Kitimat Citizens
"The citizens, coming from many lands and all parts of Canada, contribute to the distinctive and cosmopolitan aspect of Kitimat." Kitimat-Kemano: Five Years of Operation, 1954-1959, Aluminum Company of Canada
Kitimat had a strong community spirit from the start. People from many countries, were all in the same situation - adapting to a new way of life in a brand new town. Cultural groups formed - Italian, Portuguese, Greek, German - and grew in membership. The multicultural nature of Kitimat increased with the arrival of Sikh, Chinese, Filipino, and Finnish residents.
A record number of newcomers to Canada took out their citizenship papers in Kitimat. After five years of residency and study of Canadian history and laws, individuals becoming new Canadian citizens would take the oath of allegiance to their new land. The first Citizenship Court in Kitimat was 1956. From 1956 to 1964 inclusive, more than 1500 people became Canadian citizens in Kitimat. Northern Sentinel, June 25, 1964.
Twelve New Canadians Take Oath of Allegiance
New Canadians after the oath, Public Safety Building stairwell, June 25, 1964.
Kitimat Multicultural Society attendees 2
The Kitimat Multicultural Society began in the 1980s out of a need for Kitimat's many ethnic groups to come together in celebration. The first gatherings were held at the MET, and included performance, exhibits, and a food fair over one weekend.
Kitimat Multicultural Society attendees 1
The Kitimat Multicultural Society began in the 1980s out of a need for Kitimat's many ethnic groups to come together in celebration. The first gatherings were held at the MET, and included performance, exhibits, and a food fair over one weekend.
Power Among Men
Kitimat citizen Albert Snopajtis plays himself in the United Nations' film "Power Among Men", 1957.
Kitimat German Canadian Club Entertaining at the Chalet
The Kitimat German-Canadian Club welcomes Dr. W. D. Hoops (centre), German Consul in Vancouver, to Kitimat, September 1964.
"Fast-Nacht" German Canadian Club
More than 150 costumed dancers attended the German-Canadian Club dance at the Legion Hall, February 1967.
Twelve New Canadians Take Oath of Allegiance
New Canadians after the oath, Public Safety Building stairwell, June 25, 1964.
The Luso Canadian Association
Expansion of Luso Canadian Club being discussed, April 21, 1969. The Luso Canadian Association, the Portuguese community, was the earliest cultural group in Kitimat, forming a club charter in 1961.