Exploring Canada's Migration Stories

by Ms Melissa Williams (G4)

As part of our Grade 4 ‘Where We Are in Place and Time’ unit on migration, students stepped into the shoes of an immigrant arriving in Canada through Pier 21. The field trip began with an interactive immigration simulation that asked students to create a backstory that would convince the immigration officer they should be allowed to enter Canada. Some ‘immigrants’ experienced a relatively easy process, while others were turned away based on their skin colour or country of origin. Students learned about the racist policies that were in place at the time, and experienced first hand what immigrants in the early 1900s would have gone through once they arrived at a Canadian port.

“Back in the days immigration was not that easy because people from different countries were not allowed,” said Miles. “Immigration officers were racist.”

As they squeezed into a replica ship cabin, they were amazed at the close quarters on a ship and remarked on how hard the bed felt and how cramped it was. It’s hard to imagine having so little space for the whole sailing time!

Earlier in the unit students brainstormed what they would pack on their own immigration journey. A highlight of the trip to Pier 21 was viewing reproductions of what ordinary travellers would have brought with them as they start a new life in Canada. Students wondered how immigrants would have made the difficult decision to take only what would fit in a suitcase or small trunk. They took the customs challenge and tried packing their own suitcases. “I tried taking a pocket knife but wasn’t allowed,” Liam reflected. When they returned to class, they realised that their initial packing list would need to be revisited. 

In line with our inquiry-based approach, students have been investigating how migration is a response to challenges, risks, or opportunities. Students have demonstrated maturity as they engaged in discussions about war, natural disasters, refugees, and the often challenging journeys that refugees take. It was humbling to watch stories of newcomers to Canada through the original film, In Canada.

“We feel so grateful and lucky to live in Canada,” said Jace. After visiting the museum, they realised that “moving to Canada can be challenging, but back in the day it was much harder,” Lola remarked. 

We would like to thank Cecile and Larissa for their warm welcome and hospitality throughout our visit. Cecile’s knowledge and first-hand experience of immigrating to Canada was incredibly valuable. 

Grade 4 at The Immigration Museum - January 2025

“When Cecile spoke in Cantonese it was impossible to understand what she was saying. The immigrants who didn’t speak English or French, they would feel very confused and disappointed. They came to Canada all this way and couldn’t understand what they were saying” - Fern & Lola