What does being an immigrant/refugee mean to you?
“It meant the opportunity to start fresh in a new country – learn its culture, jobs and language. I was eight years old when my parents immigrated to Canada from France. I recall the excitement to discover new things and experiences in our new city, but also a sense of loss at leaving behind friends and family. Over a couple of years, the idea of being an immigrant just fades and I assimilated into the Canadian fabric. I will say immigrating at a young age was easier – my parents took longer to feel at home in their new country.”
What was the most important thing to you that you had to leave behind (if any) in your home country?
“My parents left behind their home, and their jobs. But for me, it was really my school friends and more importantly my grandparents on both sides. I never saw my grandmother again as she passed away a year after we left. It’s the family ties that you feel most.”
What would you say was an important part of keeping your culture alive when you sought refuge in another country?
“Language and holiday traditions. We spoke Armenian at home with my parents and their friends. Meanwhile, my mother continued our traditions for holidays like Christmas and Easter, particularly around food.”
Was it a choice to seek refuge / immigrate to the United States / other country, or was it the only option country-wise?
“It was a choice to immigrate to Canada from France. Our choices were also Australia or South Africa, but my parent chose Canada because my family spoke French. The US at the time was not accepting Iranian nationals given the embassy takeover in Iran during the revolution.”
What circumstances caused you to leave your home country?
“The Iranian revolution swept through in 1979 forcing major changes in the country, including confiscation of property, prison for political dissidents and executions of military leaders who did not swear allegiance to the new regime. Seeing no future under the new islamist government, my parents left for France. After 3 years, we left for Canada.”
What is it like seeing your country in headlines struggling from a faraway perspective?
“My parents fondly remember a different place entirely that would be completely unrecognizable now. I feel badly for the population living there and enduring economic and political hardships under the government.”
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