CONTENT
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Polyphony, based on a bi-annual publication of the same name, is an historical testimony of the many ethnic cultures that constitute Ontario's people. The pages that follow, reflect the people of Polyphony and portray them as sharing similar experiences: their manner of arrival in Ontario, the development of their communities and the problems they faced. These experiences, in the context of themes such as labour, sports or theatre, are the primary foci of Polyphony.

Presented here in digital form,is a collection of articles, photographs and audio clips selected from Polyphony and the Multicultural History Society of Ontario (MHSO). Together they provide an introduction to the history rich with Ontario's cultural diversity.

~ This website explores the immigrant experience through eight different themes. Within each theme, there are articles, photographs and oral testimonies that provide a glimpse into the history and development of immigrants in Ontario. Each theme contains three to six articles, an oral history clip(s), as well as a selection of photos. Enjoy! ~

Featured here is an excerpt from the first issue of Polyphony:

The purpose of Polyphony is to introduce the reader to the Multicultural History Society of Ontario. The Society hopes to ensure the survival of as full a record as possible of immigration to Ontario, ethnicity, the old country origins of our people, and the historical experience of all groups in the province.

This bulletin is named Polyphony (consisting of many sounds or voices) because we believe that the musical concept of many melodies harmonizing contrapuntally(when added part by part) and progressively offers a more exact metaphor for the role of ethnicity in the life of our province than does the static image of the mosaic. The Society hopes that its work will not only foster scholarly research but will help to drive stereotyping, cliché, and prejudice from the classroom.

The material presented here is the work of many people with many views about ethnic studies, archives, history, teaching, and the role of government and politics in multiculturalism.