CFN is excited to announce the moving and informative Hearts of Freedom Exhibition will be at the Centre for Newcomers beginning May 3rd, 2024.
You are invited! The Asian Heritage Foundation, along with CFN, Calgary Vietnamese Canadian Association, Mennonite Central Committee Alberta, and the University of Calgary, jointly kickstart 2024 Asian Heritage Month with a featured event, Hearts of Freedom (HOF) – Stories of Southeast Asian Refugees museum exhibition. For more information about Asian Heritage Month events visit www.asianheritageyyc.ca
This exhibition focuses on the incredible stories of Southeast Asian refugees from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The impact of the Vietnam War, the Lao Secret War, and the Cambodian Genocide forced millions to flee their homelands and to seek safety in other countries. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has a right to life, liberty, and security of person; and the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in other countries. These courageous refugees risked their lives, journeyed to different host countries, and travelled thousands of miles to Canada. The exhibition tells the stories of these survivors, in their own words and through their unique perspectives, adding to the fabric of the Canadian history of immigration. For more information visit heartsoffreedom.org
Exhibition: Hearts of Freedom
This exhibition focuses on the incredible stories of Southeast Asian refugees from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The impact of the Vietnam War, the Lao Secret War, and the Cambodian Genocide forced millions to flee their homelands and to seek safety in other countries. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has a right to life, liberty, and security of person; and the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in other countries. These courageous refugees risked their lives, journeyed to different host countries, and travelled thousands of miles to Canada. The exhibition tells the stories of these survivors, in their own words and through their unique perspectives, adding to the fabric of the Canadian history of immigration.
May 3-10, 2024
Centre for Newcomers
125, 565-36 Street NE Calgary
Open to the Public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am- 9:00 pm
(Friday, May 10th until 2 pm)
Film: Passage to Freedom
Passage to Freedom features powerful oral histories of Southeast Asian refugees that made the dangerous journeys from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam to Canada. The film effectively weaves archival clips of news stories, wartime footage, and interviews with former refugees and Canadian immigration officials. Canada resettled over 210,000 Southeast Asian refugees from 1975 to 1997, making it the longest and largest resettlement of non-European refugees to Canada. The Canadian response to the refugee crisis was recognized internationally with the UNHCR Nansen Medal in 1986. The 50-minute film delves into the journey of the refugees’ integration into the fabric of Canadian life and highlights the contributions of this first generation and their descendants. Tickets are free but space is limited. Click here to register today,
Researchers: Peter Duschinsky, Colleen Lundy, Michael Molloy, Allan Moscovitch, and Stephanie Phetsamay Stobbe
Film Producer: Sheila Petzold
May 4, 2024, 11am-3:30pm
Centre for Newcomers
125, 565-36 Street NE Calgary
Agenda
11:00 am Exhibit opens
11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Lunch and reception
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm - Program introduction
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Film viewing
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Community Panel
Light lunch included: Please reserve your seats for the free event by April 20th, limited seating available