By Kimberly Vance-Lundsbye
June 27 marks the 12th Annual Canadian Multiculturalism Day.
This holiday is a time to celebrate and recognize the value and strength of our national cultural diversity.
Cariboo-Chilcotin Partners for Literacy will be at the South Cariboo Farmers' Market on June 27 with a table set up for making traditional Scandinavian midsummer flower crowns to help celebrate the occasion, the season and share program information about free immigrant support services available to all newcomers to Canada.
The South Cariboo has a unique immigrant demographic in that it is quite different than the rest of British Columbia. It will not come as a surprise to many that German-speaking immigrants make up the majority of immigrants in the region.
This region also sees many people moving here for retirement, usually after having visited several times on vacation before deciding to call the South Cariboo home.
Other newcomers to Canada who find themselves in this area are the medical health professionals from all over the world who spend time tending to the needs of the community.
With Canada Day on July 1, this is the perfect time of year for residents to get out into the community to learn about the customs and traditions of other cultures, celebrate Canada’s cultural mosaic, and show appreciation for all the unique people who enrich our society.
Kimberly Vance-Lundsbye is the South Cariboo Welcoming Communities co-ordinator.