Windsor, Ontario, Canada’s southernmost city has a rich ethnic and cultural identity.  From its beginnings as First Nations, and later French agricultural settlements, Windsor has been an inviting and attractive destination – welcoming all those who arrive.

Following the War of 1812 and throughout the 19^th century, many ethnic communities settled in Windsor.

As immigration increased, so did the needs of newcomers, particularly in the areas of reception, integration, and adult education. Organizations were established in order to provide welcoming services and settlement assistance.

Also identified as vitally important, was the need to preserve and celebrate the heritage and practices of the many cultures now established in the city.  A number of groups were formed to ensure that traditions and customs were not only shared, but also celebrated.

In October of 1971, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau adopted Multiculturalism as the official policy of the government of Canada.  With an initial grant from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, a meeting of over 100 ethno-cultural clubs and service agencies in Windsor and Essex County was held.  At the meeting it was decided to establish a formal organization.

On April 8, 1973, the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County was officially established.

The Multicultural Council hosted regular meetings to address the concerns of ethno-cultural communities, provided guidance and counseling during settlement to Canada, and volunteers to assist with translation and interpretation.

In June 1974 a $3,500 grant from the Ministry of Culture and Recreation supported the Multicultural Council’s inaugural Multicultural Festival at the riverfront.  The following year, with co-operation from the Freedom Festival, a bazaar was held at the Cleary Auditorium featuring fourteen ethnic food booths together with a large exhibit of cultural artefacts.

In 1976, the Ontario Government announced a new cultural grants program. Formal planning expanded the annual festival to include multiple ethno-cultural villages. Two weekends in June were designated to celebrate Windsor’s diversity.  On June 18, 1976 began a long-standing and popular tradition known as the Carrousel of Nations festival.

Over time, the Multicultural Council modified its services enhancing core programs such as cultural perseveration.  Current programs, such as Settlement and Integration, Language and Skills, Translation and Interpretation, Health and Wellness, Education, Diversity, and Special Events, offers services to Windsor’s newcomers and the community at large. The goal remains to embrace our mission to create a welcoming community for all through education, community engagement, and the promotion of diversity and equality for all residents of Windsor and Essex County.