New anthology celebrates immigrant voices in Canada

Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:56:35 +0000

Canada’s multicultural identity thrives on the stories of its immigrant communities, and Old Roots, New Shoots, the latest anthology from the Immigrant Writers Association (IWA), captures this essence through a compelling collection of fiction, poetry and non-fiction.

“This anthology, like all IWA anthologies, is both inspiring and empowering,” says Gabriela Casineanu, founder and past president of the IWA. “There’s healing and power in storytelling; it touches people’s hearts. Like an unseen underground river that connects different lands, storytelling can connect readers with their own emotions and experiences — even if they didn’t go through similar ones.”

The sixth anthology from the IWA features works by 13 writers from diverse backgrounds, offering a window into immigrant experiences that span continents, cultures and generations. For the first time, the collection also includes French-language contributions, a nod to Canada’s bilingual heritage and a reflection of the linguistic diversity shaping the country’s literary landscape.

Casineanu notes that, in the pursuit of building a life in Canada, “immigrants often put their own thoughts and feelings aside.” The anthology creates a space for these stories to surface, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys.

The collection opens with fiction, including Romanian-born Claudiu Murgan’s Water Confessions, a speculative tale blending environmental themes with human consciousness. Murgan’s story imagines a future transformed by climate change, crystal technology and the perseverance of human ingenuity that reflects the adaptability and resourcefulness of immigrants.

The poetry section highlights themes of resilience and creativity. Burundian-born Sonia Muhimpundu Kayishema’s Odyssey of the Braves honours the courage of immigrants who leave their homelands in search of a better future while Nigerian-born Surveyor Efik’s climate poetry bridges the old and new, illustrating the importance of reconnecting with tradition while addressing modern challenges.

Navigating cultures and identities

Non-fiction entries in the anthology offer some of its most poignant moments, capturing the personal and collective struggles of adapting to a new culture while preserving one’s roots. In Dear Friends, Aldona Dziedziejko reflects on her childhood journey from Poland to Canada, vividly portraying the challenges of learning a new language and building a sense of belonging. Her memories of stark apartment blocks in Poland contrast with the vibrant community she discovers in Canada, highlighting the bittersweet reality of leaving one life behind to start another.

Bangladeshi-born M.K. Aaref’s The Awakening of Layla presents a fictional account of a Kurdish woman navigating life in Toronto. Layla struggles to balance her independence with her cultural heritage, a theme Casineanu recognizes as central to many immigrant experiences. “Torn between two cultures, children of immigrants might struggle to find their identity,” she explains. These stories, she hopes, will resonate with readers, especially immigrants or their children, encouraging them to honour their journeys and emotions.

A celebration of diversity and resilience

The anthology’s inclusion of French-language contributions reflects its commitment to showcasing Canada’s diverse voices. 

Casineanu envisions the anthology as a source of inspiration. “I hope the stories in this anthology make readers—especially those who are immigrants or children of immigrants—pay more attention to the insights and emotions that surface from their hearts. Get inspired by these stories. Honour who they are, who they become, and those around them. Because each of us counts.”

As the foreword by IWA interim president M.K. Aaref notes, Old Roots, New Shoots is a celebration of transformation and belonging. It bridges the past and future, offering a platform for immigrant voices to be heard and appreciated.

With its compelling mix of narratives, Old Roots, New Shoots invites readers to celebrate Canada’s diverse cultural landscape while reflecting on their own roots. As Casineanu aptly puts it, “Each of us counts.”

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