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Geographies of the Heart: Stories from Newcomers to Canada
Canadian immigrants share their stories to fight stereotypes and xenophobia.
In Geographies of the Heart, eighteen newcomers to Canada tell their own stories, in their own voices. These accounts push back against misconceptions about immigration and immigrants by revealing that the paths into Canada are as diverse as the people who journeyed them. In this book, a settlement worker recalls being a child soldier in Sudan; a woman from Trinidad applies to over a hundred jobs; and a teacher from Afghanistan grapples with what it means to be a migrant in a colonized land.
Canada itself plays a pivotal role in the collection, both as a savior and oppressor. The nation is a haven and place of opportunity, but it is also not entirely benevolent and welcoming. As increasing migration is met with growing xenophobia, the stories in Geographies of the Heart are reminders of our shared humanity.
In Geographies of the Heart, eighteen newcomers to Canada tell their own stories, in their own voices. These accounts push back against misconceptions about immigration and immigrants by revealing that the paths into Canada are as diverse as the people who journeyed them. In this book, a settlement worker recalls being a child soldier in Sudan; a woman from Trinidad applies to over a hundred jobs; and a teacher from Afghanistan grapples with what it means to be a migrant in a colonized land.
Canada itself plays a pivotal role in the collection, both as a savior and oppressor. The nation is a haven and place of opportunity, but it is also not entirely benevolent and welcoming. As increasing migration is met with growing xenophobia, the stories in Geographies of the Heart are reminders of our shared humanity.
280 pages, Paperback
Published September 16, 2024
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May 1, 2025
Whether you are new to Canada or were born there or have lived there a long time, this is a worthwhile read. Through several authors and stories, the reader can get a glimpse of what life was and is like for newcomers to Canada. Each voice is unique and no experience the same. Their stories are so valuable for today's society.
What stood out to me especially is how newcomers, some of whom have been displaced forcibly, feel when they grapple with the reality of Canada and its history with Indigenous peoples. And although many of the writers found safety and comfort in Canada, they still faced so many issues of racism and discrimination that it made the idea of "multiculturalism" feel hollow.
I highly recommend this. It's a must-read for everyone. These are the stories of your neighbours, co-workers, clients, fellow hockey parents, friends. In the words of Ava Homa, who wrote the foreword, "Newcomers are treasures of experiences."
Here are just a few of the quotes I want to remember:
“Looking away does not protect us, nor does it diminish the lingering pain in our world … Grief wounds us but presents an opportunity to deepen our empathy.” – Ava Homa
“For how long will I be branded in this way, as an ‘immigrant’ – a mark of otherness? Is there any point in which I will no longer be seen as a newcomer or an immigrant, with all that implies about my legitimacy and belonging?” - Taslim Damji
“I learned a lot while going through such difficulties. One day, things can simply change. I did not have a good life when I was a child soldier and living in refugee camps, but today I have learned more and I have more opportunities. My experiences have taught me to look on the bright side and always have hope. I am a survivor.” – Albino Nyuol
“There are so many obstacles in this new world, but I must fight and find a way in this new start.” – Deea Badri
"To integrate and conform with Canadian society, and with my priorities in mind – raising my children and earning financial stability – I chose to work as I locked the bad memories in the deepest corners of my brain. You may forgive, but you cannot forget, even if you wish to.” – Venera Loshaj-Balaj
“I was an independent and confident woman before I moved to Canada. That woman did not exist anymore. I started to dislike myself.” – Yuki Yamazaki
“I wish we could decide when and how to be born and be welcomed to this planet.” – Shanga Karim
"Reinventing myself and reaching my goal of teaching again was challenging and rewarding and required several reinventions. I worked as a poultry meat boner, a sanitation worker, and a family financial advisor, learning such skills simply to survive and support my family.” – Muhialdin Bakini
“I learned from this experience that when people do not make their voices heard, when they do not collectively fight for their rights, they can create a Saddam in any corner of the globe. They pave the road to create dictators … My thoughts, feelings, memories, and aspirations were never those of an average child … my past traumatic experiences have created in me a strong sense of justice and equality that has dared me to stand and write against any tyranny in my country.” – Diary Marif
What stood out to me especially is how newcomers, some of whom have been displaced forcibly, feel when they grapple with the reality of Canada and its history with Indigenous peoples. And although many of the writers found safety and comfort in Canada, they still faced so many issues of racism and discrimination that it made the idea of "multiculturalism" feel hollow.
I highly recommend this. It's a must-read for everyone. These are the stories of your neighbours, co-workers, clients, fellow hockey parents, friends. In the words of Ava Homa, who wrote the foreword, "Newcomers are treasures of experiences."
Here are just a few of the quotes I want to remember:
“Looking away does not protect us, nor does it diminish the lingering pain in our world … Grief wounds us but presents an opportunity to deepen our empathy.” – Ava Homa
“For how long will I be branded in this way, as an ‘immigrant’ – a mark of otherness? Is there any point in which I will no longer be seen as a newcomer or an immigrant, with all that implies about my legitimacy and belonging?” - Taslim Damji
“I learned a lot while going through such difficulties. One day, things can simply change. I did not have a good life when I was a child soldier and living in refugee camps, but today I have learned more and I have more opportunities. My experiences have taught me to look on the bright side and always have hope. I am a survivor.” – Albino Nyuol
“There are so many obstacles in this new world, but I must fight and find a way in this new start.” – Deea Badri
"To integrate and conform with Canadian society, and with my priorities in mind – raising my children and earning financial stability – I chose to work as I locked the bad memories in the deepest corners of my brain. You may forgive, but you cannot forget, even if you wish to.” – Venera Loshaj-Balaj
“I was an independent and confident woman before I moved to Canada. That woman did not exist anymore. I started to dislike myself.” – Yuki Yamazaki
“I wish we could decide when and how to be born and be welcomed to this planet.” – Shanga Karim
"Reinventing myself and reaching my goal of teaching again was challenging and rewarding and required several reinventions. I worked as a poultry meat boner, a sanitation worker, and a family financial advisor, learning such skills simply to survive and support my family.” – Muhialdin Bakini
“I learned from this experience that when people do not make their voices heard, when they do not collectively fight for their rights, they can create a Saddam in any corner of the globe. They pave the road to create dictators … My thoughts, feelings, memories, and aspirations were never those of an average child … my past traumatic experiences have created in me a strong sense of justice and equality that has dared me to stand and write against any tyranny in my country.” – Diary Marif
Displaying 1 of 1 review