Greek Immigrant Women from Asia Minor: Philoptoho and Language Schools

Philoptoho means "friends to the poor." The Greek Ladies' Philoptoho Society was also known as the Charitable Greek Church Fraternity or Sorority of Ladies. Their participation in the Greek language schools helped fill a need within the community to formalize the desire for cultural continuity, and was also perceived as an amplification of their role as educators of the immigrant and Canadian-born children... full article

The Federal Government's Cultural Enrichment Programme

When second generation Canadians are asked if they speak their family's language, they will often answer, "Well, no, we never really spoke it at home. My mother didn't want us to have an accent." Far from having formal instruction in their heritage language, children could actually be punished for speaking it at school and were made to feel ashamed because of it... full article

Wandering Spirit Survival School - Toronto Native Way School

In operation since 1976, Wandering Spirit began as a volunteer school at the Native Canadian Centre, later became an alternative school, and then in 1983, was recognized as a Native People's Survival School, a distinct school category subject to distinct policies. What makes Wandering Spirit a special school? full article

Filipino Canadians: Where is Our Heritage Language Going?

In a place like Ontario, one is apt to wonder why the Filipino-Canadians do not seem to exert any effort to promote the use of their heritage language. Before we try to find the answers to this problem, one question has to be answered: Is there a Filipino Heritage Language? full article

Bengali Language Learning: Opportunities in and Around Toronto

With a very few exceptions, most Bengali parents not only expect or encourage their children to learn Bengali, they demand it. When asked rhetorically "Why should the children learn Bengali?" many parents become upset, and their response ranges from incredulous to indignant. The outbursts range from the assertion of "keeping their own culture and heritage" to "being a Bengali." full article