Navigating Identity and Policy: The Afro-Caribbean Experience in Canada

This interdisciplinary study examined the migration, settlement, and identity formation of Afro-Caribbean communities in Canada, with a focus on Haitian and Jamaican diasporas. It explored the historical transitions from racially exclusionary immigration policies to contemporary multicultural frameworks and assessed their impact on the socioeconomic integration and cultural identity of these communities. Drawing from archival records, government reports, and sociological literature, this research highlights how Afro-Caribbean populations have navigated systemic barriers while contributing significantly to Canadian society. Using racial capitalism as a theoretical lens, the study critiqued the structural inequalities embedded within Canadian immigration and labour policies, underscoring the persistent challenges of economic marginalization and racial discrimination. Additionally, it engaged with cultural capital theories to examine the resilience and agency of Afro-Caribbean communities in forging new opportunities through cultural knowledge and community networks. Ultimately, this research advocates for policy reforms that foster a more equitable and inclusive society by addressing the systemic exclusions that continue to shape the experiences of Afro-Caribbean Canadians.