Manitoba is a multicultural province

1. It is where many cultures meet.
2. It has always been a multicultural society. It has been so from the time of its original population, the Indigenous Peoples.
3. It is proud of this diversity.
4. When different cultural communities work together, it makes the province stronger.

It’s hard to fit in in a new country.

1. You have to adjust in many ways.
2. It would help to have an open mind. Respect everyone and learn to work with people around you.
3. It is a give and take. Share the best parts of your culture. Adapt other cultures’ ways as well.
4. Be flexible, tolerant and understanding. This is easier said than done!
5. You will learn to adapt slowly but surely.
6. Appreciate how different ways of life, beliefs and practices blend together.
7. Learn more about other cultures. You will understand people better.
8. You will also appreciate your own culture more.

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

Diversity

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

Multiculturalism

• Welcoming many cultures.
• Appreciating the benefits of diversity.
• Enjoying our differences and similarities.

Watch this video to know more about diversity and multiculturalism:

Human rights

• Everyone having equal opportunity and protection.

Equality

• Everyone having the same rights and benefits.

Stereotype

• A general opinion about a person or group.
• It is based on assumptions.
• It can be good or bad.
• Example: All Asians are good at math.

Discrimination

• Treating a person or a group negatively because of their race, age or disability.

Prejudice

• Attitude against a person or group based on race, gender or religion.
• Judgement of a person or group that is not based on facts.

Racism-free workplace strategy

• A program that prevents discrimination.
• It promotes the integration of visible minorities and Indigenous Peoples in the workplace.
• It is part of the Canadian Action Plan Against Racism.

This video will explain equality and human rights. It will show examples of racism and discrimination. It will also show you what to do if you are discriminated against:

Intercultural

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

Integration

• People of different backgrounds blending in the society.
• Maintaining your culture while participating in a multicultural society.

This video will show examples of immigrants who have successfully integrated into Canadian culture. These are people who actively participate in the 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.