This state is very attractive for immigrants, so the people of Canada are distinguished by their diversity. In many ways, such an influx of migrants is due to the high quality of life, the educational system, the environmental situation and other factors of high social development. One of the most numerous diasporas in Canada are Ukrainian and Russian.
Indigenous people
The modern ethnic composition of the state was formed throughout its history. The first inhabitants of Canada inhabited the territory of the state even before it was colonized by Europeans. Eskimo tribes lived on the Arctic coast. But the entire main part of the country was inhabited by the Indians. Depending on the area of residence, the tribes had their own name. The inhabitants of the western and northwestern lands were the Atapaski, Tlingit and Haida tribes. All of them were united by one language family, which bore the name on-den.
Exactly on the opposite end of the country is another family - the Algonkin-Wakash family. It included Cree, Montagnier and Naskapi. The western part was inhabited by selisha, nutka, and also kwakiutl. The Hoki-Sioux family included the Sioux, Iroquois, Huron tribes. Their place of residence covered the southeastern territories of modern Canada.
So, the tribe was the country of Canada. The national composition of the population was represented by different families. The total number of their members was two hundred twenty thousand people. The main occupations of the tribes were hunting, fishing and farming.
Middle Ages
During the era of great geographical discoveries, Canada also underwent changes. The national composition of the population has changed significantly due to the process of colonization. European residents massively invaded the North American lands. And in the period from the sixteenth to the seventeenth century, among the overseas guests, the British and Scots prevailed. Then the advantage passed to the French. Thanks to this, in Canada, Franco-Canadian residents began to appear en masse. But at the same time, colonization negatively affected the indigenous population. Natural growth was very low because immigrants brought diseases, alcohol, firearms with them. The constant skirmishes in which tribal representatives died were not uncommon.
In subsequent years, this dynamic has persisted. The number of colonizers was growing, while the number of indigenous people was getting smaller and smaller. The reduction in their numbers was also influenced by the policy of the newly-minted government, which tried to forcibly resettle people in the territories specially designated for this.
Current population
At the moment, the ethnic composition of the state is a combination of immigrants from all over the world. Although the population density is very low, the inhabitants themselves are distinguished by their diversity and unique combination of cultures. The interweaving of lines is very unusual, since thirty-four ethnic groups peacefully coexist on the territory. The majority of them does not exceed one hundred thousand people. However, there are such diasporas, of which there are more than a million representatives.
Of course, Canadians are the most numerous nationality living on the territory of the state. But if you look at the historical component, then most of them are descendants of immigrants. However, they identify themselves precisely as Canadians.
National minorities
Representatives of different nationalities and is characterized by Canada. The national composition of the population is extremely diverse due to the numerous diasporas.
The so-called visible minorities are singled out separately. Under this concept are those residents who are not representatives of the Caucasian race, but at the same time their ancestors are not natives. This group makes up one fifth of the population of a state like Canada. The national composition of the population has a peculiar flavor due to the representatives of “visible minorities”, which include immigrants from South Asia, China, Africa, South America. Filipinos and Arabs also fall into this category. The largest concentration of “visible minorities” is in Ontario and Alberta.
A few indigenous groups are called the first inhabitants of Canada. There are about one and a half million, but today they make up only five percent of the total population of the country.
The emergence of Ukrainian diasporas
The Ukrainian diaspora in Canada is one of the most numerous. The reason for this was the pursuit of happiness, which led the Ukrainians to this democratic state. Most immigrants were forced to leave their native lands in order to be able to feed their families. Mostly migrated from the western part of the country, where they cultivated land. Such work at home did not bring not only good, but at least some income. The first, not afraid to emigrate from Ukraine overseas, were six families from Galicia. It was they who one hundred twenty years ago opened their way to Canada for their compatriots.
Moving to another country was very acute for the inhabitants of Western Ukraine, as they were under pressure either from Poland or from the communist regime. For some people, a visa to Canada was the last chance for a normal life. Immigrants tried to escape from the Stalinist repressions overseas.
The second wave of immigration began after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In difficult times for the newly formed countries, many residents went abroad in search of a better existence. A distinctive feature of this stream of immigrants was the goal. If before people tried to save themselves, now they chose a new house from the standpoint of quality of life. Canada attracted immigrants with its loyal state policy to immigrants. Moreover, these were not empty promises. The authorities provided new residents with good medical care, the opportunity to get an education, and assistance in finding employment. People traveled incredible distances in order to ensure a happy future for their children.
Modern life of Ukrainian immigrants
At the moment, Canadians of Ukrainian origin mainly live in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. These provinces are popularly called the second Ukraine. There is a steady population growth. Since 2000, the total number of inhabitants in these provinces has increased by 138 thousand people. Such positive demographic dynamics is ensured by the relevant state policy, which issues guest and tourist visas on simplified conditions.
The Canadian authorities provide unhindered border crossing by Ukrainians in order to ensure their contact with relatives and friends. It also has a good effect on the tourism industry of the state.
Now the state is even more thoroughly considering the decision on free entry for Ukrainians. Some technical issues are being set up that are associated with registration for registration of permanent residence, access to social benefits, medical insurance and employment opportunities.
Employment of Ukrainians in Canada
Since the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada is represented very widely, respectively, immigrants are employed in various fields of activity. Mostly prestigious work is given to those visitors who plan their lives in advance in another country. The first step is to obtain a special visa, which will give the right to work. But you can get the document only with invitations from the employer. Another option is the federal program, under which you can also get a profitable vacancy. At the initial stage, the diaspora helps its brothers.
Former citizens of Ukraine are happy to be hired in such areas as catering, medicine, as well as specialized services. Chefs, nurses, doctors, cookers, carpenters, plumbers and electricians - professionals are needed everywhere.
Cultural heritage
But what language is in Canada - a country with such a diverse national composition? It is not possible to unequivocally answer this question. Since the country is very multinational, each diaspora has brought something of its own. Even those Ukrainians who have long left their historical homeland remember and respect their language. At the moment, over one million immigrants from Ukraine live in Canada. And these are only those who have a permanent residence in this country.
Most of the diaspora actively supports the development of national culture. In every Ukrainian house, old traditions and customs still live, which, as well as once upon a time, are passed down from generation to generation. This identity was carried through the years from the first immigrants to their descendants. There are several museums dedicated to Ukrainian culture in Canada. Many constantly organize various festivals that show folk crafts. The most famous is the museum-village "Ukrainian Heritage".
The active development of Ukrainian culture abroad is not surprising, because many years ago various writers and poets worked in immigration. The works of Elena Teligi and Oleg Olzhich are known both in Canada and in Ukraine.
Russian society
It is impossible to imagine the peoples of Canada without the Russian community, which was formed in two stages:
- The first wave is characterized by immigrants of the so-called Harbin immigration. These are the people who left the Chinese lands. The reason for their move is different views on the structure of society. Migrants were ardent opponents of socialism, more prone to monarchy.
- The peak of the second wave occurred in the seventies and eighties of the last century. A stream of people surged, fleeing from a kind of capitalism. These settlers, on the contrary, are distinguished by their reverent attitude to their homeland.
Diaspora support
Regardless of the reason why the Russians ended up in Canada, what political views and biases they have, the diaspora helps all compatriots. Mostly places of congregation of immigrants from Russia are Orthodox churches. Most often they gather there not even for religious purposes, but simply to mingle with their brothers.
What the Russians do in Canada and how they live in Canada can be suggested by special communities. They also provide legal support, help to settle in an unfamiliar country. Communities are also trying to rally and protect people from loneliness. These include:
- "Russian Montreal";
- "Russian-speaking community of Canada";
- Russian Ottawa;
- "Russian Winnipeg";
- "Russian Humanitarian House".
