As a refugee, I learned what it means to be Canadian in a small Prairie community
Growing up as a refugee in Canada, I was wrapped in an Air Canada blanket when my family first arrived in Montreal in 1979. We had one bag each and only $100 in my father’s pocket. Our sponsors in Birtle, Manitoba, helped us adapt to our new life in this unfamiliar country. They taught my parents English and helped my dad secure a job. Despite the challenges of being different in a small Prairie town, I found warmth and acceptance in the community.
I remember feeling isolated at times, being one of the few racialized people in our village. But it was the kindness of my teacher who stood up for me when a classmate called me a derogatory term that made me feel seen and protected. I also found solace in the friendships I made with youth leaders from church, family friends on a farm, and my childhood best friend.
The values of love, generosity, and bravery that Canadians showed to my family as refugees are embodied in the Air Canada blanket that has been a constant in my life. The maple leaf at the corner symbolizes the compassion and acceptance that Canadians extended to strangers like us. It also represents my parents’ courage and determination to provide a better life for their children.
In 2016, inspired by the Syrian refugee crisis, I felt compelled to give back to the country that had welcomed my family. Along with a sponsorship group from the Ottawa Chinese Alliance Church, I welcomed a Syrian family of six with open arms and a box of Timbits. It was a moment that encapsulated the diversity and inclusivity of Canada, where people from different backgrounds come together to support and uplift one another.
As I reflect on my journey from a refugee to a proud Canadian, I am reminded of the interconnectedness of our stories and the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need. Just as Canadians embraced my family with open arms, it is now my turn to pay it forward and welcome others into the fabric of our diverse and inclusive community.
