Lesson 1: Who Are the Yoruba?

The Yoruba are a West African people with deep roots in present-day southwestern Nigeria and neighboring Benin and Togo, with large diaspora communities across the Atlantic world.

Core Idea

Yoruba identity is carried through language, lineage, city histories, arts, spirituality, foodways, and public memory. Ile-Ife holds special importance in origin traditions, while cities such as Oyo, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ijebu, and many others hold distinct political and cultural histories.

Why It Matters in Canada

Yoruba Canadians inherit both local Canadian responsibilities and a transnational cultural memory. Associations, language schools, churches, mosques, festivals, writers, artists, and businesses all help keep that memory public and useful for new generations.