May 2023
Senior Living to the Fullest!
12 tips to live your best life, starting today!
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Cultural Diversity | Tip #5
What languages do you speak? Where were you born? What holidays do you celebrate? What is your ethnic identity? What is your culture? Why is cultural diversity so important? Why does any of this matter? Let’s talk about it!
Culture is what connects us. We connect through our shared languages, traditions, beliefs, norms, behaviors, values, and so on. Canada is known for its multicultural and religious diversity; characteristics of the country that is valued by the vast majority of Canadians. We should be proud to be a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive country that is home to over 450 ethnic or cultural origins, as reported by the population in the 2021 Census, by Statistics Canada.
But why does any of this matter? Because the world is ever-changing, we need to continue to grow, learn and change with it. We need to acknowledge the fact that everyone has a story to tell, and each is just as valid as the next. As our world becomes more and more diverse, it’s important to understand different perspectives within the world in which we interact daily, and it can help to get rid of negative stereotypes and personal biases about different groups of people.
A really great place to start broadening our perspectives on other cultures is to start with the very land we’re living on. We are living on the traditional lands of the Treaty 4 Territory, a Treaty signed with 35 First Nations across Southern Saskatchewan and parts of Alberta and Manitoba, and the original lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, and the homeland of the Métis. Later this month, we will learn more about the history of Indigenous people and their worldviews. We also look forward to the opportunity of listening to an Indigenous speaker for indigenous peoples day coming up next month.
Here are some interesting facts that will get you thinking:
- Over 200 distinct languages are spoken as a first language in Canada, making it one of the most diverse countries on the planet. English and French remain as Canada’s two official languages.
- Canada is a land of immigrants and 1 out of every 5 Canadians was born outside the country.
- More than 1.67 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Aboriginal person, according to the 2016 Census.
- Today, Statistics Canada is publishing data on more than 450 ethnic or cultural origins, as reported by the population in the 2021 Census.
Remember, everyone has something special to offer and bring to the table. It’s okay to have questions and it’s okay to not always understand everything about the people we interact with, however, we must treat everyone as an individual, a unique person who has their own set of values and beliefs. Talk to people from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds, absorb the information you’re given, and listen. Our world is growing very quickly and believe it or not, we have more things in common, than not.
Throughout the month of May, Harbour Landing Village will explore new cultures, perspectives, ideas, and beliefs to gain a better understanding of the world we all live in. Every Tuesday, residents will have the opportunity to join cultural learning activities and educational documentaries. We will be participating in our own mosaic week where we will dive into detail of a select few cultures from around the world. We will also enjoy presentations, dances, music, food, and more! Stay tuned for more details!
