Exhibition showcases the resilience and diversity of Canada’s immigrants

By David Yin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Immigrantstory.ca’s newest exhibition shines a spotlight on the resilience and contributions of newcomers across Canada — a theme reflected in the life of keynote speaker and MPP Logan Kanapathi, who spoke at the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Angus Glen Community Centre and Library. Long before he became an elected official, Kanapathi arrived in Canada as a refugee in 1983, where he said he faced financial challenges, cultural barriers, and discrimination, all while his family remained thousands of kilometres away in Sri Lanka.

Yet, he said that his early years in Canada taught him resilience, humility, and perseverance. With the support of his new community, Kanapathi returned to school, advanced his career, and became Markham’s Ward 7 Councillor in 2006. He served as a councillor for three terms before being elected as the Markham-Thornhill MPP.

The exhibition, led by founder Sholom Wargon, features many immigrant stories with historical photos.

Wargon said that he’s grateful for the authors, government officials, staff, and other people who helped bring his exhibition to life.

“I love doing it; you can call it a passion project,” he said. “I love meeting new immigrants from different parts of the world.”

Both Kanapathi and Wargon discussed the importance of supporting immigrants and embracing diversity across Canada.

“Immigrants are not a burden—we are builders,” Kanapathi said. “We arrive with skills, values, and a deep love for this country because we chose it.”

Wargon’s project highlights the lives of immigrants throughout Canadian history. Wargon said he launched the website in May 2021 and produced its first exhibit later in September.

He said that the project has since grown to include 101 stories representing immigrants from 43 countries, written by 53 writers.

The current exhibition at Angus Glen will end on Feb. 22, and the next exhibition will run from March 6 to 31 at the Pierre Berton Resource Library in Vaughan.

Photo: Exhibition featuring immigrant stories of resilience is on display until Feb. 22 at the Angus Glen Community Centre and Library.