Kampala to Canada

Kampala to Canada is a collection of untold immigration stories that highlight the journeys of 12 Ugandan South Asian Canadians. Their stories start decades ago, some over a century, journeys that crossed continents, starting in India, before arriving in Canada. Most came to Canada in the 70s as refugees, penniless and uncertain of their future. They are among some of the best and brightest - entrepreneurs, hoteliers, and professionals contributing economically, socially, and culturally to Canada. There is vulnerability, resiliency, humility, generosity, and love in each story.

Inspired by the Kampala to Canada exhibition to commemorate 50 years of Ugandan Asian Resettlement in Canada, this publication presents another component of the Indian diaspora, an overlooked aspect of Canadian history. 80,000 Asians (referring to those from the Indian subcontinent) were given 90 days to leave Uganda in 1972. This was the country they called home for generations. Several countries refused entrance to Ugandan refugees. Ugandan Asians were the largest group of non-Europeans permitted to resettle in postwar Canada. By 1973, over 6000 refugees resettled in Canada, paving the way for future refugee programs. All this was possible because of a change in Canadian policy only years earlier.

Kampala to Canada also shares the work of diverse Canadian artists from across the globe who have roots in Asia. Their work explores different aspects of immigration, such as identity, marginalization, assimilation, mental health, grief, resiliency, and so much more. Experiences that immigrants across communities can relate to.

Taslim Samji is an internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist, curator, cultural leader, and writer. She is a change maker known for curating thought-provoking exhibitions linking contemporary art to community. Through her exhibitions, she shares stories of immigrants and the work of marginalized artists in response to xenophobia, exploring identity, diversity, and shared perspectives.

Taslim Samji received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC), with a major in Asian Studies. She studied Fine Art at Emily Carr University of Arts & Design and also received a Marketing Diploma from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

To learn more about her work, visit www.tsamji.com.