CHC2D with Mr.
Garisto
My canada, my history
----My family’s Canadian Immigration
Story
Presented by Wanxin You
Where My Family’s Journey Began:
My family’s connection to Turtle
Island (Canada) began when my
uncle and aunt immigrated here
in 2010 from China. Their
decision changed the direction
of our family’s future, including
my own path.
Historical Significance 1
My uncle and aunt’s immigration
Wanxin You
Historical Significance 1:
The First Step: Immigration in 2010
Who: My uncle and aunt
What: Immigrated through investment
immigration
When: 2010
Where: From China to Toronto
Why: For better opportunities, lifestyle, and
education for their children
Historical Significance 1:
The First Step: Immigration in 2010
It marked the first personal connection
between my family and Canada, laying the
foundation for future generation to
consider Canada as a home. This decision
deeply influenced my own path, shaping
my academic and career aspirations. It also
opened the door to a more global mindset
and lifestyle within our family.
Historical Significance 2
Canada’s multicultural policy
Wanxin You
Historical Significance 2:
Who: Canadian government
What: Officially supports multiculturalism
When: 1971
Where: Across Canada
Why: To accommodate immigrants and build
a fair society
Historical Significance 2:
Canada’s official support for multiculturalism
encouraged immigrants like my family to
keep their cultural identity while integrating
into Canadian society. This policy helped us
feel respected and included, which made the
transition to a new country smoother and
more meaningful.
Historical Significance 3
China’s Reform and Opening Up
Wanxin You
Historical Significance 3:
Who: Chinese government and citizens
What: Open economic policy, allowing
immigration and studying abroad
When: After 1978
Where: China
Why: To develop the economy and
improve the living standards of the people
Historical Significance 3:
This national policy gave Chinese citizens
greater freedom to study, work, and live
abroad, creating opportunities that didn’t
exist before. For my family, it made
immigration to Canada possible by
enabling them to gain education and
economic resources.
Cause & Consequence
Why did they leave What was Turtle Island How has living in
their homeland and or Canada like in the Canada changed them?
come to Canada? time period that your How has this impacted
family (ies) arrived? you?
For a better In 2010, Canada was
More open-minded and
lifestyle, more engaged with people from
a peaceful, various cultures.
opportunities and developed country Influenced my future study
better education with a reputation for and career decisions in
for their children welcoming Canada
and long-term immigrants. Gave me an understanding
stability. of this inclusive and
Toronto was diverse multicultural Canadian
and inclusive society.
Cause & Consequence
What have you learned What have you learned
In what ways does the about your culture and about your culture and
culture of your its people? How does its people? How does this
ancestry impact you? this shape your identity shape your identity as a
as a Canadian? Canadian?
speak Chinese with
my family I feel proud of having
I’ve learned that my
celebrate holidays a blended identity
cultural background
like Chinese New and making the way
is rooted in resilience
Year and Mid- of treating people
and tradition and
Autumn Festival, more inclusive and
influenced my values
These traditions engaging in both
and perspective.
give me a strong cultural activities.
sense of identity
My History
You influenced Canada, and Canada influenced you
How did historic events
impact my family, and
community?
My History
Canada’s Multiculturalism Act (1988)
Recognized and protected immigrants’ cultural
rights
Made my uncle and aunt feel welcomed and able to
keep their traditions
Influenced my view of Canada as inclusive
Encouraged my decision to study and build a future
in Canada
My History
China’s Economic Growth (2000s–2010s)
Created financial opportunities for families like mine
Allowed my uncle and aunt to afford immigration
Gave me the chance to study abroad
Exposed me to new cultures and improved life
opportunities
Key event that impacted my family
One major event that impacted my family is the Canadian real estate boom,
especially in large cities like Toronto and Vancouver, from around 2010.
During this period, real estate prices in Canada rose dramatically.
Immigrants and investors, including my family, saw Canadian housing as a
safe and reliable investment. And when my uncle and aunt immigrated to
Canada in 2010, they invested in real estate as part of settling down. This
made their life in Canada more stable and provided them financial security
and gave their children different options to good neighborhoods, schools,
and healthcare.
Continuity and
Change
We are All Treaty People
Richmond Hill, Ontario, is located on the
traditional territory of several Indigenous
people. It is part of the territory of the
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, as
well as the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee,
and Huron-Wendat peoples.
Richmond Hill is covered under the Treaty
13 and is also part of the Risk With
OneSpoon Wampum Belt Covenant.
It’s important to learn about the traditional
territories of where we live and work
because it helps us understand the full
history of the land from the Indigenous
peoples who have lived here. By
acknowledging the original occupants of the
land can show our respect, promotes
reconciliation with the Indigenous and
reminds us of our responsibility to learn
from the past and support Indigenous
communities today.
COnclusion
My family’s journey from China to Canada reflects the impact of both
personal choices and historical events. From China’s Reform and Opening
Up to Canada’s Multiculturalism Act, these moments shaped who I am and
my values. Living in Canada has allowed me to grow up with a blended
identity, while keeping my cultural heritage and embracing a new, diverse
environment. This experience has taught me the value of openness,
resilience, and the importance of understanding the culture of our roots.
Sources
Government of Canada. Canadian Multiculturalism Act. Justice Laws Website,
1988. [Link]
Library and Archives Canada. “Chinese Immigration and the Head Tax.” [Link],
Government of Canada, [Link]
[Link]/eng/discover/immigration/history-ethnic-cultural/Pages/[Link]
Government of Canada. “Treaty 13 (Toronto Purchase).” Indigenous and Northern
Affairs Canada, [Link]
[Link]/eng/1360862515400/1544617183193
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. “Territory Acknowledgement.” [Link],
[Link]
The Canadian Encyclopedia. “Multiculturalism.” Historica Canada,
[Link]
Asia for Educators. “China’s Economic Development Since 1978.” Columbia
University, [Link]
Thank you for listening