The cross-country tour of Canada: Day 1, an exciting bilingual exhibition, will make a stop in Alberta’s capital city at the Borealis Gallery in the Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre. The exhibit opens on August 27 and runs until December 4.
Canada: Day 1 invites audiences to explore the diverse, personal day 1 immigrant experiences from Confederation to present day.
The exhibit highlights newcomers’ unique and shared experiences, across time and cultures, through oral histories, archival images, original artworks, objects and visitor participation. Explore Day 1 through the themes of Transitions, Arrivals, Encounters, Finding Your Way and Reflections. Audiences will be transported back to their first day in Canada or inspired to imagine themselves in a newcomer’s shoes.
“The Legislative Assembly is pleased to host this exciting exhibition in our Visitor Centre. It offers each of us the chance to view our country from a fresh perspective, the way people might experience their first day in Canada. It is an exciting time to explore Canada: Day 1; as our country prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary, it serves to remind us that one of Canada’s great strengths is the diversity of our nation. Millions of immigrants choose Canada as their new home and we honour that choice through this exhibit,” said Honourable Robert E. Wanner, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
“We are delighted that Canadians will be able to experience this fascinating exhibition,” said Marie Chapman, CEO, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. “Day 1 in a new country is an important milestone. Whether you came to Canada by ship 50 years ago, or by plane five years ago, whether you came on your own, or surrounded by family, that first day as an immigrant is experienced in a very personal way.”
Canada: Day 1 is sure to spark ongoing conversations and further reflections on collective Canadian identity, through the exhibit itself along with the public programming that will be offered throughout the exhibition.
Produced by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada: Day 1 is a legacy project for Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017 and is supported by RBC Foundation. Canada: Day 1 will be presented in communities across the country on the Road to 2017.
As with all programming offered by the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, this exhibition is open to the public, and is free and nonticketed. Groups of 10 or more are asked to contact the Visitor Services reservation line at 780.427.7362 to make arrangements.
About the Borealis Gallery
The Borealis Gallery opened in late 2015. The gallery is one of four spaces featured in the Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre. It is located on the main floor of the Edmonton Federal Building, just north of the Alberta Legislature, at 9820 – 107 Street, with public access on the west side of the building. The Agora Interpretive Centre, the Pehonan Theatre and the Alberta Branded store are also located within the Visitor Centre.
About the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 collects, shares and pays tribute to the Canadian immigration story. The museum is situated in Halifax, Nova Scotia at Pier 21, the National Historic Site that served as the gateway to Canada for one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 enhances public understanding of the experiences of immigrants to Canada, highlights the vital role immigration has played in the building of our country and the contributions of immigrants to Canada’s culture, economy and way of life. It is Canada’s sixth national museum and the only one located in Atlantic Canada. For more information, visit pier21.ca.
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