Research Project

The Latin American Research Institute (LARI) is currently working on an investigation project about the Chilean Immigration to Canada. The executive summary provides you a brief description of the project.
Executive Summary
The objective of this project is to carry out an investigation on the issue of Chilean immigration to Canada. This investigation will study the Chilean immigration phenomenon from a historical, political, and sociological perspective. It will also analyze the multiple barriers that this ethnic group has faced along its settlement process and its contributions to Canadian society. The working title for the research proposal is “Chileans in Canada: A Historical, Political, and Sociological Study of the Chilean Immigration”.
There has been very little research done to document and study the distinctive characteristics of the Chilean immigration process since its beginning in Canada 30 years ago. The lack of information, resources and studies on this topic and other aspects of the Chilean ethnic group are apparent. Therefore, there exists a need for undertaking this type of investigation.
To the Chilean Canadians across the country, the accomplishment of this investigation represents both a tremendous challenge and a fundamental commitment to future generations. As a community it is our responsibility to start recording and writing down our history in order to pass it on to the upcoming generations, so that they can learn from the past and to continue contributing positively to Canadian society in the present and in the future.
The investigation will address two important objectives of the Multiculturalism Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage: the participation of ethno-racial minorities in public decision-making; and the engagement of communities and broad public in informed dialogue and sustained action to combat racism.
The investigation will provide valuable data regarding the Chilean Canadian communities across the country. This data will assist government agencies at different levels, such as the Canadian Heritage department, to develop strategies and policies to encourage the full and active participation of these specific communities in Canadian society. In the process, the project will increase public awareness and understanding about multiculturalism, racism and cultural diversity issues. In doing so, it will certainly inspire the Chilean Canadian across the country to generate initiatives to respond more effectively to ethnic, racial, and cultural conflicts existing in their communities.