Learn about Latin American Cultures and Heritage

October 29, 2021 - Defence Stories

As many of you know, October was Latin American Heritage Month (LAHM). For the Defence Team, it was an opportunity to showcase the richness and vitality of Latin American cultures and heritage and to highlight their contributions to Canada. Throughout the month of October, Captain Rey Garcia-Salas has been delivering his national presentation on Latin American Heritage Month. For those who would like to learn more, he will be delivering that same presentation virtually next week—all members of the Defence Team are welcome to attend.

If you wish to join the Latin American Heritage Month Presentation it will be hosted via MS Teams: Thursday, November 4, 2021, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST Click here to join the meeting. (You are now leaving the Government of Canada website). Secondary communications will be via MS Teams telephone dial-in +1 343-803-5382. Phone Conference ID: 829 346 905#.

Did You Know?

Did you know Latin Americans have last names from a wealth of different backgrounds? Those who maintain their culture today are considered Latin American, though their ancestors may originate from other continents. The term Latin American therefore includes Indigenous Peoples of the Americas and people from other continents who came to the Americas, and adopted Latin American cultures.

Additionally, Latin Americans have been contributing to the defence of our country dating back to the First World War. This was a challenging time for many Latin Americans. Many spoke Spanish as a first language, which wasn’t widely spoken by other military members. During the First World War, an estimated 72 members who enlisted in the Canadian military were Latin American and born in a Latin American country; two were Latin American members born in Canada; and seven were Latin American members born in the USA. Their ability to share their culture, while adapting to life in the Canadian military, was remarkable.

We thank the Latin American community for their important contributions to Canada and the Defence Team, and we encourage everyone to attend the virtual presentation on Latin American Heritage Month.

This article was written with research on the First World War provided by Capt. Rey Garcia-Salas.