Refuge Canada

The lives of refugees have often been shattered, leading them to make dangerous journeys in search of safety. During the 20th century, Canada had an uneven record when it came to welcoming refugees, reacting generously to some, while overlooking others. Today, more than 80 million people have been forced to flee their homes because of fear and violence. In the time it took you to read this, another 34 people were forced from their homes.

We are now witnessing the highest numbers of displaced people in recorded history. Between 2021 and 2022, the number of refugees increased more than at any other time since the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) began keeping records 100 years earlier. When it comes to the small number of people who have been permanently resettled, Canada is the country that has welcomed the greatest number of refugees in recent years. Determining who is a refugee is a challenging process, which has continued to change in response to crises around the world.

This package was developed using a selection of objects, stories and research from Refuge Canada, an exhibition developed in 2018 by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax. As this exhibition travelled the country, the situation for refugees around the world became increasingly alarming, requiring us to update its content. This package includes new information collected in 2023.

In this package, you will learn about the experiences of refugees who came to Canada. You will dive into their personal stories of fear, loss, survival and hope. The context for each of these personal experiences will also be explored — students will learn about historical and contemporary conflicts, and humanitarian issues across the globe.

Please note that this package discusses content that some students — especially those who have had similar experiences — may find upsetting. Topics such as genocide, food insecurity, discrimination and the loss of home are central to the experiences of many refugees who come to Canada. We recommend that teachers read through all content before sharing it with their students.

Kristine Kovacevic adapted this content from the travelling exhibition Refuge Canada.

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21: https://pier21.ca/

________________
Sources

https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/mediterranean

https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics/

https://time.com/refugee-rescue/