Ottawa has a unique cultural identity and is home to diverse groups of people and communities. Meet some of the people from diaspora communities who are contributing to Ottawa’s rich cultural diversity. Read stories of how people of different cultures have contributed immensely to the identity of the city of Ottawa.
People from diverse backgrounds bring unique language skills, new ways of thinking, innovative ideas and creative solutions to difficult problems, not to mention great food. When people from diverse backgrounds meet at work, they bring new perspectives that lead to different skills and mindsets, increased understanding and knowledge, which in turn create business and technological innovation. Our social cohesion is strengthened by the diversity in our communities, which is highlighted here.
By providing a platform for people to share their cultural practices and promote culture as a strategy for resilience and sustainable cohabitation, we are strengthening cultural heritage in Ottawa and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
The renewable action plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture in Ottawa (2013-2018) prioritized celebrating Ottawa’s unique cultural identity and building access to culture for all. With support from the City of Ottawa, we aim to document the cultural heritage of visible minority diaspora communities in Ottawa. Having easy access to information from different cultures will encourage social cohesion, civic engagement and safer, healthier neighbourhoods. We can only build the strongest possible future if we have access to the knowledge and wisdom of those who came before us.
We hope that this platform will provide a central location for diaspora communities and the broader community of Ottawa to learn about different cultural groups’ heritage and connect with key culture keepers.
Thanks to all the contributors for sharing their stories
This project would not have been realized without the support from the City of Ottawa and the Social Planning Council of Ottawa