Countries: CA

“The Rock,” as Newfoundland is affectionately known by inhabitants and expatriates alike, not only refers to a physical entity, but also to a strong identity and a thriving culture. This program traces the lives of four Newfoundland seniors, and the culture that bound them and other Newfoundlanders together, and, depending on their point of view, their memories and feelings about the threat and/or promise posed by the prospect of their beloved province joining Canada.

Quebec and the threat of separation, a continuing issue for a multi-cultural Canada. One dramatic flare-up, the Montreal riots – cars overturned; trash baskets set alight; store windows broken, and millions of dollars of damage committed – provides an interesting vehicle to examine Quebec unrest. Rocket Richard’s suspension and the loss of a hockey game symbolized the deep sense of inequality and injustice felt by many French Canadians, and four Quebec seniors recall the feelings leading up to, and the events of that dramatic day.

Before the term was applied to Canada’s downhill skiers, a fearless group of pilots defied constant danger and death to open up Canada’s North. Their exploits are legendary – they were the “Original Crazy Canucks.” Four of Canada’s bush pilots recall their experiences – the thrills; the humour and the ever-present dangers that were constant companions on their flights into Canada’s frontier mining towns.

William Quarrier, a successful Scottish businessman began a program of caring for street children that, in 1874, led to the establishment of the Orphan Homes of Scotland. During the next fifty years, some 7000 of these children were sent to Canada to begin new lives. This program is their story. Four seniors, orphaned children who were part of that emigration to a strange and far away land, recount their experiences. Their memories start with the long boat trip over the Atlantic. It was a voyage that mixed fear and seasickness with the excitement about the adventures to be faced in a strange land.

Compelling stories drawn from one of the centuries most harrowing events – the Great Depression. In this program, four seniors recall the poverty; homelessness; soup lines and relief camps that characterized their lives during this period. However, while circumstances were difficult, often in the extreme, each of the seniors also recalls the sense of community and sharing that helped to make life bearable.

They laboured in the factories and enlisted in the services, often serving overseas. They made a significant contribution to the War effort, and their lives were changed and would never be the same – they thought. While the horrors of war and the loss of loved ones are remembered, many working women also recall this as period of unparalleled freedom and camaraderie. And yet when the war ended, career expectations and hopes were discouraged. The jobs they had done so well were given back to the men, while they and other women were strongly encouraged to return to the traditional roles of mother and wife.

Multiculturalism, civil rights during wartime, discrimination and citizenship are explored as four Canadian citizens of Japanese origin remember their forced relocation to remote ghost towns and detention camps after Pearl Harbour. The shattering effects on the lives of the 22,000 interned are recalled- the pain of separation; shame of confinement; loss of property without compensation, and the long campaign for justice culminating in the Federal Government’s apology.

Immigration and multiculturalism, citizenship and discrimination – themes emerging from the vivid memories of four immigrants. Each from different cultures, emigrating to a strange, far-away land, they recall hopes, dreams, and the difficult realities encountered during the process of cultural assimilation and the achievement of citizenship and pride their adopted home – Canada.