Description

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Canadian immigrants share their stories to fight stereotypes and xenophobia.

In Geographies of the Heart, eighteen newcomers to Canada tell their own stories, in their own voices. These accounts push back against misconceptions about immigration and immigrants by revealing that the paths into Canada are as diverse as the people who journeyed them. In this book, a settlement worker recalls being a child soldier in Sudan; a woman from Trinidad applies to over a hundred jobs; and a teacher from Afghanistan grapples with what it means to be a migrant in a colonized land.

Canada itself plays a pivotal role in the collection, both as a savior and oppressor. The nation is a haven and place of opportunity, but it is also not entirely benevolent and welcoming. As increasing migration is met with growing xenophobia, the stories in Geographies of the Heart are reminders of our shared humanity.

About the Author

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Raymonde Tickner recently retired from teaching English language studies at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). She has also taught in UFV’s TESL teacher training program and is an Instructional Skills Workshop facilitator. Raymonde has worked with refugees and immigrants in the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program in Surrey, British Columbia.

Amea Wilbur is assistant professor at UFV. She led Vancouver Coastal Health’s Access Community through English program. She also developed a trauma-informed English as an Additional Language program at the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society. Amea is the coauthor of The 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners.

Zahida Rahemtulla is a playwright and short story writer. She has worked in the immigrant and refugee non-profit sector for several years.

Kerry Johnson was associate professor at UFV. She taught in UFV’s TESL teacher-training program and Vancouver Community College’s TESOL Certificate and Diploma program.