country as diverse as Canada, a multicultural counselling approach provides an essential starting point for working with people from different ethnicities, sexualities, gender identities, abilities and religious backgrounds. Bringing Canadian perspectives to the field of multicultural counselling, this collection provides practical approaches to counselling in Indigenous, Asian, Black Canadian, Hispanic, South Asian and LGBTQ2+ communities, among others, along with advice for treating migrant and refugee clients. The third edition of Diversity, Culture and Counselling addresses crucial issues such as systemic racism, immigration policy, climate change, and discriminatory policies, reflecting the many changes that have arisen in Canada since the publication of the second edition. Along with an all-new chapter on counselling during a national crisis, each chapter has been revised to reflect the current state of diversity in Canadian counselling with contributors from a range of backgrounds.