The Canadian independent music scene has been active for some decades, with significant growth occurring in the mid-1970s. The industry is largely split along the language divide, for example is a collective that focuses mainly on the French-speaking domestic sector and some international artists, whereas the Canadian Independent Record Production Association (CIRPA) is an industry association composed of English speaking labels, producers and others. Dorland argues that (as of 1996) "the racial and ethnic boundaries" are growing stronger.