Saskatchewan was the first province to have a Multicultural Act, which was passed in 1974, followed by the adoption of the provincial motto ‘From Many Peoples Strength’ in 1975. Those facts are highlighted during Saskatchewan Multiculturalism Week which begins today (Sat).

The executive director of the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, Rhonda Rosenberg, says diversity began long before colonialism in Canada because there were many nations of First Nations people with differing practices and cultures. It wasn’t until 1997 that the Multicultural Act was amended to add the policy to preserve, strengthen and promote Aboriginal cultures and acknowledge their historic and current contributions to the development of Saskatchewan.

Rosenberg believes Saskatchewan people are becoming more aware and celebrating diversity more often in the cultural-social realm with festivals, foods, different ways of life and world views.

One way to highlight the week is to post on social media who your multicultural hero is. Rosenberg says they can be real people, or families, teachers, fictional characters – anybody who inspires you through their values, beliefs and actions. Some examples from past years are Martin Luther King Jr., who worked for social change in a spirit of love, or a family member who continues to practice cultural traditions. Rosenberg hopes the posts will be inspirational. Use the hashtag #MulticulturalSuperhero.