• Uta Maria Heine Sonier
    … down the gangplank in baby’s ancient carriage. Helpful hands pushed us onwards to the railroad station Into the Traveller’s Aid office that … and expensive for me; I did not agree and promised myself that some day I would walk through life on only those kinds of shoes. Onwards we … stopped during the night and she had to leave To buy us sandwiches at one of the railroad stations. First taste of Canadian bread and peanut …
  • Audrey Pratt
    … sound of their engines that they were the enemy. It had a different drone of the engine. You could see the soldier's eyes in the cockpit - … bottom of the garden. The government supplied a corrugated metal shell (an Anderson Shelter) and her father buried it so that 3/4 of it was … 13 each. Coupons were used up quickly so new clothes were difficult to come by. Fabric and yarn for knitting were also rationed. Husband: …
  • Hooks for History: Using a Building Model to Introduce Complex Pasts
    … Historic Site: Halifax’s historical immigration facility at Pier 21. One of the principal tasks for the Museum has been to introduce and … – even things as tiny and offbeat as the addition of miniature trash cans – that would add opportunities for richer interpretation based on …
  • Children of the Pier: Adolescent Experiences of Arrival and Process
    … by Jan Raska, PhD, Historian (Updated September 28, 2020) Introduction: Adolescent Impressions of Immigrating to Canada An often overlooked aspect of Pier 21’s site history is the immigration … Children of the Pier: Adolescent Experiences of Arrival and Process …
  • A Trip No One Dreamed of Making by Kathy
    … had been largely destroyed and there were few jobs and food shortages. One of my Mom’s aunts had gone to Canada very soon after the war, and she kept writing to family … to the families for whom they had pledged to become housemaids for one year. My Mom committed to paying back the Lutheran Relief $265. I …
  • Anyone Could Be a Refugee; No One Chooses To Be a Refugee
    … When there is a war in a country, it can become difficult for its citizens to leave... People lose their … different challenges. The most important challenge, and certainly one that we can relate to, is fear. Growing up in Burundi during the civil war, where there was violence every day, my family faced so many difficulties but… we managed to stay. …
  • “The Immigration Act a weapon”: Panama Maru and the Exclusion of Immigrants, 1913
    … by Steve Schwinghamer, Historian (Updated January 28, 2022) On 17 October 1913, Panama Maru arrived at Victoria, British Columbia . … passengers were promptly landed, and another seven followed after a day, based on their having established domicile in Canada before. [1] … claimed to be returning to Canada while aboard Panama Maru , none were, and all but one recanted their stories quickly as immigration …
  • Do Business With Us
    … Current Opportunities The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is committed to procure goods and services based on best overall value. … of Canada (1990, c.3). Retrieved from the Department of Justice Canada website: http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/M-13.4/index.html …
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Your Story
    … How can I share my story? You can share your story by filling out the online Story Form. Is there a … research, education and enjoyment onsite as well as on the Museum's website. Submitted stories may be added to the Museum's Permanent …
  • Resettling Child Refugees: Canada and Armenian Orphans, 1923-1927
    … Canadian immigration policy, they are treated as adult refugees. Accompanied by a lawyer, social worker, or trusted community member, refugee orphans must be interviewed by an official … the Armenian Relief Fund in Canada, Sir Henry Pellatt, a Canadian soldier and financier, and the Governor-General, His Excellency, Lord …