Are Multicultural Nations Inherently Unstable?

Today is Canadian Multiculturalism Day, something not terribly well-embraced by Quebec nationalists. Canada prides itself on having two national languages -- French and English -- but some of the French speakers want autonomy. Yugoslavia used to boast as well about its multicultural nature -- but now a review of the proceedings at the Hague only leaves one depressed. Are multicultural groups inherently unstable? Will we always find an excuse to tear ourselves apart? Is this an unavoidable human dynamic or is a diverse community capable of more than just temporary social stability?