Who Gets to Be "Canadian"? How Race Has Operated in Keeping Canada White.

The article examines how systemic racism and colonial legacies in Canada shape the experiences and social positioning of racialized Canadians, particularly Black/African, Chinese, South Asian, and Indigenous peoples. It highlights how Canadian laws, immigration policies, and social practices have historically sought to maintain a predominantly white population, influencing who is recognized as truly "Canadian" and who is persistently perceived as foreign. The discussion includes the historical exclusion and marginalization of these groups through immigration restrictions, segregation, and discriminatory treatment, as well as the ongoing challenges they face in education, employment, and social inclusion. The article argues for the necessity of integrating comprehensive histories of colonialism and racialization into Canadian studies and education to foster a more equitable and inclusive society.