Over time, Canada has seen people immigrating from all around the world. From settlers who arrived during the 17th century, to immigrants today who seek new opportunities, Canada has been at the forefront of welcoming thousands of people every year.

Burlington continues to grow, with each person’s experience in the community adding to the ongoing rich heritage of this city. We interviewed local residents to help us tell their stories of immigration—the hardships their families have endured, the unique opportunities they worked hard for, and the communities that have supported them.

We hope you enjoy everyone’s stories as much as we enjoyed speaking with them!

Burlington as we know it today is rich in history and modern traditions of many First Nations and the Métis. From the Anishinaabeg to the Haudenosaunee, and the Métis – our lands spanning from Lake Ontario to the Niagara Escarpment are steeped in Indigenous history.

The territory is mutually covered by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy, the Ojibway, and other allied Nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.

We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit.

Views and opinions expressed in this exhibition are solely those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Museums of Burlington.