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The development
of this community seems to reflect the immigration and settlement
pattern established by historians for Canada in general and
for other Canadian urban centres in particular: from migrant
workers in the late 1800s to permanent residents at the beginning
of this century. Also similar is the process of growth in
the subsequent decades: the early nucleus, consisting not
just of ditch-diggers or factory workers but small merchants,
businessmen, tradesmen and an occasional professional person,
slowly expanded and progressed into a varied and complex
Canadian ethno cultural group: with over three quarters of
a million people today it is the fourth largest in Canada.
(Walter Temelini, The Italians in Windsor. Polyphony,
Vol.7 No.2)
The Windsor Italian community is mostly the result of
the mass migrations which happened after the Second World
War through
the
sponsorship program. Sponsoring family members demonstrates
the value and the strength of the Italian family.
The Italians are the product of the two cultures, two
ways of life. They are proud of their Italian origin,
but
also proud
of their adopted land. The first generation is conservative
in their way of life. The most important thing for them
is the family, traditions, ties to the country of origin,
culture
and language.
Since the end of World War II, the Windsor Italians
have made remarkable progress. They have an economic
stability, which allows them to be more |
