Born of the need to promote artistic activities and diversity of Canadian culture, ECHO Research Institute was established in 1986 as a non-profit charitable organization.
Its mission – to research and develop, document and promote contributions from persons of diverse ethnic groups to the cultural, intellectual, artistic and literary life of Canada.

ECHO Research Institute has undertaken a number of initiatives over the last 16 years: 
1988 - Art exhibition "Variety Of Art" in the Premier's Office, organized jointly with the Columbus Centre
1989 Workshop-seminar "Different Faces of Canadian Culture", at Glendon College, York University
1989 Art exhibition in Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, organized in cooperation with Columbus Centre
1992 Conference "Living Between Two Cultures", at Glendon College, York University
1993 Publication "ECHO REVIEW" containing 10 different articles on cultural diversity in Canada, supplied by researchers from across Canada
1996 Art exhibition and seminar, in cooperation with The Waterloo Group of Artists
1998 Seminar Series on sculpture creation, with hands-on workshop, in Sculpture Supply Canada
1999 Studio tours open for public, organized in cooperation with groups of local artists and the Latcham Gallery
2000 Group exhibition "Trio-in-side-out" in the Cedar Ridge Gallery, presenting works of artists - members of ECHO-RI
2001 Small Sculpture Symposium organized by ECHO-RI members
2004 Mini Stone Sculpture Symposium 

The ECHO Research Institute is registered both provincially, for the Province of Ontario, and federally, for Canada-wide activities.