The exhibition focuses on the incredible stories of Southeast Asian refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. The impact of the Vietnam War, the Laos Secret War, and the Cambodian Genocide forced millions to flee their homelands and to seek safety in other countries. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has a right to life, liberty, and security of person; and the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in other countries. These courageous refugees risked their lives, journeyed to different host countries, and travelled thousands of miles to Canada. The exhibition tells the stories of these survivors, in their own words and through their unique perspectives, adding to the fabric of the Canadian history of immigration.

Some of these brave in individuals came to the Humboldt  region, sponsored privately by groups and individuals, including Nha and Dan Tran, proprietors of Humboldt’s Tran’s Cafe. They chose to build their life and raise their family in the Humboldt region.

On September 24, join us to hear from the curator of this exhibition, Dr. Stephanie Stobbe, view the story of Nha and Dan Tran, share your memories or knowledge of the refugees from Vietnam who came to the Humboldt region, and learn more about all of the Southeast Asian refugees who fled to Canada.

Dr. Stephanie Phetsamay Stobbe, PhD, is a professor of Conflict Resolution Studies and Business at Canadian Mennonite University and President of Canadian Association for Refugees and Forced Migration Studies. She has also published several books, including co-authoring Hearts of Freedom from McGill-Queen’s University Press.

This exhibit is supported by:

Photo credit: Margaret Tebbutt, Vietnamese refugees leaving Pulau Bidong, Malaysia