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Embrace diversity this Multiculturalism Week
Letter to the Editor
Every third week of November, people in British Columbia come together to celebrate Multiculturalism Week, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that strengthens our communities and makes our province vibrant and resilient.
British Columbia is home to over 200 First Nations, each with distinct traditions, languages and histories. We proudly recognize and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous Peoples – First Nations, Métis, and Inuit – whose cultures and contributions are foundational to this land.
As Canada’s most ethnically diverse province, B.C. is also home to people from more than 200 countries and regions. Multiculturalism Week invites us to reflect on how this diversity shapes our everyday lives, from the food we enjoy and the languages we speak to the art we create and the traditions we share.
It is also a time to reaffirm our commitment to building a province where everyone feels safe, valued and empowered to thrive.
As a first-generation Canadian, I know first-hand the challenges and opportunities that come with building a life in a new country. This experience has shaped my deep belief in the power of inclusion and the importance of ensuring that every person, regardless of background, feels a sense of belonging and possibility in this province.
As parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, I am deeply committed to continuing this work, dismantling systemic barriers and advancing equity for all communities so everyone can feel included in the cultural mosaic that defines our province. I look forward to celebrating others advancing this cause through our Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards coming soon.
Let us use this week to celebrate the cultures that shape our shared identity and to recommit ourselves to the values of respect, understanding and justice. Together, we can build a future where diversity continues to be embraced as a source of strength.
Happy Multiculturalism Week, British Columbia!
Amna Shah,
Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives
