Building Inclusive Communities in Rural Canada

This collection challenges misconceptions that rural Canada is a bastion of intolerance by examining the extent and nature of contemporary cultural and religious discrimination in rural Canadian communities and the efforts by rural citizens, community groups, and municipalities to counter it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: University of Alberta Press

This collection challenges misconceptions that rural Canada is a bastion of intolerance. While examining the extent and nature of contemporary cultural and religious discrimination in rural Canadian communities, the editors and contributors explore the many efforts by rural citizens, community groups, and municipalities to counter intolerance, build inclusive communities, and become better neighbours. Throughout, scholars and community leaders focus on building new understandings, language, and ways of thinking about diversity and inclusion that will resonate with rural people. Scholars of rural studies will find this book useful as will rural community leaders and community organizers.

Contributors:

Clark Banack, Ray Bollman, Claudine Bonner, Corina Borri-Anadon, Jen Budney, Michael Corbett, Roger Epp, Murray Fulton, Stacey Haugen, Phil Henderson, Sivane Hirsch, Michelle Lam, Coleen Lynch, Aasa Marshall, Darcy Overland, Trista Pewapisconias, Dionne Pohler, Samuel Reimer, Jennifer Tinkham, Kyle White

Rural Canada is often perceived as a bastion of intolerance, with a lack of diversity and acceptance. However, this collection of essays challenges that notion by examining the extent and nature of contemporary cultural and religious discrimination in rural communities. The editors and contributors explore the many efforts by rural citizens, community groups, and municipalities to counter intolerance, build inclusive communities, and become better neighbours.

Scholars and community leaders focus on building new understandings, language, and ways of thinking about diversity and inclusion that will resonate with rural people. The book includes contributions from scholars of rural studies, as well as rural community leaders and community organizers.

One of the key themes in the collection is the importance of building relationships and trust between different cultural and religious groups. Many rural communities have experienced tensions and conflicts over cultural differences, but the authors argue that by fostering dialogue and understanding, these communities can become more inclusive and harmonious.

Another theme is the need for rural communities to address the issue of poverty and inequality. Many rural residents face economic challenges, and this can lead to discrimination and marginalization. The authors suggest that by investing in education, healthcare, and social services, rural communities can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all residents.

The collection also highlights the importance of cultural heritage and the preservation of traditional practices. Many rural communities have rich cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations, but these traditions can be threatened by modernization and urbanization. The authors argue that by celebrating and promoting cultural heritage, rural communities can maintain a sense of identity and pride.

Overall, this collection provides a valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing rural Canada in the 21st century. By examining the extent and nature of contemporary cultural and religious discrimination, the editors and contributors offer a roadmap for building more inclusive and diverse communities in rural areas. The book will be useful for scholars of rural studies, as well as rural community leaders and community organizers.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781772126334