Taeton T.

Across the Sea to Freedom: My Grandma’s Incredible Journey

Taeton T.
Calgary and Central Alberta Regional Heritage Fair
Calgary, AB

Many immigrants come to Canada searching for a better life. My grandmother risked everything on a dangerous boat journey to give my family a safe future. After the Vietnam War, life in Vietnam was very difficult. My grandmother wanted a better future for her family. When she found out she was pregnant with my mom, she knew she had to find a safer place to live. In 1989, my grandmother and grandfather secretly left Vietnam on a cargo boat with many other people who were also looking for freedom. They were stowaways hiding on the ship. 

When the captain finally discovered them, it was already too far to return to Vietnam. The captain decided to let them stay on the boat until they reached Hong Kong. The journey was very dangerous. One day their boat was attacked by pirates. The pirates began shooting at the boat and everyone was very scared. People were screaming and some were injured. The captain of the boat was shot and died. The boat was suddenly left without anyone to guide it. My grandmother grew up in a fishing family, so she knew how to steer a boat.  

Even though she was pregnant, she bravely stepped forward and took control. After many days at sea, the people on the boat ran out of food. Everyone was worried and hungry. My grandmother suggested going to shore at night to find food. It was dangerous because they could be caught. When it became very dark, she and a few men quietly went onto land. They found farmland with animals and vegetables. They brought chickens, ducks, pigs, and vegetables back to the boat so everyone could eat. After almost a month of traveling on the sea, the boat finally reached Hong Kong. The refugees were placed in a protection camp while they waited to move to a new country. Soon after arriving, my mom was born. The struggles she faced were life and death situations. I learned that not all people who now live in Canada have had an easy life. This is something we need to remember. If we understand this then we will be more kind to people who are different from us and who have different ways of doing things.  

What sources and evidence did you consult for your project? What different perspectives did they provide on your topic?

I interviewed my family members and I now understand that not all countries have the safety and freedom that Canadians have. I used Canadian Government websites that explained the immigration process into Canada. I didn’t realize there was so much to the process, and that it could be overwhelming for some people, especially if they do not speak the language. I also watched videos to help me understand this topic.

What is the historical significance of your topic?

The historical significance of my topic explains why some people choose to come to Canada and why we have such a diverse country. It is important to know these stories so we can understand each other better. If we do not understand each other's stories then it creates misunderstandings and this can lead to people not getting along. We need to work together to make our country a better place. The long term impacts are reflected in my family's story now. Who knows what could have happened to my mother or what her life would look like if she had to stay in Vietnam. My life would also look very different. I would not have the wonderful life I have now in Canada.  

Why did you choose this topic? 

I am very proud of my Vietnamese heritage and have always wondered how and why my family ended up in Canada. It is important to know your own story so you can share it with others. Perhaps you can help others by knowing your own background.