Beyond foods & festivals

Abstract

As I enter the school gymnasium, the enticing odours of assorted ethnic foods waft on the air, and a fusion of Celtic piping, Indian sitar and Jamaican steel drums blare from cd players, creating a cheerful cacophony, while young people dressed in colourful costumes beckon visitors to gather at their displays. Once again, it is ‘multicultural’ day at a Canadian school. In many ways, these kinds of celebrations have become part of the fabric of Canadian social life and schooling since passage of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act by the federal government in 1988. According to this policy, we announce our commitment to recognizing Canada as a multicultural society that not only tolerates but officially encourages the practice and celebration of pluralism. While this can be seen as laudable, we must think carefully about whether our proclamations lead to actions that address social inequities and the effects of power relationships. If we superficially acknowledge multiculturalism by celebrating the ‘observable’ artifacts of culture-for example, foods, costumes, and music-but avoid meaningful explorations and inclusion of multiple perspectives and knowledges, we do nothing to build the deeper respect and understanding needed for societal transformation.