Mei T.

Oak Lake, Manitoba

Other

The Good Life In Canada

I interviewed my maternal grandmother about her family history immigrating to Canada in the 1880s. We talked about her life growing up and also about the reasons why her grandparents came to Canada. There were many freedoms they had the opportunity to enjoy in Canada. We talked about being settlers and how they lived in Manitoba, Canada.

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

Canada is a land of opportunity. With effort and work, anyone can enjoy the freedoms to own land and prosper themselves through education. Canada's democratic government means they can have their voice heard in Canada.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I found it very interesting hearing stories of my grandma growing up and speaking only German before she entered school. How she had no running water or electricity and used a wood cook stove. I was encouraged listening to her talk about her own Mom having to teach herself to read and write. They were very happy with the little they had because they were free to have it.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

My life today is very fortunate. I have free education, the right to vote when I'm 18 years old, and opportunity to work and earn money. Life was hard for the early settlers but now I enjoy many of Canada's freedoms because of them.