Fostering Multiculturalism: Projects in an Ontario Schoolboard to Promote Inclusion and Multicultural Citizenship

MulticulturalismMulticulturalism is central to the Canadian identityCanadian identity but the concept is not something automatically accepted nor understood by all citizens. Hence it is important that Canadians of all origins be constantly reminded of what it means to live in a multicultural society and to accept multiculturalism as part of one’s identity, and, in effect, to be schooled in multiculturalism. In order to work effectively as an organizing principle of what it means to be Canadian, multiculturalism must be actively fostered. This article discusses what multiculturalism means in the Canadian context and then describes two educational programs associated with multiculturalism designed to assist newcomers in the process of transitioning to Canadian citizenship.