From now until Tuesday, July 4th, the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) will be hosting a new exhibition.
Titled the “Travel Exhibition: Hearts of Freedom – Stories of Southeast Asian Refugees,” it will be set up at their central branch in downtown Victoria and available to all who wish to learn more about the reality of refugee experiences.
Specifically, it will shed light on the personal histories of refugees from Southeast Asia who found sanctuary in Canada between 1975 and 1985.
Additionally, it will highlight the profound journeys through the triumphs and challenges faced by refugees from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
“Hearts of Freedom showcases the resilience, courage, and determination of remarkable
individuals who forged new lives in Canada,” said Fatima Ferreira, a Public Services Librarian with GVPL.
“This exhibition serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of compassion, and we are immensely proud to host it at our library.”
Naomi Charaf, a Public Services Librarian with GVPL, added that the timing of the exhibition was fitting, as it coincides with World Refugee Day, recognized on Tuesday, June 20th.
“Hearts of Freedom represents an opportunity…to engage with history, to immerse [ourselves] in the rich tapestry of these gripping stories and gain a deeper understanding of the refugee experience.”
The exhibition has been traveling to museums, universities, and libraries across Canada — don’t miss the opportunity to see it right here in downtown Victoria!
For more information on the Hearts of Freedom, visit their website.
Greater Victoria Public Library
- Where: Central Branch, 735 Broughton St — business hours vary
- When: Thursday, June 22nd to Tuesday, July 4th
