Mission Statement

The Intercultural Institute of Montreal is a non-profit research and social action organization, dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of cultural pluralism, intercultural relations and social change. Its scope is at once local, national and international.

Although harmonious ethnic relations and cultural diversity are generally recognized as desirable, little is understood about the transformative possibilities they offer our pluralistic world.

The IIM is committed to exploring these possibilities in order to meet contemporary economic, ecological, social and civilizational challenges. These can only be met through a sincere search of the wisdom and cosmovision of each and every culture, through dialogue, understanding and co-operation.

The philosophy and practices of the IIM find their roots in the non-institutional and community sectors of our societies. The Institute’s spirit has been one of engaging itself in a dynamic interaction between the public and private or the formal and informal sectors, without compromising its identity as a community organization.

It is our belief that a societal transformation is possible only through a synergetic process that begins with people, extends to communities and touches the fabric of society as a whole. Thus our commitment is twofold : to reflect philosophically, elaborating intellectual discourses on pluralism, interculturalism and social change; and also to raise the voice of dissent, articulating alternative lifestyles at the grassroots.

The operational framework of the IIM is conceived on the basis of this intercultural philosophy, which translates into the composition of its staff and Administrative Board as well as into all of its administrative policies.