Current Projects

Stories From An Immigrant Nation : Documentary Film Project

Building on the success of our ongoing I’ve Not Always Been Canadian project, we are now working to produce a series of short documentary films that further explore the evolving Canadian identity through the stories of new Canadians.

Working from the foundation that all who are not indigenous have family that came from somewhere else, and are part of Canada’s immigration story, we want to explore the challenges and successes of a growing, multicultural nation from the perspective of established immigrants, refugees and newcomers.

We invite you to follow along as this story unfolds before our cameras and to join in the conversation.

Photo by Josh Tanasichuk

I’ve Not Always Been Canadian

A Travelling Exhibition On The Evolving Canadian Identity

If you happen to ask a newcomer to Canada, “Do you feel Canadian?”, be prepared for a host of different answers, because every immigrant’s and refugee’s path to integration is different and personal. What is the same, is that it can be daunting. In Phase I of the project “I’ve Not Always Been Canadian” ICA invited newcomers and established immigrants/refugees to share their stories of what it means to belong and to fully embrace a Canadian identity. This phase was facilitated by Artistic Director and Storyteller Lina de Guevara. We heard well over 100 stories. The stories were honest and moving accounts of the struggles and joys of settling into a new country. In Phase II of the project, local Photo-Journalist Quinton Gordon, worked with a select number of participants to translate these stories into portraits and short texts that give broader meaning to the idea of being Canadian. As part of Canada’s 150 year celebrations, our goal was to facilitate a deeper understanding of our community’s cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.

This Photo Exhibition is available to exhibit in venues throughout the Capital Regional District and across Canada.

Please contact Paulina Grainger, ICA Arts & Outreach Coordinator, for complete installation details and bookings: pgrainger@icavictoria.org

Exhibition Installation: 15 Freestanding Banner Stands – 33.5 x 78.75 inches

“I came to Canada alone when I was a teen, with no English. My idea of Canada was hockey, snow and maple syrup. It was not easy but the kindness of Canadians made me feel okay. If I say to you that I’m Canadian, I feel I’m lying. But my son was born here two years ago and I think that has started to change how I feel.” – Project Participant

ICA Project Coordinator & Producer: Paulina Grainger

Project Portrait Photographer: Quinton Gordon

Storytelling Facilitator: Lina de Guevara

Project Scribe: Jaimie Sumner

Archival Photographs by: Eduardo Bautista

This initiative was made possible by the Community Fund for Canada’s 150^th, a collaboration between the Victoria Foundation, the Government of Canada, and extraordinary leaders from coast to coast.

Everyone whose ancestors do not descend from this country is a settler. We, as caretakers of this land, have always been welcoming people with an open heart despite our colonial legacy and our near annihilation. It’s been about our beautiful resiliency, strong spirits and brilliant resourcefulness. Ironically, as a Kwakwaka’wakw woman who descends from this gorgeous island, I often feel I’ve not always been Canadian. Krystal Cook – Kwakwaka’wakw Nation

I’ve Not Always Been Canadian

Available to purchase as a 56 page, fully illustrated, softcover book.

All proceeds go to support ICA programs.

Click Here To Preview and Order

To View Project Photo Gallery Click On Thumbnail

: Honestly, I don’t completely feel Canadian. I mean, sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. When I don’t, it’s because I feel lost when people make decisions about who I am because I am different. It’s hard to always have to fight to express yourself… to fight for who you are. Amal Zerti – Libya

: A military coup changed everything in my country. I arrived in Winnipeg when it was -40 C, so the weather was my first problem in Canada. There was a recession too, so it was difficult to find a job as an elementary teacher, which was my profession. I started to feel Canadian when my work finally took me back to connecting with children again. It also helped to work with immigrant families who were experiencing the same disconnected feelings I was. Always half of my heart is in Chile. Lila Valdi – Chile

: I mostly feel Canadian, but I don’t think I’m always accepted as Canadian. My Canadianism is always being questioned. I do know, however, that being Canadian is not about one thing, but two things: Rights and Responsibilities. William Goldiet – Sudan

: I came to Canada alone when I was a teen, with no English. My idea of Canada was hockey, snow and maple syrup. It was not easy but the kindness of Canadians made me feel okay. If I say to you that I’m Canadian, I feel I’m lying. But my son was born here two years ago and I think that has started to change how I feel. Kay Otani – Japan

: My family and I moved to Canada on October 9, 2012. We took the ferry to beautiful Victoria and I was lucky to find a job at Camosun College very quickly. It took 100 days! I was lucky to have a job – this is the dream for many immigrants. Having a job gives you the feeling that you belong to where you are, that you have something to do, that you are here and you are useful. You can also make a living, pay your bills, and bring food to the table. Naji Yazdi – Iran

: First my husband came here to Canada. It’s hard on relationship. Six years apart, felt like we are strangers. When I come here June 9, 2015, I’m feeling sad, I’m feeling lonely… I want to go back home. But I cannot tell my husband, he has worked very hard to pay for us, so I’m keeping it only in my mind. I say everything is okay, but deep inside I don’t like. But my kid, he adapted already, you know – kids. Belen Tonilon – Philippines

: I’m from India but I’m a Tibetan. Lots of politics about Tibet and India. I married. I have 2 daughters. I moved here in 2014, September 12. So lucky because my whole family is in Canada. Canadian people so generous. I work at Glenwood Meat Shop in Langford. My bosses very good guys. My co-workers very friendly and nice people. But here all busy. No Sunday, no Monday. Every day work. But I love Canada – always peace! Ngawang Tsering – India

: I have lived here for over 40 years. Canada has given me enormous gifts of all kinds, but I think the one I value the most, is that it has put me in touch with people from all over the world! I have learned so much from them. I have been so astounded by the power, the richness, beauty and depth of the different world cultures. And I have been able to do this here in Canada, in my daily life, from my home, from my centre. Lina de Guevara – Chile

: As a Muslim, I pray 5 times a day. When I go about my day, I’m always wondering, “Is this the right place to pray?” With the politics of the world these last few years, I’m always wondering if I can expose this part of myself. The day I will be able to lay out my mat and pray in public without feeling self-conscious – without feeling that I am being considered a threat – will be the day I start feeling 100% Canadian. That will mean my community accepts my faith and I don’t have to hide a big part of my identity to fit in. Sami Muntaser – Libya

: I didn’t want to leave my country, but I didn’t have a choice. There was a war. People see it on TV and think it was a movie, but it was my reality. I have started a new life here. I like Victoria. People are warm and willing to help. Here is free, if you don’t do anything stupid! But citizenship will really mean I’m Canadian…even on paper. Hani Nawaf Shehab – Syria

: I was an Editor and Reporter in Taiwan. When I retired, I immigrated to Canada. My husband and I bought a trailer van and traveled across North America. Canada is a beautiful country but I couldn’t speak English and I did not have any friends here. It was just the two of us. In 2015 we passed through an RV Park in Courtney and I met Jin who ran the park. She spoke Mandarin and suddenly I had a friend! So we bought a house and stayed. I still have a language problem, but I invite our neighbours to our house at Chinese New Year and I learn with them. It makes me feel more Canadian. La Jun Yang –Taiwan

: Wherever my husband goes, I go. So I followed him to Canada in 1992 when he decided to build a small Sawmill in Courtney. I spent the first 10 years looking after our 3 children, but after we purchased an RV Park in 1997, I eventually told my husband, “I’m going to run the business myself, I can learn.” It also forced me to improve my English and use it. I have also always volunteered in my community and in 2005, the centennial year of the City of Courtney, I was one of the people awarded the Citizen of the Century! But it took me ten more years to learn how to say “eh?” naturally. Jin Lin – Taiwan

: When I came here, at first, of course, I was sad – sad to leave my home and my family. But after I had my children, I realized, hey, if I have to make Canada my place – aside from the Philippines – then I have to do something. I have to start thinking about joining in, volunteering, being a part of a bigger community. So I became more involved. I feel that now, I’m a part… a part of the tapestry of Canadian culture. Dominga Passmore – Philippines

: I came to study for my Masters degree in Kamloops, Canada. I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, a huge, fast-paced city. It’s all hustle and bustle. Kamloops – and Canada in general – is slower, more chill, more relaxed. In Kuala Lumpur, it’s “go, go, go, do, do, do, get it done quick!” – a very Asian thing. In Canada, you can do it tomorrow. I felt I could relax my posture when I came here and enjoy nature. Yes, I like the “Canadian chill”. Andrew Sureshkumar – Malaysia

: “Okay”, my father in India said, “We have found you a girl…a girl from Canada.” I thought, “It’s never going to work – Canadian girl??” We got married. Canada for me was a kind of dream come true. Life in my small town in India tough, barely surviving… so I wasn’t telling them how hard it was here in Canada too, I just wanted to show them I am having a job and making a good family. Canada is a great country, accept everyone, a peacekeeper country. After 20 years I have learned this. I’m the happiest guy on earth. I can see then and now as completely different – sitting on floor to sitting on a couch. So, I have to say thank you. Manoj Saxena – India

: In India I had always had a dream of being on stage or performing, but when I came to Canada I let that go. I had to focus on learning the culture and language, and after that, on raising a family. I didn’t think much about my passion again until both kids were in University. That’s when I answered a Pageant Ad in the Saanich News. I am now the holder of the title of Mrs. Vancouver Island! Sima Saxena – India

: I come one year ago. Big language problem. I can only say “yes”, “no”. How to find work with my English? Friends help me. One friend find job fixing cars at Toyota. He work hard. He tell me to try also. I got hired! I like my job. I valet park cars, take cars around the block, do pick-ups. I love driving. Placido Claveria – Philippines

: My parents were Polish, but I was born in 1947 in a refugee camp in Germany, outside of Nuremberg. We eventually made it to Canada. My well-read father named me Grazyna, after a woman in a very nationalistic Polish poem – very counter to who I am. This name gave me so much trouble – I was called dumb and stupid, and no one could ever pronounce it. So when I was 10, I changed it to Grace. This was the first time I ever saw my father tear up, he was so upset, “What have you done? Do you realize how much thought went into that name? In this house you will always be called Grazyna”. I said, “That is okay, but out there, I will be Grace. Grace Salez – Germany

: I am a traveler. I grew up in Zambia but I was born in South Africa to parents of European descent. I fell in love with Canada as soon as I saw the country. It spoke to me. The people are kind and generous and have helped me tremendously, but I’ve had many difficult times too. It took me 15 years before I could practise medicine here, even though I had been treating serious illnesses (and things like crocodile bites!) in Africa for 7 years before that. I stuck it out here because I was determined to make it. Pierre Dil – Grew up in Zambia

: I came to Canada about 6 years ago. I have a hard working mother who came first and then brought my family here. This separation was difficult and it changed my family structure. My parents eventually separated so I gained more family responsibilities. It was difficult trying to adapt to a new place and culture. It wasn’t easy to make friends. I was shy and the language barrier was huge, but over the years I’ve started to speak up more and open-mindedness makes me feel Canadian. Virgilio “Brad” Garcia – Philippines

: I feel Canadian when I am surrounded by different individuals of different cultures, races, religions and sexual orientation. That’s when I feel I am in Canada. I am so privileged to live here, to have married here, and to have raised children here who have grown up to be wonderful people. I really appreciate Canada for that. But I will always treasure my Japanese heritage too. Michiko Sakamoto-Senge – Japan

: I came to Canada as a new bride in the middle of an Ottawan Winter. I was twenty-three and at that age you’re fearless because you think everything will work out. The very next day, my husband and I went to Sears to buy a pair of snow boots and a winter jacket, and that is how we became Canadian! Reality hit hard though when my husband left the following day to register at the university. I was alone in an empty house with 2 suitcases, no phone and nothing else. It got dark early and I was waiting by the window for my husband to return, and I started to cry. It started snowing, and here I was, a girl from India, a country of a billion people…and suddenly there was no one around. Eventually it became Spring, and I felt born again, and I was ready to join in. Sridevi Ganti – India

: On July 1, 2017, I, Sharmarke Dubow, became an official Canadian citizen. I was so excited the night before my ceremony that I couldn’t sleep. Getting my citizenship means stability, safety and belonging, rights and responsibilities, and finally a place to call home. As a refugee, I am grateful to have found a home in Canada. I will work hard to continue making Canada a better place – a place that I hope will welcome more refugees. Sharmarke Dubow – Somalia

: I moved to Canada for my Masters at Royal Roads University about two years ago, but it feels like I have been here for over 10 years because of the quality of support and sense of belonging I have developed within the community. I was not quite sure what to expect when I moved here. I saw it as an opportunity to reinvent myself, build new skills and explore new opportunities. In the course of my studies, I got an amazing internship with the Victoria Foundation. As the youngest and only black person, I felt really truly different, but as different as I was, they were deliberate about including and helping me get more connected through the work they do in the community. I’m finding a home here, away from my native home. Ruth Mojeed – Lago, Nigeria