Personal accounts of the journeys of refugees and newcomers who fled their homelands to start new lives in the Pembina Valley were the focus of an event in Morden Saturday afternoon.
Connecting Cultures Through Stories was an initiative organized through Regional Connections at the Youth For Christ Warehouse featuring stories from refugees and newcomers who found their way to this region.
The lead organizer shared that his hope was simply to build some greater compassion and understanding in the community.
“I’ve been working with the program for three years now, and this is our first time doing something like this and sharing their stories with the community,” said Russell Collantes, Resettlement Assistance Program co-ordinator. “I think this will be best opportunity to let our community know that some of these clients have gone through so many challenges in their lives.”
The shared stories were read out by volunteers because the organizers were sensitive to people wanting to keep their identities anonymous.
In addition, there was a photo exhibit with images from the perspective of refugees or newcomers to Canada.
“We had a photo gallery that shows what our refugee clients are thankful for, and there’s meaning behind each photo,” explained Collantes.
The stories offered a variety of accounts of oppression as well as varying forms of abuse.
One offered an account of living in fear and amongst violence and making the difficult decision to escape and even resorting to a human smuggler to get to freedom.
“There was no time to rest, as we had to keep moving,” the person wrote, going on to describe the feeling of eventually getting refugee status in Canada.
“I felt an over-abounding sense of safety … I had a new opportunity to build a better future for my family.”
The process of settling in Canada was challenging with countless challenges including attending English classes and having the children adjust to school here.
“I am grateful every day for the opportunity that has been given to us … this is a new chapter for my family, and we will never forget the kindness.”
Another story started in a refugee camp in Bangladesh, which was described as “a place where freedom was a distant dream.”
The family was originally from Burma and had to flee into exile for safety.
“Life in the camp was harsh and growing up there felt like existing without a future,” the person wrote.
They finally arrived in Canada during the winter, but the cold didn’t dissuade them.
“My thoughts were only on my children’s future and their safety and the possibilities that lay ahead,” the person wrote. “For the first time in my life, someone was accepting us … I’m doing this for the future of my children, for their opportunities and their dreams.”
Another story described having come to Canada from Cuba.
“I desperately wanted to change my reality … I worked hard and saved up as much as I could,” the person shared. “I felt a mix of emotions. I had so much hope for a better future for myself and my son, but at the same time, my heart was heavy.
“My son and I are truly grateful for this opportunity,” the writer added, noting how they had learned to take things a day at a time and overcome each challenge with the hope for a better future.
Collantes hoped the stories provided an idea of the journeys of people who have overcome much to get here to where they are now.
“They’re still adjusting to the new culture in this area,” he said. “It’s also just a way of showing appreciation and empathy towards them. A Canadian who was born here in Canada can get a bit more perspective on life outside of Canada … on the other side of the world, there’s so many challenges that people are facing there.
“We could all be a little more thankful or appreciative of what we have here,” Collantes concluded. “It’s even just a way of understanding them better … that’s our purpose … that people from the community would better understand.”
