Does Multiculturalism include Canadas Aboriginal Peoples?
• The multiculturalism policy is for all Canadians, including Aboriginal peoples. • Many of these issues to which multiculturalism responds – racism, understanding different cultures, and preserving culture – concern Aboriginal peoples. • The Canadian Multiculturalism Act explicitly recongnizes the special status of Aboriginal peoples. With greater equality, everyone gains – including Aboriginal peoples. Multiculturalism programs work with Aboriginal peoples on issues of concern to them. However, many of their political, social and economic concerns are definately beyond these programs. Other federal departments have policies and programs designed to deal with these issues. These programs emphasize progressive, equitable program policies in areas such as education, employment, economic development, housing, health and social services and culture.
