Luso-Canadian Firsts – read, learn, contribute
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The pioneers who arrived here in the mid to late fifties, paved the way for thousands of other Portuguese who chose Canada as their new home. Although they’re responsible for starting this great movement that changed the lives of many, once established in their new country, other type of pioneering took place: the adaptation, integration, and contribution to the general society at various levels of skill and responsibility; the preservation and promotion of our heritage.
This page intends to honour and recognize those who have made strides in Canadian society and those who have contributed to the evolution of the Portuguese community, and the preservation and promotion of our heritage.
It is important that we recognize that there are two kinds of Portuguese: those who were born in Portugal and those who are born in Canada of Portuguese descent. Although they both share in many similarities, they are also quite different. To be fair, even those who came here as children, youth, and even adults, have strayed away from the typical Portuguese person who lives in Portugal. In this page, we not only celebrate their contributions but also their differences. It is the evolution of a process that we can no longer control…and it is positive because it is progressive.
Once we decide to emigrate, we become part of two worlds that, in our case, are an ocean apart. It feels like most of us never quite live in either place. In the words of António Variações, it’s feeling like”só estou bem onde não estou…” (meaning that we’re only happy in a place far from the one we’re at). It is, indeed, hard to let go. As immigrants or Portuguese descendants, we know about it well enough. And although we are forced to part ways with many facets from our past, we are also powerful enough to celebrate those elements that are worthy of preservation.
Since our research is not scientific, we are bound to get it wrong from time to time. Lusocanada.com is a project that intends to involve all Luso-Canadians and grow with the knowledge and experience of each one. As such, your contribution of new material or your correction of our content is crucial to the development and integrity of the project. If we do get it wrong, just let us know and we will act accordingly, and if you have something to contribute, we are eager and ready to accept it.
Simply email us at contact@lusocanada.com.
Enjoy the content. Contribute. Alert us of any incorrections.
Let’s write history together!
Our Pioneers – We Owe it to Them
The three lives of Jornal da Aliança
Marie-Josephe Angélique – slave born in Madeira accused of burning Old Montreal
About The Author
Paulo Pereira
Paulo Pereira has worked in community media for over 20 years. He started as a reporter for Sol Portugues. Later, he became Editor of Team Desportivo, Director of Flash News, Director of Jornal da Aliança, Director of Luso-Ontario Magazine, and Editor at Correio da Manha Canada's newspaper. Paulo Pereira is also a co-founder of Associacao Migrante de Barcelos where he volunteered for many years as Secretary and Sporting Director. He also volunteered for Casa do Benfica de Toronto for close to a decade as member of the Board in roles such as Public Relations Director and Vice-President for Sports and Culture. Currently, he is the President of Project First Nations, a not-for-profit organization. In November of 2023, he was elected as a member of the Portuguese Community Council, representing the District of Toronto, which includes Ontario, Manitoba and Nunavut.