HOW IT WORKS
Share Your Story. Help Preserve Canada’s Immigration Heritage.
The 50 Years of New Roots project invites Canadians to reflect on the impact of the Immigration Act, 1976 and share stories that celebrate the journeys, experiences, and contributions of immigrants, refugees, families, and communities across Canada. Whether your story is personal, family-based, historical, or community-focused, your voice can help preserve an important chapter of Canadian history for future generations.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Youth (Ages 6–25)
Young Canadians are encouraged to explore their family history, community heritage, and personal connections to immigration.
Adults
Individuals may share personal experiences, family stories, cultural traditions, and reflections on belonging.
Seniors
Seniors play an important role in preserving memories, family histories, and community heritage for future generations.
Families
Families are encouraged to submit stories together and celebrate shared journeys across generations.
Schools & Community Groups
Educational institutions and community organizations may participate through group projects and collaborative storytelling initiatives.
WHAT CAN YOU SUBMIT?
We welcome a wide range of creative and personal submissions that reflect the diverse experiences of immigration and community life in Canada.
Written Narratives
Personal reflections, family histories, migration stories, interviews, essays, or memoirs.
Artwork & Drawings
Original artwork inspired by immigration, identity, heritage, belonging, and cultural journeys.
Photography
Images that document family history, cultural traditions, migration experiences, and community life.
Heirloom Stories
Stories connected to family treasures, keepsakes, letters, documents, and meaningful objects.
Video or Audio Testimonies
Recorded interviews, oral histories, personal reflections, and community stories.
HOW THE SUBMISSION PROCESS WORKS
Step 1: Reflect on Your Story
Consider the people, experiences, and moments that have shaped your family’s journey.
Questions you may wish to explore include:
- How did immigration shape your life or your family’s story?
- What traditions have been passed from one generation to the next?
- What does belonging mean to you?
- How has Canada become part of your story?
Step 2: Prepare Your Submission
Choose the format that best tells your story.
Submissions may include:
- Text documents
- Photographs
- Artwork
- Audio recordings
- Video recordings
Please ensure that your submission is your own work or that you have permission to share all included materials.
Step 3: Submit Your Story
Complete the online submission form and upload your materials.
You will be asked to provide:
- Name
- Contact Information
- Submission Title
- Story Description
- Uploaded Files
The submission process is completely free.
Step 4: Review Process
All submissions will be reviewed by the project team.
The review process considers:
- Relevance to project themes
- Historical or cultural significance
- Creativity and originality
- Respectful and appropriate content
Submissions are not judged on professional writing, artistic ability, or production quality.
Authentic stories matter most.
Step 5: Featured Stories
Selected submissions may be featured through:
- The project website
- Digital exhibitions
- Educational materials
- Community presentations
- Social media highlights
Participants whose work is selected will be contacted directly by the project team.
IMPORTANT DATES
PRIVACY AND RESPECT
We are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all participants.
- ✓ Share only information you are comfortable making public.
- ✓ Obtain permission before sharing identifiable information about others.
- ✓ Respect the experiences and perspectives of different communities.
- ✓ Ensure all submissions are respectful and appropriate.
All submissions will be handled with care and respect.
WHY YOUR STORY MATTERS
Every immigration story contributes to Canada’s shared history.
Stories help preserve memories, strengthen community connections, and ensure that future generations understand the journeys, experiences, and contributions that have shaped our country.
Whether your story spans generations or reflects a recent experience, your voice helps build a richer understanding of Canada’s diverse heritage.
READY TO SHARE YOUR STORY?
Every story matters.
Every journey matters.
Every voice contributes to Canada’s shared history.
Help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Immigration Act, 1976 by sharing your story today.
This project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Ce projet est financé par le gouvernement du Canada par l’entremise du ministère du Patrimoine
TAAM is a charitable organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing Asian art, culture, and heritage in Canada.
Charitable Registration:
84610 1160 RR0001