Memories of Internment - Understanding Canada's Colonial History through our Shared Struggle7/24/2021 This summer, Canadians from all walks of life were reminded of Canada's dark colonial past and oppression towards indigenous people and minorities. It goes without saying that some Canadians found the reminder of their countries colonial and exploitary history hard to swallow. For those Canadians in particular, those who find it difficult to empathize with communities outside of their own, let us remind you, that this history is not new, nor is it unique to the indigenous experience (although in a contemporary context, they are by far the most impacted both in the past and in the present).
It might come as a surprise to many but Ukrainian Canadians also faced discrimination and persecution by the Canadian Government. From 1914 to 1920, the Government of Canada imprisoned over 8000 Ukrainian men, women and even some children in 24 internment camps located across the country. Another 80,000 were listed as "enemy aliens" and although they were not interned, they were obliged to regularly report to police and treated like second class citizens. For what crime were these people accused after. From our contemporary understanding of privilege, they were white yes, but they were also poor, they could not speak english, they worked the land and most importantly, they were "other". Having, only a decade earlier, been invited by the Canadian Government to settle in Canada, the onset of WWI proved to squash the dreams of many of finding a better life in Canada. Their new home, Canada, was fighting against the Central Powers: Germany and Austria-Hungary. Despite not being Austrian themselves, many of the Ukrainian families that settled in Canada had emigrated from the province of Galicia, an area which was, at the time, under the Austrian Crown. Having the title of "Austrian" on their passports was enough to warrant them the label of internal spy.
0 Comments
The Ukrainian Cultural Center here in Victoria British Columbia is home to a plethora of Ukrainian resources. They serve as the heart of our community hosting Ukrainian dance lessons through Veselka, Ukrainian Language Classes and especially, through their monthly Ukrainian Suppers that never fail to draw in a crowd. Perhaps less well known about the Center is their library. Located on the second floor of the building, the library boasts an extensive collection of literature, in both Ukrainian and English, that are available to the public. First established in 1970's The Ukrainian Cultural Center Library contains books from all genres ranging from history, to romance, Ukrainian Poetry. They even offer many Ukrainian Language resources for those of us looking to brush up on our Ukrainian. |
Enjoy catching up with the UVicUSS?
Consider signing up for our Newsletter. Archives
August 2021
Categories |