Canada: the national composition of the population. Ukrainian Diaspora in Canada. Peoples of Canada

This state is very attractive for immigrants, therefore the people of Canada differ in their diversity. Much of this influx of migrants is due to the high quality of life, the educational system, the environmental situation and other factors of high social development. One of the most numerous diasporas of Canada is the Ukrainian and Russian.

Indigenous people

The modern ethnic composition of the state was formed throughout its history. The first inhabitants of Canada inhabited the territory of the state even before it was colonized by Europeans. Tribes of Eskimos lived on the Arctic coast. But the main part of the country was inhabited by Indians. Depending on the area of residence, the tribes had their own name. The inhabitants of the western and north-western lands were tribes of Atapaski, Tlingit and Haida. All of them were united by one language family, which bore the name na-money.

Exactly at the opposite end of the country there is another family - Algonquin-Wakash. It included Cree, Montagne and Naskapi. The western part was inhabited by Selish, Nutka, and also Kwakiutl. The hoka-Siu family included the Sioux, Iroquois, Huron tribes. Their place of residence covered the southeast territories of modern Canada.

So, the set of tribes was the country of Canada. The national composition of the population was a different family. The total number of their members was two hundred twenty thousand people. The main occupation of the tribes was hunting, fishing and farming.

Middle Ages

In the era of great geographical discoveries, Canada has also changed. The ethnic composition of the population has changed significantly due to the process of colonization. European inhabitants have massively flooded the North American lands. And in the period from the sixteenth to the seventeenth century, among the overseas guests, the English and the Scots predominated. Then the advantage was transferred to the French. Thanks to this, large-scale Canadian Francophones began to appear in Canada. But at the same time, colonization negatively affected the indigenous population. The natural increase was very low, because immigrants brought with them illnesses, alcohol, firearms. Constant skirmishes, in which representatives of the tribes died, were not uncommon.

In the years to come this dynamics has been preserved. The number of colonizers grew, at the same time as the indigenous people became less and less. The reduction of their numbers was also influenced by the policy of the new-found government, which tried to forcibly transfer people to specially designated territories.

Modern composition of the population

At the moment, the ethnic composition of the state is a mix of immigrants from all corners of the world. Although the population density is very low, but the inhabitants themselves are distinguished by their diversity and unique combination of cultures. The intertwining of lines is very unusual, since thirty-four ethnic groups coexist peacefully on the territory. The majority of them do not exceed one hundred thousand people. However, there are such diasporas, whose representatives number more than a million.

Of course, the most numerous nationality living in the territory of the state are Canadians. But if you look at the historical component, most of them are descendants of immigrants. However, they identify themselves as Canadians.

National minorities

Representatives of different nationalities and is characterized by Canada. The ethnic composition of the population is extremely diverse due to the numerous diasporas.

Separately, the so-called visible minorities stand out. Under this concept, those residents who are not representatives of the Caucasoid race, but their ancestors are not aboriginal people. This group constitutes one fifth of the population of such a state as Canada. The ethnic composition of the population has a peculiar coloring at the expense of representatives of "visible minorities", who come from South Asia, China, Africa and South America. Also in this category are Filipinos and Arabs. The largest concentration of "visible minorities" in Ontario and Alberta.

A few indigenous groups are called the first inhabitants of Canada. They number about one and a half million, but today they make up only five percent of the total population of the country.

The appearance of Ukrainian diasporas

The Ukrainian diaspora in Canada is one and the most numerous. The reason for this was the pursuit of happiness, which led the Ukrainians to this democratic state. Most of the immigrants had to leave their native lands in order to be able to feed their families. Mostly migrated from the western part of the country, where they cultivated land. Such work in the homeland did not bring what would be good, but at least some income. The first, not afraid to emigrate from Ukraine across the ocean, were six families from Galicia. It was they who opened their way to Canada one hundred twenty years ago.

Moving to another country was very acute for the residents of Western Ukraine, as they were under pressure from Poland and then from the communist regime. For some people, a visa to Canada was the last chance for a normal life. Immigrants tried to escape from Stalin's repressions overseas.

The second wave of immigration began after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In difficult times for newly formed countries, many residents moved abroad in search of a better existence. A distinctive feature of this stream of settlers was the goal. If earlier people tried to escape, now they chose a new house from the position of quality of life. Canada attracted immigrants with its loyal state policy towards settlers. Moreover, these were not empty promises. The authorities provided the newly-arrived residents with good medical care, the opportunity to get education and help in finding a job. People have overcome incredible distances in order to ensure a happy future for their children.

The modern life of Ukrainian immigrants

At the moment, Canadians of Ukrainian descent mainly live in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. These provinces are popularly called the second Ukraine. There is a stable increase in population. Since 2000, the number of residents in these provinces has increased by a total of 138 thousand people. Such positive demographic dynamics is ensured by the corresponding policy of the state, which issues guest and tourist visas under simplified conditions.

The authorities of Canada ensure unhindered border crossing by the Ukrainians in order to ensure their communication with relatives and friends. This is also good for the tourism industry of the state.

Now the state is even more carefully considering the decision on free entry for Ukrainians. There are adjustments to certain technical issues related to registration for registration of a permanent place of residence, access to social benefits, medical insurance and employment opportunities.

Employment of Ukrainians in Canada

As the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada is represented very widely, accordingly immigrants are engaged in different spheres of activity. Most prestigious work is received by those visitors who plan their lives in advance in another country. The first step is to issue a special visa, which will entitle you to work. But you can get the document only by having an invitation from the employer. Another option is a federal program, within which you can also get a profitable vacancy. At the initial stage, the diaspora helps its brethren.

The former citizens of Ukraine are happy to take to work in such areas as public catering, medicine, as well as profile services. Cooks, nurses, doctors, cooks, carpenters, plumbers and electricians - professionals are needed everywhere.

Cultural heritage

But what language is in Canada - a country with such a diverse national composition? Unequivocally answer this question will not succeed. Since the country is very multinational, each diaspora has brought something of its own. Even those Ukrainians who have long left their historical homeland, remember and respect their language. At the moment, more than a million immigrants from Ukraine live in Canada. And these are only those who have a permanent place of residence in this country.

Most of the diaspora actively supports the development of national culture. In every Ukrainian house, old traditions and customs still live, which, just as they were once, have been handed down from generation to generation. This identity was carried through the years from the first immigrants to their descendants. On the territory of Canada there are several museums dedicated to Ukrainian culture. Many constantly organize various festivals, which demonstrate folk crafts. The most famous is the museum-village "Ukrainian Heritage".

Active development of Ukrainian culture abroad is not surprising, because many years ago, various writers and poets worked in immigration. The works of Elena Teligi and Oleg Olzhich are known both in Canada and in Ukraine.

Russian Society

It is impossible to imagine the peoples of Canada without the Russian community, which was formed in two stages:

1. The first wave is characterized by the resettlers of the so-called Harbin immigration. These are the people who left the Chinese lands. The reason for their move is different views on the structure of society. Migrants were ardent opponents of socialism, more prone to monarchy.
2. The peak of the second wave occurred in the seventies and eighties of the last century. A flood of people poured in, fleeing from the original capitalism. These migrants, on the contrary, differ in their trembling attitude towards their homeland.

Support for Diasporas

Regardless of why Russians in Canada are, what they have political views and preferences, the Diaspora helps all compatriots. Mostly places of congestion of immigrants from Russia are Orthodox churches. Most often, they gather there not even for religious purposes, but simply to communicate with their brethren.

What the Russians are doing and how they live in Canada can tell the special communities. They also provide legal support, help to settle in an unfamiliar country. Also, communities are engaged in the fact that they are trying to rally and protect people from loneliness. These include:

• "Russian Montreal";
• "Russian-speaking community of Canada";
• "Russian Ottawa";
• "Russian Winnipeg";
• "Russian Humanitarian House".

Adaptation period

Before moving many worried about what language in Canada, what kind of people. The first time, according to immigrants, resembles a honeymoon. Man likes everything, still admires all that is happening. But then the gray days come, the immigrant understands that he must settle down for later life. Adults need to find work, and children need to go to school. But after some time, families adapt and are drawn into a new way of life.