I have been so integrated into Richmond, a community that has different layers of an Asian identity. That really reflects who I am at my core.
The Canadian dream is not in making millions of dollars, but having a life where you are safe, you are happy, and you can continue to bring others in the fold.
Elders brought me under their wing. They taught me, they guided me, they prayed for me, but most importantly of all they loved me. Loved me unconditionally.
We should be able to celebrate that we’re all here and we’re more alike than are different.
Being an immigrant and being a person who travels a lot, understanding place has always been so important to me.
Her borsch. Unbelievable! My favourite was the Christmas borsch. Anything she cooked – there was no recipe – which is amazing.
We are very much a part of the community. We would never leave Richmond.
When I came to Canada, I have nothing. No money. I have to borrow money to buy an air ticket.
The story of migration is for us to make sure that we provide some value back to the community for the ones that came before us to put us here.
I believe it’s very important to tell the history about the Japanese Canadians who worked very hard to establish their life in Canada.
Things have worked out very, very well for me. This country has done amazing things for me.
Our grandpa is our inspiration. He’s our hero. He’s our role model.
My dad would look for natural bows in the forest. The spirit of the trees and the soul of the builder had to be incorporated in his boats.
There’s so much that this world has to offer. Children need us as teachers to open their potential and the doors of opportunity.
There was a bit of a scandal when your grandpa married your grandmother. She was from the peasant ‘wop’ [Italian] family that lived on Lassam Road and that was looked down upon.
They call us Boat People. After seven days and seven nights in the ocean, we were rescued. We did not have enough food or water.
I’m pleased with what we’ve accomplished.
Canada is a very inclusive country. It is a very multicultural country, and it is a very welcoming country. That is what our family really enjoyed.
She was quite surprised to see her grandparents’ house still standing there. It brought back all kinds of good memories.
