The
discussion centred around Mr. Roncucci's emigration
experience, community activities and philosophy of life.
Believes that, when people emigrate, they bring their
cultural heritage with them; they need to be proud of this
heritage but they also must integrate with their host
country; they cannot live in a "cultural cocoon" based on
the values they brought from their homeland; believes that
many ethno cultural communities are "inward looking" and
must be encouraged to share their heritage with all
Canadians
His first involvement in education, as a recent
emigrant who spoke English (he acquired this in his youth
and it was further developed by service as a translator at
the end of W.W. II for the 8th Army), was when he was
asked to assist women who were applying for Canadian
citizenship and did not speak English; he set up informal
classes to do this; also made Citizenship court
appearances with them; studied tailoring and fashion
design during the day and English language in the evening
In 1961 was asked to serve on the Edmonton Citizenship
Council and, in 1967, was involved in a study led by Dr.
Hobart, Department of Sociology, University of Alberta to
survey the Ukrainian and Italian communities to determine
rural origin and educational background; determined that
for both groups the mean level of education was grade 3+
Mr. Roncucci was a founder of the multiculturalism
movement in Alberta and Canada; noted that the term began
to be used in the early 70s but the notion arose earlier;
in 1967, through the Folk Arts Council he choreographed a
dance titled "Canadiana" for centenary
celebrations; he believes that folkloristic dances are the
most basic of cultural expressions and enable sharing
between cultures; the dance began with First Nations,
followed by voyageurs, English, Scots, Ukrainians and
others; it was danced to a particularly western piece of
music, Turkey in the Straw, and he wanted to demonstrate
diversity and unity; it was performed on July 1st, Canada
Day, in Ottawa and then was invited to perform it in
Tunisia at the International Festival of Popular Arts
(1971)
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
)
