This project, organized by the St. Thomas-Elgin Local Immigration Partnership, features the photography of six newcomers to St. Thomas and Elgin County. The individual photos are combined with a small description, written by the photographers themselves, on what the photo says about their experience settling and living in Canada. Whether sad, frustrated, hopeful or inspiring, it’s an honest look at the settlement experiences of these six individuals, and thousands like them.
Helena
Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, Helena lived in Kansas before moving to Tillsonburg. She is now 22 but moved here at 11 and met her future husband here when she was 18. They were married when she was 20 and had her daughter at 21. At home she speaks low German and English . One thing she missed most about Mexico is her relatives and the spicy Mexican food. She enjoys taking photos, reading, and spending time with her little family. Her favourite thing about St.Thomas/Elgin is the scenery!



saplings, we moved to Holland and then to Russia. As these trees grew, my family tree grew and moved around the world.


Lina
Lina is 23 years old and was born in Sudan. Growing up, she has lived in Sudan and Saudi Arabia; she now lives with her mother and sister in St. Thomas. Although she likes St. Thomas—it’s quiet with nice views and amazing people—she misses her grandparents back home. Her hobbies include painting, cooking, and reading.





Mai
Born in Yokohama Japan, Mai has lived in Christchurch and Queenstown New Zealand, and Toronto and Hamilton before settling in St. Thomas. Mai and her husband have a two year old daughter who will soon become a sister. For Mai, St. Thomas is a good sized city with everything that she needs and surrounded by nature. While she loves St. Thomas, she misses her family and friends from back home and bathing in a deep bathtub everyday. Her hobbies include cooking, reading (Japanese books), crocheting and knitting, traveling, hiking, gardening and spending time with friends





Saki
Born in Japan, Married with 11 and 6 year old boys. She finds the people in St. Thomas and Elgin helpful and friendly. She really misses the food, especially Ramen. Her hobbies include playing basketball and drawing.





Yana
Yana was twelve years old at the time of this project. She was born in London, England but has lived in Nigeria and Toronto before moving to St. Thomas. She is a twin. In St. Thomas she likes how friendly SOME people are. She likes to run. Things she misses about her life before Canada are the food and her old friends.





Yani
Yani was twelve years old at the time of the project. She was born in London, England but has lived in Nigeria and Toronto before moving to St. Thomas. She is the oldest of four siblings (one is a twin). Her favourite things in St. Thomas are her school, friends, the nature, River Valley and Boler mountain. She likes to balance things on her head, play basketball, run, and fashion. She wants to be a soldier when she is older. Things she misses about her life before Canada is going for walks, chasing chickens and swimming in her pool.




