CBC Digital Archives - immigration and multiculturalism

In an effort to fight some of the ignorance surrounding the role of immigration in building Canada, I would like to introduce my readers to the CBC Digital Archives. The Archives are a searchable collection of audio and video clips from CBC news and other programming that returns streaming audio and video to your computer. The good folks at the Archive not only present individual clips, but they also create collections organized around particular subjects over time.

I would like to call your attention to "Making the Mosaic: Multiculturalism in Canada", a 15-clip collection that will enlighten you with broadcasts from 1962 to 2004.

Here's the overview:

"In 1971, Canada became the first country in the world to declare multiculturalism as official state policy. The bold step charted the path to a vibrant and evolving cultural mosaic premised on mutual respect for Canadians of all backgrounds and ancestry. Yet the roots of multiculturalism in Canada can be seen in the country's earliest beginnings, as three founding cultures — aboriginal, British and French — were soon joined by many more from around the globe. Today, multiculturalism is a touchstone of Canadian national identity and a point of pride for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. In celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27, the CBC Digital Archives recalls some of the struggles and triumphs along the way."