Manitoba is known as a tapestry of cultures. In fact, it has been a multicultural society from the time it was inhabited by its original settlers, the Indigenous Peoples. It is proud of this diversity and sees strength in the collaboration of cultural communities.

As a newcomer, a major component of your settlement journey is adjusting to cultural norms and learning how to work harmoniously with people around you. Becoming part of your new country is a give and take – you adapt elements of other cultures into your every day life, while sharing the best parts of your own culture as well. This requires flexibility, respect, tolerance, and understanding. Yes, it is easier said than done!

However, slowly but surely, and with an open mind, you will learn to adapt and even appreciate how various ways of life, beliefs and practices co-exist in a unique society. When you strive to know more about other cultures, you will understand people better. You might even find a renewed appreciation of your own.

Here are 10 basic terms you need to know about living in diverse Manitoba:

1. Diversity

   People from different countries, cultures, races and religions living in one place.

2. Multiculturalism

   Welcoming and celebrating many different cultures and exploring the benefits of diversity.

3. Human rights

   All people having equal opportunity and protection.

4. Equality

   All people having the same rights and benefits.

5. Stereotype

   An opinion or generalization that people have about a person or group based on prior assumptions (See Diversity Awareness for Newcomers II below).

6. Discrimination

   An action or a decision that treats a person or a group negatively for reasons such as their race, age or disability (Canadian Human Rights Commission). Know more about grounds of discrimination and how to file a complaint if you are discriminated against from the Canadian Human Rights Commission or the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.

7. Prejudice

   Attitudes against a person or group because of race, gender or religion based on judgments formed without accurate knowledge (Diversity Awareness for Newcomers II).

8. Racism-free workplace strategy

   This is part of the initiatives of the Canadian Action Plan Against Racism which prevents discrimination and promotes integration of visible minorities and Indigenous Peoples in the workplace.

   This video will explain the concepts of equality and human rights, as well as show examples of racism and discrimination and what possible means of recourse you have if this happens to you:

9. Intercultural

   People from different cultures, races and religions sharing and learning from each other.

10. Integration

    People of many backgrounds blending with the broader society while maintaining their culture.

    This video will show examples of immigrants who have successfully integrated into Canadian culture while maintaining their own. It will also discuss the benefits of being open-minded about getting to know, participating and being present in the larger Manitoban community.

 
The video below talks more about the history of Manitoba’s Indigenous Peoples and how that history affects all of us today:

 
Article updated December 11, 2023.