Cultural Identity and Expression among Ghanaian Immigrants in Toronto, 1967-2000

Date
Authors
Oklikah, Desmond Ofori
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Guelph
Abstract

This research investigates the identity and culture of Ghanaians in Toronto between 1960s and 2000—a visible minority group in Canada whose experiences are often categorized within other identities and whose history have engendered little investigations. The accounts of thirty-one Ghanaian immigrants who live(d) in Toronto between the 1960s and 2000 were examined to understand the influence of gender, age, race and culture on Ghanaian immigrants’ identity and cultural practices in Toronto. The project traced transnational relations among Ghanaians and Ghanaian associations in Toronto from the 1960s to 2000. The study also considers whether Canada’s multiculturalism has contributed to the autonomy of Ghanaian culture in Toronto. In interrogating the concepts of culture, identity, diaspora, multiculturalism and transnationalism, the study observed that Ghanaian immigrants in Toronto (1960s-2000) (re)negotiated and (re)defined their identity, cultural needs, individual and group relations and place in Ghana and Canada.

Description
Keywords
Multiculturalism, Transnationalism, African diaspora, Identity, Cultural expression, Ghanaians, Toronto
Citation