Promoting multicultural society part of the Canadian identity
RENOWN CANADIAN AUTHOR TO SPEAK TONIGHT AT U OF L
Centuries ago, Canada’s early settlers planted the seeds of multiculturalism.
But this nation is far from the first to benefit from a more accepting attitude, a noted Canadian writer points out. And in her public presentation at the University of Lethbridge this evening, Erna Paris will point out the dangers of simply taking that for granted.
A writer and broadcaster since the 1970s, Paris was inducted into the Order of Canada earlier this fall. She’s won many awards for books covering a range of contemporary and historical issues, including what’s included and what’s left out in what the younger generation learns about their nation’s history.
One volume — “Long Shadows: Truth, Lies and History”— triggered Parliament’s formal apology to survivors of Canada’s infamous residential schools.
Paris is this year’s featured speaker in the F.E.L. Priestley Lecture Series at the U of L. Her 7:30 p.m. presentation in lecture theatre PE 250, near the southwest entrance to the gymnasium, is open to all on a first-come basis.
Reflecting on positive aspects of Canada’s story, Paris says the roots of multiculturalism can be traced back to political understandings before Confederation. The need to bring in immigrants to populate a vast land — in the face of American “manifest destiny” — must have tested some of those ideals.
But Paris said promotion of a multicultural society has become part of the Canadian identity.
“The idea of diversity and acceptance and inclusiveness has become part of our ethos.”
Paris cited nearly 800 years of multicultural peace in medieval Spain as an example of how successful an open and accepting culture can become. When the Moors swept across the Mediterranean and occupied Spain, she pointed out they encouraged the populace to maintain their Christian or Jewish beliefs, so long as they also accepted Muslim neighbours — and paid their taxes.
It’s instructive to see how that peaceful accommodation was lost — and what lessons can be learned. Her audience members, Paris said, will be invited to experience some of that this evening.
Our nation’s multicultural tradition is being criticized by some politicians these days, but Paris expects Canadians’ desire to be welcoming and inclusive will prevail.
“I’m optimistic about Canada,” she said. “We have become a brilliant success.
“We do face some issues, but I believe the ethos we have developed in this country is a protection.”
Canadians need only look south to see the impacts of the politics of division, she noted. But racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric has also become a danger in other developed nations, she added.
“Multiculturalism can bring tensions,” but Canadians find ways to adapt and change as society moves on.
“We kind of muddle through. I tend to think that’s a strength.”
But Canadians should not simply take their history of inclusiveness for granted, Paris warned. “We do have to remain vigilant.” Francis Priestley, like tonight’s speaker, lived many years in Toronto. Born in England, he completed his high school classes in Lethbridge before taking teacher training at a “normal school” in Calgary.
After starting his career in a rural one-room school near Stavely, he went on to become a high school vice-principal in Red Deer and then an instructor at Mount Royal College before joining the faculties at the Universities of Alberta, British Columbia and ultimately Toronto. He died in 1988.
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