'Who are the original people of Canada?': Video of Indians dancing in Toronto raises colonisation claims online

A video going viral on the internet captured hundreds of people dancing at an Indian cultural event in Toronto. Rather than igniting praise and amazement over it, what ensued was a debate about the Indian colonisation of Canada. Now, everyone on the internet is pitted against each other.

The clip features large crowds enjoying traditional music, food stalls and energetic dance performances in a public space. Soon, a post gained traction on X (formerly Twitter) alleging that Canada had turned into an Indian colony, claiming that local citizens had become a minority due to a "larger than ever before" flood of immigrants.

"We cannot let this happen to us. Wake up!!!" it said.

Social media reactions

The post invited numerous reactions by viewers online triggering a psychological hook of cultural anxiety. While some questioned why immigrants replicate their homeland traditions abroad rather than assimilating into the local culture, others demanded the deportation of immigrants altogether.

"posts and indian festival, why is everyone an Indian. This is also toronto. Would you say the city is invaded by Italians?(sic)" asked a user while sharing images of an Italian parade in the city.

"Isn’t Canada built on immigrants? Just like the USA, Australia, and New Zealand Who are the original people of Canada?" questioned another.

"This is how democracy fails, no one who wrote charter rights and constitutions never expected India to have 1.5 billion people nd flood every other country with millions easy,' said one.

"Once they control the large cities they control the country. They fill the government with immigrants first. We are at war and everyone is asleep" claimed another.

Conversely, a massive number of users defended the diaspora, pointing to the history of hard-working communities. They highlighted that Canada was built entirely on the contributions of immigrants who pay substantial taxes and fill crucial labour shortages in the country.

The online debate reflects how societal anxieties have peaked over time due to economic strains and shifting demographics in major global hubs. While multiculturalism remains a cornerstone of Canadian identity, it seems its expression must be limited to political events and minority communities.