The beauty of Milliken’s ‘multicultural hodge-podge’
2015/07/22 1 Comment
A reminder that it is in neighbourhoods like this one that highlight how multiculturalism in Canada works in practice:
Helen Stratigos’ eyes light up when she talks about her neighbourhood.
For the last 15 years, she’s been living in Milliken – a north Scarborough community on the Markham border that’s a “multicultural hodge-podge” home to mostly first and second-generation immigrants, where only 25 per cent of the population was born in Canada.
“People here are proud to be Canadian – they love to be Canadian – but they retain their cultural identity,” says Stratigos, 43. “And that’s something that’s part of your soul, part of your roots.”
Stratigos, a full-time mom with two daughters aged 6 and 15, comes from a Filipina-Greek background and says most of the Milliken community comes from mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
On this July afternoon, she’s leading the Star on a tour of the neighbourhood, pointing out the community’s lush parkland, authentic Asian cuisine and welcoming atmosphere for newcomers to Canada.
“Every time I step out my door, I’m getting an education in world cultures and world religions,” Stratigos says.
The beauty of Milliken’s ‘multicultural hodge-podge’ | Toronto Star.
About Andrew
Multicultural Meanderings 
The Strengthening the Canadian Citizenship Act” did a good job of stirring up, and creating, distrust of all immigrants. Comments on various articles to be found online seem to indicate a growing division among Canadians: some are quite vitriolic towards immigrants, especially those with, or eligible for, dual citizenship. Others responding to the articles do not agree, but quite often seem to be in the minority.
It is good to be reminded the reality that multiculturalism is still alive and well in Canada. I share Helen Stratigos’ view that one can be very Canadian while still retaining cultural identity and appreciate her sharing that with others. That is a basic part , I think, of what it means to be Canadian in the first place.