The people of Alberta have always been diverse in their
languages and cultures. Even before the establishment of the
Province of Alberta in 1905, Canada's Native Indian tribes
spoke in ten distinct linguistic forms. This linguistic
pluralism established a social base of diversity that was
further enhanced as various European and Asian language groups
came to pioneer settlement before and after the turn of the
century. By 1921, the Census of Canada reported that over 30
non-Native languages were spoken in Alberta. It is fitting,
therefore, that a binder of Profiles be developed to enable
Albertans to better appreciate both their historical
ethno-cultural roots and the richness of human resources
available in Alberta today.
The enclosed Profiles, covering over fifty Alberta
ethno-cultural groups, are designed to be a source of easily
accessible information. Each Profile has been allotted one
page on a white background suitable for photocopying, is
printed on durable paper and included in a binder chosen for
its convenience to readers. The short list of Resources at the
end of each Profile will serve as a "starter"
bibliography for those readers wishing to pursue a subject
more fully. These Profiles are being made available to the
public and to various government offices, businesses and
libraries throughout the province; the Cultural Heritage
branch hopes that all users find this concise information
package a useful reference source.
The production of Profiles on ethno-cultural categories in
Alberta required a great deal of research and verification.
Fortunately, the Cultural Heritage branch had the cooperation
of the Alberta Cultural Heritage Council in this endeavor.
Initiated in 1972 by the Government of Alberta, the Council is
comprised of province-wide representatives selected by
ethno-cultural communities and appointed by Alberta's Minister
of Culture. On each Profile readers will note the name(s) of
the Council member(s) who volunteered their time to review
draft manuscripts. The Cultural Heritage branch expresses its
gratitude to the Alberta Cultural Heritage Council for its
assistance with this project.
Although each of Alberta's cultures is different, there are
similarities common to all. A theme of mutual integration,
which respects both our similarities and differences, is
reflected in the choice of design selected for the Profiles.
Each is headed by the common word "People" of
Alberta, yet is done in the language(s) of the ethno-cultural
category. As a totality, therefore, the package both reflects
the multilingual character of our population and recognizes
the unity of all Albertans. Cultural Heritage is pleased to
provide these profiles to facilitate cross-cultural
understanding and enhance public appreciation of Alberta's
cultural diversity.
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This digital collection was
produced with financial assistance from Canada's Digital
Collections initiative, Industry Canada.
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
