The difference within us: Ethnic Identities In Canada By: Tabassum Curatorial Statement The title "the difference within us" emphasizes Canada’s rich diversity and how greatly it has advanced as a multicultural country. This change and acceptance of creating a multicultural place comes from realizing how important a diverse/ ethnic community is, not only does it allow a strong community encouraging open-mindedness among individuals who are different, it helps displets negative stereotypes. The theme of my exhibit explains that Canada itself doesn’t just have the title of a multicultural and diverse country, Canadians put time and energy into creating ethnic neighborhoods, which is shown by the development of various cultural festivals such as Chinatown, Greek towns and more. 1910s – Little Italy This is a photo of a grocery store in Little Italy in the 1910s."Little Italy" refers to neighborhoods in Canadian cities having a sizable Italian population and a concentration of Italian shops, restaurants, cultural institutions, and community organizations. Little Italy has historical relevance in Canada and has influenced Canadian identity in a variety of ways: A grocery store in Little Italy, 1910s Neighbourhoods in Italy have made substantial economic contributions to Canadian society. Italian immigrants and their descendants established enterprises such as grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, and cafes, which boosted the local economy and created jobs. Little Italy communities became well-known for their bustling business activity, which drew both locals and tourists. These enterprises' economic contributions have helped shape the urban landscape and give Canadian cities a distinct personality. Little Italy, like other ethnic enclaves, has contributed to Canada's multicultural fabric and the development of Canadian identity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Italy,_Montreal 1937 – Toronto’s first Chinatown Another artifact mentioned in the exhibit is the history of Chinatowns, including Toronto's First Chinatown at 100–110 Elizabeth Street on April 8, 1937. Today, Toronto’s Chinatown has become one of the largest in North America, defined as being constantly changing due to the multiple cohorts of Chinese immigrants that have a variety of cultures, traditions, and languages. Throughout Canada’s history, Chinese immigrants fought hard to create a community that was similar to their home. Chinatowns have amazing histories of success, struggle, decline, erasure, and resistance in Canada. Chinatown's historical significance enabled Canada to recognize the value of immigration and the advantages it provides, enabling it to develop into a more prosperous and advanced nation. This continuing change and advancement growth has let Chinatown extend its growth; by 1947, Chinese Canadians had gained the right to vote; the local redevelopment plans for "The Ward" began the same year; and the city received financing to create a new City Hall and Civic Square. Chinatowns have always been hotbeds of anti-Asian xenophobia. Historically, this manifested itself in riots, punishing legislation, and slum-clearing policies; in modern urban life, it manifests itself in escalating hate crimes, over-policing, and vandalism. Toronto's First Chinatown at 100–110 Elizabeth Street on April 8, 1937 https://www.myseumoftoronto.com/programming/toronto-first-chinatown/ Toronto’s first Chinatown Relation to Canada Identity Canada's dedication to variety and multiculturalism is symbolised by Chinatown. It highlights the Chinese community's cultural diversity and contributions to the larger Canadian mosaic. The existence of Chinatown enhances Canada's standing as an accepting country that embraces and appreciates ethnic diversity. It's a representation of successful intercultural interaction and blending. While conserving their cultural history, the Chinese population in Toronto has actively participated in many facets of Canadian life. The existence of Chinatown and its coexistence with other areas of the city serve as an example of how different cultures have come together to build a distinctively Canadian identity. 1956 – Paldi School picture In 1956, a photograph of a class of students and their teacher was taken in Paldi, British Columbia. Paldi, formerly Mayo, was a multiethnic mill town. Paldi, which is located in British Columbia, Canada, has some historical significance. Paldi was founded in 1916 by Mayo Singh Minhas, his brother Ganea Singh Minhas and their cousin Doman Singh who came to Canada to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway and in the lumber industry. Paldi's historical significance stems from its status as Canada's first Sikh colony, signifying the early Sikh diaspora and their contributions to the country's growth. It acts as a reminder of the difficulties that Sikh immigrants experienced in establishing a community in a new place. Paldi personifies cultural diversity and multiculturalism in Canada. The emergence of a Sikh community in Paldi exemplifies the country's welcoming attitude towards immigrants from various backgrounds and their contributions to Canadian society. Paldi's history exemplifies the complex tapestry of cultures that has shaped Canada. The history of Paldi allows Canadians to learn about the experiences and contributions of Sikh immigrants and other early residents. Understanding, empathy, and appreciation for the various experiences that have influenced Canada's past, and present are fostered through investigating the history of Paldi and comparable communities. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/paldi# 1984 – Little India Little India, also known as the Gerrard India Bazaar, first appeared in Toronto around 1972, following businessman Gian Naaz purchased the Naaz Theatre, which exhibited Bollywood and Pakistani movies. Furthermore, this Nazz Theatre is reported to be the first theater to show South Asian films which attracted an enormous amount of Canadians visitors from all over the Greater Toronto Area, resulting in the creation of a number of new companies to serve the South Asian population. This proved necessary since the neighborhood around the Nazz theater began to significantly expand later on. By the end of the 1980s, "Little India" had become widely recognised. In 1984, there were approximately 95 South Asian stores and eateries in the region, and roughly 100,000 tourists frequented. Little India, a community in Toronto, Canada, has contributed to the development and presentation of Canadian identity in a wide range of forms. Boosting diversity of culture as Little India symbolizes Canada's multiculturalism through demonstrating many South Asian Community cultures, and traditions. Little India's existence underlines Canada's dedication to accepting and celebrating other cultures, which is a key component of Canadian identity. Gerrard India Bazaar, 1984 Photo by Erin Combs https://urbaneer.com/blog/the_history_of_little_india_toronto 1980s –Korea Town The Korea town possesses historical significance due to its relation to Canadian history and how the Korea town evolved to be. The development of Koreatown in Toronto corresponds to an increase in Korean immigration to Canada in the latter part of the 1960s and early 1970s. Despite the fact that freshly arrived Korean immigrants encounter countless obstacles, they keep on building new lives while adding to Canadian society. In addition, Koreatown contributed economically, but businesses in Koreatown made substantial economic contributions to the surrounding economy leading to creating more employment opportunities and pushing economic growth in the area. In summary, Koreatown in Toronto remains significant in history as an acknowledgment of the resiliency, preservation of culture, economic contributions, and integration into the society of the Korean population in Canada. It illustrates the broader narrative of immigration, development, and multiculturalism in Canadian history. Intersection of Bloor and Manning streets in the 1980s. - Korea Town https://www.blogto.com/city/2021/01/history-koreatown-toronto/ Korea Town Relation to Canada Identity Koreatown, like other ethnic communities, is linked to Canadian identity in a variety of ways, adding to the country's multicultural fabric. By facilitating cultural interaction and fusion, Koreatown adds to the dynamic nature of multicultural Canada. While retaining its distinct Korean identity, Koreatown absorbs and incorporates elements from various cultures into its offerings. Korean meals with Canadian twists, for example, or fusion restaurants that combine Korean and other cuisines, may be found. This cultural fusion exemplifies Canada's cosmopolitan character and stimulates creative relationships between diverse ethnic populations. Koreatown is frequently located near or interacts with other ethnic neighborhoods, resulting in a lively tapestry of multicultural communities. This connection promotes social and cultural exchanges among many ethnic groups, strengthening the neighborhood's and city's diverse scene. Koreatown's presence, along with other ethnic communities, illustrates the diversity and multiculturalism that characterize Canadian cities. Work Cited Chimbos, P. D. (2019, September 12). Greek Canadians. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/greeks “Explore Energetic Koreatown In Toronto – Urbaneer.” Urbaneer, 2 June 2021, https://urbaneer.com/blog/discover_torontos_vibrant_koreatown Georgiou, B. (2019, October 20). Greektown. Scenes From Toronto. https://scenesto.com/tag/greektown/ Gouvernement du Canada. (2023, May 10). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/asianheritage-month/important-events.html History. Little Italy College St. (n.d.). https://tolittleitaly.com/history/ James. (2020, July 24). A brief history of Toronto’s Little India Neighbourhood. Gerrard India Bazaar BIA. https://gerrardindiabazaar.com/a-brief-historyof-torontos-little-india-neighbourhood/ Jen. (2023, June 4). The joys of little italy in Toronto (restaurants, events, and guides). Indie88. https://indie88.com/little-italy-toronto/ Kerr, J. (2018, April 26). Korean community stays united in the aftermath of Yonge St. Van Rampage. thestar.com. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/25/korean-community-stays-united-in-the-aftermath-of-yonge-st-van-rampage.html Kim, Jinwon. “Koreatowns: Exploring the Economics, Politics, and Identities of Korean Spatial Formation - 9781498584531.” Rowman & Littlefield, https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781498584531/Koreatowns-Exploring-the-Economics-Politics-and-Identities-of-Korean-Spatial-Formation. Koreatown, Toronto. Wikiwand. (n.d.). https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Koreatown,_Toronto Martos, S. (2021, June 18). Little Manila perseveres: How filipinx leaders in Stockton are organizing for the next generation. KQED. https://www.kqed.org/news/11878030/little-manila-perseveres-how-filipinx-leaders-in-stockton-are-organizing-for-the-next-generation Romanska, A. (2021, January 31). The history of Koreatown in Toronto. blogTO. https://www.blogto.com/city/2021/01/history-koreatown-toronto/ Wencer, D. (2016, October 15). Historicist: Greektown on the Danforth. Torontoist. https://torontoist.com/2016/10/historicist-greektown-on-thedanforth/ Thank You
