The Icelandic Canadian - 01.12.1979, Síða 18

16
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
WINTER 1979
audience, the cultural life of Winnipeg and
of Manitoba is being developed and sup-
ported by individuals of many nationalities.
The University of Manitoba represents on
its staff and student body a veritable League
of Nations.
This great diversity of national origins
and cultural backgrounds will, in the long
run, result in something new and distinc-
tive. During the long process of develop-
ment and integration difficulties and con-
flicting viewpoints may arise which call for
tolerance, good-will and understanding
based on a clearer knowledge of the back-
ground and aspirations of many different
peoples.
No longer is this area isolated and inac-
cessible. Winnipeg is now within two hours
distance, by jet propelled planes, from the
city of Toronto and seven to nine hours from
London, England. We can travel north by
air or by rail* to Churchill on the Hudson’s
Bay. By automobile, we can travel on broad
paved highways to any destination on the
Atlantic or the Pacific coast. Radio and tele-
vision have brought the news and the events
behind the news into our living-rooms. The
Queen of Canada and of the Commonwealth
speaks to us from her fire-side in Bucking-
ham Palace in London and in that very same
instant we hear her voice in our homes.
"The C.N.R. completed its route to Churchill on
the Hudson’s Bay in 1929.
Even though our constitutions of gov-
ernment and our courts of justice are tradi-
tionally British and our official languages
are English and French, it is now obvious
that the Canadian citizen of the future will
reflect the cultural influences of many other
lands.
From the isolated settlements of the pio-
neer days there has been a steady expansion
and coalescence of these areas and a gradual
integration of people of many origins, re-
sulting in the emergence of a distinctive
Canadian consciousness.
Canada ultimately, therefore, can be
compared to a mighty river which has drawn
its strength, its size and its importance from
the confluence of many converging streams.
The course that these separate national trib-
utaries follow determines their influence
and impact on the main stream of Canadian
life. In the process of merging and gaining
strength from many national sources, there is
bound to be a change and gradual but per-
ceptible loss of original identity.
In the fullness of time there will evolve an
indigenous culture based on the experi-
ences, traditions, ideals, sacrifices and
struggles of the Canadian people. This dis-
tinctive Canadian culture will continue to be
enriched in having its roots deep in our col-
lective and diverse heritage.
Compliments of ■
BROOKE BOND FOODS LIMITED
Red Rose Tea and Coffee, Blue Ribbon Tea,
334 McDERMOT AVE. Coffee, Spices and Extracts, Black Diamond Cheese 943-1511