Chapter 15 The Canadian Mosaic

1. Chapter 15 The Canadian Mosaic

2. 1. the Canadian Mosaic Canada is a nation of immigrants. It is described as a mosaic which means that each of the immigrant groups do not have to throw off their old customs, languages and traditions, because there is no particular concept of an overarching Canadian identity. This resembles a mosaic of different cultures which overlap but do not overwhelm each other. 2. The First Nations The First Nations are the native tribes of aboriginal people who lived in Canada before the European explorers settled. They were officially referred to as "the First Nations" be-cause they are the original inhabitants of the country, and

3. because there is not one single group or culture there are many "nations", or tribes, which have different languages, customs and beliefs,activities,which varies according to where they lived.(p210 ) 3.The Inuit and the Metis In addition to the First nation,Canada has two other special groups of aboriginal peoples: Inuit or Eskimo are in far north,the Metis,who emerged when French fur traders married Indian women. The Inuit used to be called the Eskimo. They are a group of aboriginal people who lived in the harsh conditions of the arctic climate by hunting seals, whales and other polar animals. Today, some of these people still live this way;

4. others make a living through selling carvings and handicrafts. The Metis are another group of aboriginal people who emerged when French fur traders married Indian women. In appearance and lifestyle, their children inherited characteristics from both their European and aboriginal backgrounds and their close involvement in the fur trade made their economic development different from other aboriginal peoples.

5. 4. immigration policy of Canada Canada's immigration policy is mainly based on practical economic considerations. Immigration meant importing labour, even today immigration policy is based on who the country needs to help it prosper. Another charac-teristic is that it accepts more readily groups who will more easily fit into the Canadian society. These make Canada look hard-headed rathern than humanitarian. Canada has also been criticized for being more willing to help refugees fleeing right wing regimes than left wing ones. 5. Immigration Act 1976 The Immigration Act 1976 encouraged Asian

6. immigration, offering passports to those with capital and/or entrepreneurial skills. Would-be immigrants with more than $250 000 (CD) to invest in businesses that will create jobs and wealth were welcomed to settle in Canada. This created a new category of "entrepreneurial immigrants . 6. Quebec Quebec is a mainly French-speaking province in Canada. Here French speakers comprise 83 per cent of the popu-lation. They feel that their linguistic and cultural heritage is threatened by the mainly English-speaking environ-ment, and that they are economically dominated by English Canada. They are keen to preserve the historic language and French-speaking culture.