Multicultural Week kicked off yesterday with a boisterous and colourful parade of students dressed in ethnic finery and waving flags as they followed drummers through the common arcades and 
hallways.
The Samba Squad led them along a circuitous route from the CIBC Lobby in Accolade East to Vari Hall and into York Lanes before ending up in the Student Centre for the annual Global Fashion Show.
Right: Click on the photo for more images of Monday's Multicultural Parade
Mosaic is the theme of this year’s Multicultural Week. Each piece of a mosaic is unique and beautiful on its own, yet when the pieces come together, the mosaic becomes even more beautiful and more spectacular, said Christine Mitsubata, charity and entertainment director for york is U, the event organizer, in her opening remarks.
Rob Tiffin, York vice-president students, said multiculturalism is enshrined in Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Citing former Supreme Court justice and former York chancellor Peter Cory, he said under the federal multiculturalism policy Canada’s different cultures can come together as a mosaic. And by strengthening the constituent parts that make up this country, we strengthen Canada as a whole.
Thirteen student clubs joined Monday’s parade, including those representing India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Portugal and Trinidad.
Multicultural Week continues today with a Global Food Fair in the Underground and other events. For more details about the week’s events, see YFile Jan. 21.