The history of our beautiful city, Kingston, is as diverse as the people that call it home. Originally a French trading post named “Cataraqui”, it only became known as Kingston when the British took over in the mid-eighteenth century. Back then there were just three distinct cultures that were the overwhelming majority, but the range and prevalence of our demographics grow exponentially every year. Now our old city, sitting between the beginning of the St. Lawrence River and the mouth of the Cataraqui River is been a leading example of what it means to be Canadian and the cultural diversity that makes our true north strong and free.

The Canadian Colours of Kingston Foundation aims to continue to foster and promote the diversity, inclusion and equity that has made Kingston such a harmonious city for all Canadians. We believe that the diverse cultures and religions that make up our great city should be a source of strength. Equity goes hand-in-hand with Canadian values and that, regardless of background, beliefs, and culture, we all have the right to feel welcome and at peace with our neighbours. We can always celebrate and appreciate the individual cultural differences of our fellow Canadians and doing so is the true Canadian way. We created the Canadian Colours of Kingston Foundation to bring our different cultures together and build a city of understanding and communication by changing the narrative and understanding of true diversity.