Virtual Museum of Salvadoran Migration to Canada

Documenting Salvadoran Migration to Canada

The Virtual Museum of Salvadoran Migration to Canada is a collaboration between the Salvadoran Canadian Association (ASALCA), the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at Western University, and Toronto filmmaker, Shawn Robertson. This first phase of the project aims to document the experiences of Salvadoran immigrants who came to Canada as refugees in the context of the Salvadoran Civil War, along with the experiences of their direct descendants in the diaspora. In video interviews, project participants from Toronto, Vancouver, London, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax share their migration stories, explore the historical context that motivated their migration, document cultural heritage, and reflect on Salvadoran Canadian identity. The goal is to build an accessible digital platform that not only preserves these personal narratives but also highlights the resilience and contributions of the Salvadoran community.

Led by Eusebio Garcia and ASALCA members, this project amplifies underrepresented voices, fosters a deeper understanding of the Salvadoran diaspora's rich cultural heritage, and sheds light on the diverse factors influencing migration journeys. By focusing on community-building, identity formation, and the socio-economic integration of Salvadorans in Canada, the project offers a platform for the diaspora to maintain and celebrate their cultural roots. The digital museum also serves as an important educational tool that can contribute to more inclusive narratives within Canadian society, offering policymakers, educators, and the general public insight into the lives and experiences of Salvadoran Canadians.

This project is supported in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Research Fund, Western University, and the Salvadoran Canadian Association (ASALCA).