The Afro-Brazilian Carnaval was held this year on Granville St. | Photo by CBR Photography

Ever since the second half of the 20th century, Brazilians have immigrated to Canada. According to the Consul General Ernesto Rubarth, the Brazilian community in Vancouver comprises primarily highly educated professionals and students who integrate into Canadian society while keeping their traditions alive.

“The number of Brazilian students who come to Vancouver to study has been increasing,” explains Rubarth, who resumed work in Vancouver in September 2013, having previously worked in Geneva, Switzerland.

He says the education sector is very important for Brazilians in Canada and has expanded with joint programs and research centres, such as “Science
without Borders” (a joint scholarship program between Canada and Brazil). This program allows many Brazilian students to move to Canada’s West Coast to study long-term at a university or college. Rubarth says that 1200 Brazilians in his district participated in this program last year.

Different programs for everyone

Ernesto Rubarth, Consul General of Brazil | Photo by Courtesy of the Brazilian Consulate

While younger students between the ages of 16 and 18 may not yet study at a university, they still have the opportunity to learn English in Vancouver. Rubarth explains that they either visit a local high school or, more commonly, take part in temporary language programs that typically
last a few months.

“These students are usually not from urban areas in Brazil. In Vancouver, they often live with a Canadian homestay family,” says Rubarth.

In terms of the labour market, Rubarth says it is primarily
highly educated professionals who work in a job relevant to the Canadian economy and who plan to settle down in their new country. In Alberta, for instance, many work in the oil and gas industry. Brazilians’ immigration to Canada began in the 1980s and has developed steadily since then. According to Rubarth, Canada welcomed Brazilians because of their high level of education.

These professionals often hold passports from both countries and try to maintain Brazilian traditions, such as the country’s carnival celebrations. Earlier this summer in Vancouver, the annual Afro-Brazilian Carnaval was held on Granville Street and offered Vancouverites a glimpse into Brazilian culture.

“It was a great way to promote our culture,” explains Rubarth, who points out that the celebration included traditional crafts, food, and dances, such as Capoeira.

On Sept. 7, Brazilians traditionally celebrate their national holiday, Independence Day, which honours the declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822. In Vancouver, the Brazilian consulate regularly organizes an event on this day for the Brazilian community. This year, the Brazilian community is invited to join them for the Open Consulate, where staff will explain how the consulate works.

“It’s very democratic and we get closer to the people we work for,” adds Rubarth.

While it is difficult to define a typical Brazilian due to the multifaceted influences that have shaped the country, Rubarth describes his fellow countrymen as enjoyable and hospitable.

“We are extroverted and like music, dance, sports and the outdoors,” he continues.

Similar to Canada, Brazil boasts a multicultural community with African, European, Japanese and Arabic influences – a fact Brazilians are very proud of. Brazil also has the largest Japanese community outside of Japan.

Promoting Brazilian and Latin American culture

To promote Latin American arts and culture, the Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre (VLACC) was established. Rubarth explains that several Latin American countries work together to bring this project
to life.

“It’s a serious initiative, which is planned carefully and consciously,” he adds.

Brazilian culture is also becoming increasingly popular in the academic sector: in a few weeks, a Brazilian scholar will begin his lectureship at the University of British Columbia. Additional language classes will be offered, as well as courses on Brazilian culture, history and music. The lectureship seems very timely to Rubarth, who notices a growing interest in Brazilian affairs – especially among entrepreneurs – in light of next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

For more information on the Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre:
www.vlacc.ca.

For more information on the Brazilian consulate:
www.vancouver.itamaraty. gov.br/pt-br.