Squamish will be celebrating its diversity of cultures on June 27.
Howe Sound Women’s Centre and the Squamish Welcome Centre are holding a multicultural potluck at 38021 Third Ave. that day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“Join us for a multicultural potluck, canvas and more to celebrate Multiculturalism and value our rich diverse community in Squamish,” reads a statement from the organizers.
Those interested in getting a space at the event can email msidhu@hswc.ca or text 604- 848 4408.
"On June 27, Canadian Multiculturalism Day honours the many cultural communities that help build a strong and vibrant Canadian society. Take this opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity that enriches us collectively and reaffirm your commitment to equity, inclusion, and mutual respect," reads a federal government statement on the occasion.
For more information on other events, you can check out the federal government’s interactive map, which plots out where and how you can join in on the fun.
The Canadian Encyclopedia says Canada’s federal multiculturalism policy was adopted in 1971 by Pierre Trudeau’s Liberal government. It marked its 50th anniversary in 2021.
Multiculturalism’s prevalence first was popularized by John Murray Gibbon’s 1938 book Canadian Mosaic: The Making of a Northern Nation.
This was a different take on the U.S. notion of assimilation via a cultural melting pot, the encyclopedia says.
However, it was not until the 1960s that multiculturalism emerged as an object of the national conversation about Canadian identity.
