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Canadian Ethnic Groups, a Brief History

Canada's Native Americans are believed to have come from Asia in several pre-historic migrations over the Bering Land Bridge from Siberia to Alaska. They migrated to all parts of Canada, living in tribes of closely related cultural groups.

In 1497, explorer John Cabot discovered the northeastern coast of Canada and claimed the territory for England. News of a New World full of abundance - fertile land, waters full of fish, and valuable fur-bearing animals -brought expeditions, waves of adventurers, and new settlers from England and France.

During the 1800s Canada's population swelled with new immigrants: black slaves escaping the United States, imported Chinese railroad laborers, fortune hunters of all nationalities after the discovery of gold.

Modern Canada continues to welcome new immigrants, most recently from countries of the former Soviet Union, from Asia and the Caribbean.