Photostory #268: Spotlight on Manitoba Mosaic

Photographers
Chris Lund
Maker
National Film Board of Canada
Release Date
September 20, 1960
Collection
CMCP fonds
Credit Line
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography fonds, National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives
Main Text
Canada has long been a bilingual country. The French and English languages and cultures are distinct and enduring. Yet, Canada is a land of many cultures. During the latter part of the nineteenth century numerous immigrants came to this country. Since World War II, nearly two million skilled immigrants have made Canada their home. In contrast to earlier settlers who came to the farmlands of Canada, today's immigrant usually makes his home in Canada's large industrial centres. A year after their arrival, the average immigrant family earns an income of five thousand dollars. At the turn of the century, Winnipeg, Manitoba, was host to many immigrants who were just beginning their life in Canada. To serve their needs foreign language newspapers were published. Today, four major newspapers in German, Croatian and Ukrainian inform new Canadians of current affairs and help them adjust to their new surroundings. Manitoba is unique in the variety of national groups that have settled here and maintained their distinctive cultures through songs, dances and national costumes. Each summer a folk festival is held in Winnipeg where communities from the prairie provinces, representing seventeen national groups, come together. Colourful costumes, exotic music and intricate dance steps create a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. Ukrainian kozaks, Polish kujawiaks, Greek kalamitinos and Western square dances fashion part of a mosaic that takes place in Winnipeg's Kildonan Park. It brings together people from all parts of the country, increasing their understanding of the rich and varied cultures of other nations found within the communities of Canada.
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