A new travelling exhibition is coming to The Exploration Place. Opening March 2, Refuge Canada explores Canada’s place in the global refugee crisis.
Through images, soundscapes, first-person accounts, and artifacts, this powerful exhibition begins with the phrase, “No one wants to be a refugee; anyone could become a refugee.” Moving through major waves of arrival from the Second World War era up to the present day, Refuge Canada does not shy away from opportunities to portray the darker chapters of history. Hopeful stories of optimism and success are balanced by moving accounts of shattered lives, fear, and examples of Canada’s mixed record in welcoming refugees.
“Refuge Canada was originally scheduled to be on display at The Exploration Place in May of 2020,” said Alyssa Leier, Curator, The Exploration Place. “We are extremely proud to finally be bringing this important exhibition to the City of Prince George. Drawing upon oral histories, archival images, artifacts and interactives, Refuge Canada shares the stories of refugees in an evocative and engaging way. Visitors can expect to leave this emotional exhibit more informed on refugee issues in Canada today.”
The exhibition will draw visitors through its five themes: Life Before, Fear, Displacement, Refuge, and Life in Canada, with hands-on opportunities to connect with the content. Crawl inside a UNHCR tent, or find room in an inflatable boat similar to those used by refugees fleeing from Turkey to Greece. Look out a plane window as the shores of Canada approach and listen to refugees tell their stories throughout the exhibit. Refuge Canada will challenge and inspire as it brings visitors on a journey from darkness to hope, always calling into question preconceptions about what it means to be a refugee.
As Canadians become increasingly aware of the current global refugee crisis, Refuge Canada is an opportunity to gain historical context.
Refuge Canada was created by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.
The Exploration Place invites its members to explore this powerful exhibit on March 1 before it opens to the general public.
Refuge Canada
March 2 – May 26, 2024
The Exploration Place