1 25 9 https://omeka.uottawa.ca/anthroharvest/files/original/80eff495d46b00dc59cddd458045598b.jpg b0e7b4e16b8f1ae02a892d12405e8a57 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Figure 1. Entrance of UNAM-Canada Photo taken by Charlotte Lasnier https://omeka.uottawa.ca/anthroharvest/files/original/ac24349f978929e8a5a81c0843ea9694.jpg e8fe77cc644c14622c116c5c8c58eb97 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Figure 2. Day of the Dead altar commemorating Québec artist Jean Paul Riopelle at Maison du Citoyen Photo taken by Noémie Burrs https://omeka.uottawa.ca/anthroharvest/files/original/b5ac2b5752f6a6beb5bbb791861c392e.jpg 2a106b957a5d56894d19b40ef1342c37 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Figure 3. Library at UNAM-Canada Photo taken by Noémie Burrs https://omeka.uottawa.ca/anthroharvest/files/original/8091f7cd5d280090a7839dde308a88a8.mp3 e309a942a97ef154744dc6ec7c08b024 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Audio recording of our conversation with UNAM-Canada Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Latin American & Caribbean Organizations Subject The topic of the resource collection of organizations designed to support and uplift Latin and Caribbean people in Canada. Description An account of the resource <div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is a city rich in diverse cultures and communities from around the world. Relocating to Canda from the southern hemisphere is a significant shift and challenge. For these immigrants, they face obstacles, including finding people who are culturally similar. Thankfully, there are many aid organizations which connect people with help. In this section of AnthroHarvest, we showcase a few of these groups. They do not just celebrate immigrant cultures, they give them the chance to meet others and learn how to adjust to Canadian life. There are language classes, cultural events, and get-togethers. Each group is different. Some groups focus on keeping languages and traditions alive. Other groups help artists show their work. They provide spaces for people to meet and talk. All of these groups together illustrate the strength of Latin American and Caribbean communities here. In the collections below, you will find more information about them: the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, the Barbados Ottawa Association, Canada Habla Español, the Humanitarian Organization of Latin American Students, the Latin Hub and the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada. Specifically, we hope to emphasize different events, fundraisers, and resources they have, how to contact them and/or join their association, their social media pages, and a short description of the organization itself.</div> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cover Photo: Day of the Dead altar commemorating Québec artist Jean Paul Riopelle at Maison du Citoyen Photo taken by Noémie Burrs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Taylor Paterson, Soorya Hedayat Omar, Racheal Agofure, Zainab Oyejobi, Amy May Lajeunesse and Roodmya Douge. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Noémie Burrs, Leila Ledenko and Charlotte Lasnier Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Alex Méndez and Brenda Colín Location The location of the interview Gatineau, Québec, Canada Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Interviewer 1 (0:00): Hi, my name is Charlotte. Together with my colleagues Noémie and Leila, we conducted an interview with Alex Méndez and Brenda Colín from UNAM-Canada, the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Gatineau. As part of a Latin American and Caribbean anthropology course, our goal was to better understand the services and activities offered by the university as well as to learn more about a Latin American organization in our region. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy this interview. Interviewer 2 (0:35): I'm going to ask you guys to introduce yourselves first, and then I'll get into the questions after that. Alex Méndez (Academic Affairs Chief Executive, UNAM-Canada) (0:43): Thank you for being here. My name is Alex Méndez. I'm the Academic Affairs Chief Executive at UNAM-Canada. Brenda Colín (Administrative Lead, UNAM-Canada) (0:49): Hi, hello, I'm Brenda Colín. I'm the administrative in charge at UNAM-Canada. Interviewer 2 (0:58): My first question is: what is the name of your organization and where is it located? Alex Méndez (1:05): The name of the organisation is UNAM-Canada. Now, we are changing to UNAM Commonwealth because we are changing our legal status to cover another branch of UNAM in the United Kingdom. So, that is the reason why now we are named UNAM Commonwealth. Brenda Colín (1:26): And we are located at 55 Rue du Portage, Gatineau, Quebec, J8X 2J9. Sorry for my French. Interviewer 2 (1:40): When and why was this organisation created? Brenda Colín (1:44): It’s very interesting because last year we celebrated our 30th anniversary, so we have 30 years in the region. We were created in 1995. And the purpose— Alex Méndez (1:58): We were created like an international program that originated from 80 years ago. The first one is 81 years with San Antonio in Texas. It’s the first one, the first office abroad of the UNAM. And we are the second one. We have— Brenda Colín (2:23): It’s very interesting also because UNAM in Mexico is a big university, one of the most important in Latin America. And right now, it has several offices abroad, around 13 around the world, like in China or in South America like Chile recently, and in the United Kingdom. Alex Méndez and Brenda Colín (2:45): France, Germany, China, Spain. In the United States, we have five: San Antonio, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, and Tucson. Brenda Colín (3:00): We have many offices abroad. Now, we are working with the United Kingdom to create one legal status, like incorporated. Because of the Commonwealth: United Kingdom and Canada. That helps. Interviewers (3:19): Interesting. Alex Méndez (3:22): This is our vision: promote mobility, relation, cooperation and inter and intra-institutional collaboration; promote language teaching and certification of Spanish; disseminate Mexican culture and local cultures, for the benefit of both the university community and the Mexican one abroad; and enhance the presence of UNAM abroad. Interviewer 1 (3:44): How does the university meet its mission? What kind of activities do you do? Alex Méndez (3:54): We were created as a language school, that is why we have the language in our mission. We offer Spanish classes for Canadians, and English and French for Mexican and Latin American students. We are not closed to or just for Mexican or UNAM students. It’s open to Hispanophone people that want to study English or French here in Canada. Also, in our courses, we have culture, Latin American culture. And also, we have activities created with our culture. We are aiming to show what is happening at UNAM, the developments at UNAM. That is the reason why we try not to just concentrate in culture, so it is open to what is doing UNAM right now. Our programs are open to everyone, not just Mexican students. Brenda Colín (5:00): Maybe not a lot of people know about all the important things that UNAM has created. It’s a very old university also, and throughout it’s history it has created and brings a lot in science, in culture, in many different disciplines. We have a satellite; I don’t know if you know about it. UNAM has one. We have two vessels— Alex Méndez (5:46): One in the Pacific and one in the Atlantic. Brenda Colín (5:51): UNAM is also in charge of the Seismological Institute. There are a lot of earthquakes in Mexico, so they have an institute that measures them and makes study about it. It’s UNAM that is in charge of that. We have different institutes and faculties for every discipline that you can imagine. It’s a huge university. And here, we would like to share all of what UNAM in Mexico does, have more people know about it and be more in touch with that knowledge. And create bonds between UNAM in Mexico and universities in Canada, to create opportunities for teachers and students that are interested in developing research and studies on different topics. Interviewer 2 (7:05): You have a big fan right here. Interviewer 3 (7:11): I actually went to Taxco with my Spanish class through UNAM-Canada. Brenda Colín (7:18): That’s a one example of what UNAM offers. UNAM-Canada itself is just a little part of all of what UNAM offers. I’m so happy and I hope that one day you have the opportunity to go to Mexico City and know UNAM. Ciudad Universitaria is like a city of the university, it’s huge. You move around with a pus, Puma bus. It’s actually a bus that drives around all the faculties, it’s huge, it’s very interesting. Interviewer 3 (7:58): Could you talk more about the Day of the Dead celebration? I’ve been able to participate a few times, and it might be interesting for the interview. Brenda Colín (8:10): Of course. Throughout the year, we have different activities, and one of the most important is the Day of the Dead. It’s celebrated at the end of October/beginning of November. We create an altar dedicated to— normally we choose a writer, a scientific or somebody important in Mexico and also Canada, so the two countries. We create an altar at La Maison du Citoyen, the alcaldía (city hall) of Gatineau. The purpose of this activity is to share this tradition that is very important in Mexico. During this event we remember our loved ones who have passed away, but more with a happy feeling. It’s a celebration of life, more like who is this person or what did you live with this person. More about remembering the happy memories and having the feeling of celebrating what this person lived or what this person contributed to Canada, to Mexico or to the world. This year we’re working on the altar for October/November, and you’re invited to participate in the activity. We are thinking about important people who contributed to the world, like Jane Goodhall for example, who passed away recently. It’s to commemorate them and honour them and honour their contributions. It’s a tradition that we like to share with the community, and it’s well known in the region. We are happy to have the support of the city. Alex Méndez (10:25): Did you see Coco, the movie Coco? Interviewer 1 (10:28): I was just thinking, that’s where I heard of it. Because I didn’t know about it before until I watched Coco. I watched it a few times. Interviewer 1 (10:38): It’s really a good movie. I cried multiple times. Alex Méndez (10:40): But that’s a really good representation of what it means and how we see death. It’s really beautiful. Interviewer 2 (10:47): Like their passing, crossing a bridge to come and be with family, be with the dead. Alex Méndez (10:57): Exactly. It's to share the moment with the family that passed away. That is the reason to remember what they did in life and to remember the person in this celebration. Interviewer 1 (11:12): How many staff and volunteers work with you? Brenda Colín (11:18): Staff members, we have 18 staff. And we don’t work with volunteers. Alex Méndez (11:26): It’s just in specific cases, like Day of the Dead, that we have volunteers who help with the logistics of the activity. But we don’t work with volunteers. We don’t have a regular program or something like that. Our volunteers come from our Spanish classes, maybe students who want to practice their Spanish with Latin American people that visit our offrendas (Day of the Dead altar). That is the reason why we, just in that case, will work with volunteers. Interviewers (12:10): Interesting. Interviewer 3 (12:13): Since you talked a little bit about your students, would you mind sharing anonymous stories about your students: who they are, why they want to take your classes, why do they want to study at UNAM-Canada. Brenda Colín (12:30): We have diverse types of students. Like Alex mentioned before, our Spanish students are from the region. Generally, they are retired, who like to travel in Latin America and want to improve their Spanish. Recently, we had students from the government that have more specific necessities when it comes to why they want to improve their Spanish. So, we have those kinds of students in our Spanish classes. In English and in French, mostly they are students like you saw in the video: university students that mostly come from UNAM. Also, like we mentioned before, our courses are open to anyone that wants to have the experience of our winter or summer Puma (PUMA+ program). Alex Méndez (13:31): Sometimes, we also have students that come from Mexico that come to visit other universities like Ottawa University, or in Montréal: Concordia or McGill. They develop research with professors and researchers in Canadian universities. Sometimes we have visitors from Mexico to develop research in Canada. Interviewer 3 (14:02): Cool, thank you. This would be our last questions. It’s a more personal question: what motivates you to do this work, and why do you think it’s important? Brenda Colín (14:17): Personally, I feel very proud to be part of UNAM-Canada because I studied at UNAM in Mexico. I feel very proud to be part of UNAM in Canada and be part of an organization that makes visible UNAM abroad, specifically here. Not only what UNAM does: it’s a lot like you can see. But also, Mexican and Latin American contributions, traditions, cultural and scientific contributions. It’s not very visible, necessarily. I feel very proud to be part of this organization and to help students with languages and to make bonds with Canada and Mexico. It’s very important and I feel very happy. Alex Méndez (15:15): As UNAM-Canada, I think this is important because it is part of the internalization process of UNAM. It’s the biggest university in Mexico, so they want to have connections with the world. That is the reason we are here and why our rector (UNAM’s rector) encourages this process, not only in Canada but in other countries too. To connect Mexican development and scientific culture and research, because with the size of UNAM, any topic you want to touch at is there. That is the reason why it is important for UNAM to connect the development of knowledge with the world. As Alex, personal opinion, I think it’s the same as Brenda. It’s great to be part of this internalization project because you are a part of promoting the connection between Canada and Mexico. And you can open the opportunities for Mexican students or Latin American students to— it’s like when we have our Puma courses: we ask “for whom is it the first time outside of Mexico?”. It’s 80-90% of the population. It’s a big number and it’s part of the project that we are showing to the students: there is more than just Mexico or any country in Latin America. It’s an opportunity to see what is Canada or what is another country in the world, because we have the same office abroad system for other countries. When you see that this is connected to the students and show the students other opportunities, and open opportunities with Canadian universities and with other sectors, it’s a beautiful moment to be there and to be part of this big project. I’m happy to be here. Interviewers (17:39): Thank you so much. Thank you for having us. Brenda Colín (17:45): Thanks for coming and being interested in UNAM-Canada. You’re welcomed anytime. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data In person Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 17:50 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Conversation with UNAM-Canada Description An account of the resource The organization we interviewed for this project is UNAM-Canada, an extension of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico’s largest and oldest public University. UNAM has thirteen international offices located in multiple countries, such as the United States, France, Germany, Spain, China, Chile, and, more recently, the United Kingdom. Founded in 1995, UNAM-Canada serves as the university’s international office in Canada. Located in downtown Hull, in Gatineau, this extension currently employs eighteen staff members. As part of this project, we interviewed Alex Méndez, the Academic Affairs Chief Executive at UNAM-Canada, and Brenda Colín, the Administrative Lead at UNAM-Canada. The UNAM-Canada primarily offers language courses in Spanish, French and English, as well as courses on Mexican and Latin American culture, welcoming more than 800 students each year (Unam Canadá 2019). Most of the students enrolled in Spanish courses come from the region and generally fall into two main categories. The first group consists mostly of retirees who enjoy traveling to Latin America and would like to improve their Spanish skills. The second group includes government employees or professionals who require Spanish for specific purposes and therefore will take classes with UNAM-Canada. When it comes to English and French courses, most participants are international students from UNAM in Mexico. In fact, twice a year, during the summer and winter semesters, the school holds a program called PUMA+. Through this program, Mexican students spend three weeks in Canada developing their English and French skills. In addition, UNAM-Canada is one of only two accredited institutions in Canada authorized to offer the SIELE examination, which provides an internationally recognized certification of Spanish language proficiency (Unam Canadá 2026). As a result, UNAM-Canada has established itself as one of the most important language learning institutions in the National Capital region, especially regarding the teaching and the certification of the Spanish language. Furthermore, another important aspect of UNAM-Canada is its connection to the broader UNAM network, widely recognized as a hub for research and innovation across multiple disciplines (TV UNAM 2017). Indeed, during the interview, it was pointed out that UNAM is involved in a wide range of scientific and academic fields. As Brenda Colín explained, UNAM has developed many important contributions that not everyone knows about: it has its own satellite. It also has two research vessels. By sharing these achievements through its Canadian programs, UNAM-Canada helps bring greater visibility to the global impact of Mexican and Latin American research. This is not only beneficial for raising awareness among local Canadian communities, but also for highlighting the key role that Latin American institutions like UNAM has in developing knowledge on a global scale. In addition to promoting the Spanish language, as well as Mexican and Latin American culture, UNAM-Canada’s mandate is to build academic bridges between Canada and Mexico and to further strengthen UNAM’s presence abroad. One clear example of this would be the many Mexican students who come to Canada to conduct research at universities such as the University of Ottawa, Concordia University, and McGill University. These academic exchanges are actively supported by UNAM-Canada, which has been collaborating with regional universities to develop and expand such opportunities over time. UNAM-Canada also serves as an important venue for conferences, round tables, book and film presentations, symposiums, as well as painting and photography exhibitions, in addition to concerts and theatre performances. The institution has classrooms, a specialized library focused on Mexican and Latin-American books, a cafeteria and a multipurpose room that functions as both an auditorium and art gallery (Unam Canadá 2019). Moreover, UNAM-Canada is widely recognized for organizing the Day of the Dead celebration in collaboration with the Embassy of Mexico and the City of Gatineau. Every year, the institution installs an altar, either in the school’s multipurpose room or at Gatineau’s city hall and hosts a variety of cultural activities related to the celebration, bringing together members of the regional community. We decided to interview UNAM-Canada because of its importance in promoting Mexican and Latin American culture in the National Capital Region. Although this university mainly focuses on language courses and Mexican and Latin American cultural activities, its impact goes beyond the academic sphere. Indeed, the organization actively contributes to strengthening the sense of community in the region by offering activities that encourage relationships between students and citizens. Whether through language courses, a variety of cultural events, or by facilitating academic exchanges between Mexico and Canada, UNAM-Canada fosters intercultural understanding and builds connections between local and international communities. Thus, the university’s participation and the digital archiving of the interview would help make the general public more aware of the important role of this organization in promoting UNAM and Mexico, as well as in strengthening intercultural bonds. If you would like to learn more about UNAM-Canada, we encourage you to visit their website: <a href="https://canada.unam.mx/fr/accueil/">https://canada.unam.mx/fr/accueil/</a> If you would like to learn more about UNAM, we invite you to watch this video: <a href="https://youtu.be/8VGgHcOO8TM?si=04-1UyCAJ5kYl0dZ">https://youtu.be/8VGgHcOO8TM?si=04-1UyCAJ5kYl0dZ</a> Bibliography: Unam Canadá. 2019. “Histoire - Unam Canadá.” Last modified November 12. <a href="https://canada.unam.mx/fr/histoire/">https://canada.unam.mx/fr/histoire/</a>.  Unam Canadá. 2026. “Service International D’Évaluation De La Langue Espagnole (SIELE) - Unam Canadá.” Last modified February 23. <a href="https://canada.unam.mx/fr/service-international-devaluation-de-la-langue-espagnole/">https://canada.unam.mx/fr/service-international-devaluation-de-la-langue-espagnole/</a>.  TV UNAM. 2017, December 6. “UNAM  La Universidad De La Nación - Video Institucional.” Video, 4 min., 43 sec. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGgHcOO8TM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGgHcOO8TM</a>. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Audio file : MP3 file - 23.0 Mo Images : JPG file - 3.59 Mo ; JPG file - 7.38 Mo Mo ; JPG file - 3.50 Mo Language A language of the resource English Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Pictures taken by Noémie Burrs and Charlotte Lasnier Figure 1. Entrance of UNAM-Canada (March 17, 2026) Figure 2. Day of the Dead altar commemorating Québec artist Jean Paul Riopelle at Maison du Citoyen (November 3, 2024) Figure 3. Library at UNAM-Canada (March 17, 2026) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Latin American & Caribbean Organizations Subject The topic of the resource collection of organizations designed to support and uplift Latin and Caribbean people in Canada. Description An account of the resource <div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is a city rich in diverse cultures and communities from around the world. Relocating to Canda from the southern hemisphere is a significant shift and challenge. For these immigrants, they face obstacles, including finding people who are culturally similar. Thankfully, there are many aid organizations which connect people with help. In this section of AnthroHarvest, we showcase a few of these groups. They do not just celebrate immigrant cultures, they give them the chance to meet others and learn how to adjust to Canadian life. There are language classes, cultural events, and get-togethers. Each group is different. Some groups focus on keeping languages and traditions alive. Other groups help artists show their work. They provide spaces for people to meet and talk. All of these groups together illustrate the strength of Latin American and Caribbean communities here. In the collections below, you will find more information about them: the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, the Barbados Ottawa Association, Canada Habla Español, the Humanitarian Organization of Latin American Students, the Latin Hub and the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada. Specifically, we hope to emphasize different events, fundraisers, and resources they have, how to contact them and/or join their association, their social media pages, and a short description of the organization itself.</div> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cover Photo: Day of the Dead altar commemorating Québec artist Jean Paul Riopelle at Maison du Citoyen Photo taken by Noémie Burrs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Taylor Paterson, Soorya Hedayat Omar, Racheal Agofure, Zainab Oyejobi, Amy May Lajeunesse and Roodmya Douge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource <a href="https://jocainc.com/">Jamaican Ottawa Community Association</a> Description An account of the resource The mission of the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association is to support and empower Jamaican Ottawa-Gatineau residents by creating a community in which all can participate and be involved. They provide services to their members, such as support for elders, resources/information for newcomers, and cultural and educational programs.  The Jamaican Ottawa Community Association was founded in the early 1960s by Carleton University students, and was later federally incorporated in the late 1970s. Also known as the J(O)CA, they are a non-profit organization that aims to support and engage residents in community issues and projects, while also being a pillar of the Jamaican community through its various activities, ranging from celebrations to awareness-raising. This association is currently under the presidency of Claudine Mitchell, who originates from St. Thomas, Jamaica.  The J(O)CA is known for hosting a “JAMDAY” yearly, to celebrate the independence of Jamaica, typically in the first or second week of August. There, you will find good food, music, and a community coming together to celebrate their roots and freedom.  You can sign up to be a member directly on their website, and follow events from their Facebook and Instagram pages. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Roodmya Douge and Amy May Lajeunesse Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jamcottawa">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamcottawa/">Instagram</a> https://omeka.uottawa.ca/anthroharvest/files/original/d17515127c384d9fcdad09d728926954.m4a 93be7667911c1cbec477ffd43540f952 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Latin American & Caribbean Organizations Subject The topic of the resource collection of organizations designed to support and uplift Latin and Caribbean people in Canada. Description An account of the resource <div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is a city rich in diverse cultures and communities from around the world. Relocating to Canda from the southern hemisphere is a significant shift and challenge. For these immigrants, they face obstacles, including finding people who are culturally similar. Thankfully, there are many aid organizations which connect people with help. In this section of AnthroHarvest, we showcase a few of these groups. They do not just celebrate immigrant cultures, they give them the chance to meet others and learn how to adjust to Canadian life. There are language classes, cultural events, and get-togethers. Each group is different. Some groups focus on keeping languages and traditions alive. Other groups help artists show their work. They provide spaces for people to meet and talk. All of these groups together illustrate the strength of Latin American and Caribbean communities here. In the collections below, you will find more information about them: the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, the Barbados Ottawa Association, Canada Habla Español, the Humanitarian Organization of Latin American Students, the Latin Hub and the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada. Specifically, we hope to emphasize different events, fundraisers, and resources they have, how to contact them and/or join their association, their social media pages, and a short description of the organization itself.</div> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cover Photo: Day of the Dead altar commemorating Québec artist Jean Paul Riopelle at Maison du Citoyen Photo taken by Noémie Burrs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Taylor Paterson, Soorya Hedayat Omar, Racheal Agofure, Zainab Oyejobi, Amy May Lajeunesse and Roodmya Douge. Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview Imogene Chapman and Katie Aunger Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed Tamara Toledo Location The location of the interview Toronto, Ontario, Canada Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Imogene: Good afternoon. My name is Imogene, and this is my colleague Katie, and, this interview is part of our contribution to the AnthroHarvest Collective. So, we are joined… we're pleased to be joined today by Tamara Toledo, which is one of the directors at the Latin American Canadian Art Projects, or the LACAP, which is a not-for-profit. Imogene: So, we'd first like to start by giving you the opportunity to properly introduce yourself, as well as briefly go through what the organization is, and then Katie will follow up with more in-depth questions about the organization afterward. Tamara Toledo: Yeah. Okay, so my name is Tamara Toledo, I'm the director, curator of LACAP / Sur Gallery. So, LACAP is a non-profit arts organization that has been around for 20 years now, implementing different, programs, initiatives, projects throughout the city of Toronto mostly. And for the past 10 years, one of its projects, which has been… is one of, its most relevant projects now, is Sur Gallery, which is the actual physical bricks-and-mortar space where we program, a lot of, the… yeah, a lot of the programming that we currently hold.  Tamara Toledo: And as an introduction, for myself as well, I am a curator, and the curator of SurGallery. I am a scholar, art historian, and I started off my career as a visual artist. So I also studied drawing and painting at OCAD University in the 90s. Katie: Wow, that's amazing. Thank you so much. So, who does your organization serve? What is the main community that you are working with? Tamara Toledo: So we mainly serve the Latin American, LatinX, diaspora in Canada. I would say it's mostly locally based. But, since we started programming a lot more online initiatives, it has expanded to a more national reach, as well as international, and that, of course, started during the pandemic. We had to pivot quite quickly, and look for different strategies to engage with our audiences. Katie: That's amazing. Tamara Toledo: And that sort of led to reaching other more national throughout different provinces in Canada and internationally. But it's history from the beginning has been very locally based: the Latin American diaspora. And that doesn't mean that we don't engage with other communities that are interested in the art and culture and histories of Latin America. Katie: Amazing! So that must mean that your staff must have grown since having to diversify how you are reaching more of the population. So how many staff did you start with, and how has that grown since? Tamara Toledo: Yeah, it seems like we are a very large organization, but paid staff is currently just two people. Everyone else is by contract, and depending on project funding. So, last year, we had 3 staff that were paid staff, that receive payroll, because of an additional grant that we received. But ongoing operationally, it's just two paid staff, one full-time and one part-time. Everyone else is contract, volunteers, we have a board of directors, we have an advisory board and we have a lot of people that have come and gone throughout the years because it has such a long history. It started off all on a volunteer basis, and slowly we've managed to receive government funding from all streams to be able to operate. Katie: That's amazing. What do you find motivates you to do this work, and why? Tamara Toledo: Well, I would say mostly with the intention, it's very intentional in the way that I would like for there to ignite change within a broader Canadian context in the arts. Because my background is in the arts, that sort of has been my focus with that activist intention of changing the ways in which art is understood, accepted, and the narratives that are a part of the Canadian dialogue. So, 20 years ago there was a lack of representation, visibility, of the Latin American diaspora in galleries and institutions, and so for me the motivation was to change that and to create that change and it had to be done from a grassroots place. And it's slowly changed and been affecting other sectors, so things have changed quite a bit in 20 years. There is some representation in some of these institutions currently, but there is a long way to go still. Katie: Do you have some specific institutions you've loved working with, or that you find have been a great asset to your organization? Tamara Toledo: We've certainly collaborated and partnered with several institutions and organizations throughout the years, which have been instrumental to the growth of LACAP and Sur Gallery. I think that for a smaller organization like ours, those partnerships and relationships are essential, and so we've tried to foster them. Throughout the years, we've collaborated with so many, not only institutions and galleries, but also festivals, and the relationships have been, of course, mutual in terms of gaining access to resources and sharing knowledge and resources. Tamara Toledo:  So just examples, let's see. We've collaborated with… I'll start with larger institutions. We've partnered with the AGO, with the Power Plant, with Harborfront Center; we've partnered with Artist Run Centers like Gallery 44, A Space Gallery; with universities, York University, OCAD University, with George Brown College; we've partnered with festivals like 7A*11D, Mayworks, Planet in Focus, so… Oh my goodness, like, I can't remember all of them, but, yeah, I think that most importantly it’s relevant to emphasize that those relationships are so important to the growth of the organization. Katie: Amazing, wow, that is amazing. Also, being in Toronto, you have so many areas around you being so artsy. It's a great center to be surrounded by all the creativity and build amazing relationships. Do you have a specific relationship or story that really stood out to you? That really maybe pushed you to continue what you're doing, or just really is highlighted in your mind? Tamara Toledo: Like, a particular partnership or relationship? Katie: Yeah, like, if you have a story about one of your favorite partnerships that you've worked with, or even just helping an individual in the community that stood out; anything that in your past years in this organization that really stood out to you? Tamara Toledo: Hmm… I mean, it's difficult to point out just one example, because it has been years of collaborations in different ways. Not just cross-promoting, but also working together on programs, and collaborating with changing that narrative which I spoke about before. So yeah, it's kind of difficult to think about just pinpoint one example. Katie: So what would you say is your personal mission statement. Tamara Toledo: My personal, like, as Tamara? Katie: Yeah, as an individual or even as an organization, you could also elaborate on that; how do you want to continue growing in your organization? What do you see in the future for it? Tamara Toledo: Okay. I would say that LACAP right now is going through some change, some internal change of growth. And I believe that this is a moment where a lot of things can develop, and a lot of things can happen. We've already gone through 10 years of running a gallery and so we're presently looking at what does our mission, our mandate, and the things that we can contribute with and how to foment and continue to change and to grow. Within the next 10 years, what does that look like and how can we still be relevant in the next 10 years? So we're going through that process of strategically thinking about our position and what are the ways we can contribute to that. The world is changing dramatically not only with AI, but geopolitically as well. And so, I think that all of those things should be under consideration when we start developing this plan for the future; for the next 10 years. From the very beginning of LACAP's inception, we've always responded to the needs of the community, what that need was in the beginning, so I think that ultimately, that has been the mission from from the beginning, and it continues to be, so that's why we're questioning currently what is the needs of our immediate community right now and how to address that need? So, yeah, I mean, there are so many layers to how we've contributed throughout the years, but essentially, um, if you have to narrow it down, it's sort of addressing the needs. Katie:  Amazing, amazing. Thank you so much for really delving into everything you have done. This is amazing to hear. Is there anything else you'd like to bring up that we did not ask you today? Tamara Toledo: I'm not sure. I mean, like, I would like to know a little bit more about the project and how I could address perhaps some things that I haven't mentioned, or mention something additionally to what this project is about, it's hard to… it's hard to say. Katie: Of course. Mm-hmm. So, our project focuses on archival work. So we are an anthropological class, we are studying Latin America and the diaspora, and how Latin American individuals are interacting with a modern-day community in Canada. So our task was to reach out to a Latin American organization, ideally Canadian and close to us. I have a background in art history, so I also am very familiar with the art world and the growth it has been evolving very rapidly, especially since the pandemic. So we love we love that you were able to talk to us, because having those ties to art history but also having ties to anthropology is very hand-in-hand. I think they do go quite coincidely together to really understand the experience of Latin Americans in Canada, and how we can improve your experience as well. Tamara Toledo: Amazing. Well, I think that, with that said what I could add would be the work that we've done with Archivo and with Profiles, which are two projects that we've led through Sur Gallery to address this sort of representation and visibility of the Latin American diaspora. I'm not sure if you're familiar with those two. You can find more information at <a href="http://surgalleryvirtual.ca">surgalleryvirtual.ca</a>. Profiles is basically a series of video portraits of Latin American artists across Canada. We went to four different cities and interviewed 15 artists and created these 5-minute videos to represent the various types of artists that you can find. They've been curated, all of them are very different: different approaches, different mediums, different themes.  Tamara Toledo: So,that is one project. And the other one is Archivo, which is a database of the Latin American diaspora of artists, of LatinX artists that identify as Indigenous from the region (from the Latin American region), Black, and Latin Caribbean. So, that one has taken about 2 years, and it continues to grow. It's project-based, and it's been implemented through project-based funding, and we hired an archivist to research and develop that particular project, and now we have over 140 entries of different artists across Canada. So, I think for your particular interest, I guess that those two would be most relevant, those two projects. And of course, we also implement a vast array of different different programs. More notably, I would say the exhibitions that we host every year, and the programming around those. There's also a symposium we held a few… maybe 3 years ago now? - called Positionality: Latin American art in Canada. And, that also is posted on our website. We have a huge archive of different events on our website that you can look through. Katie: If I'm ever in Toronto again soon, I would love to come by and check out the gallery and see if any events are on. Tamara Toledo: Amazing. Katie:I have had a blast talking to you today, and I have learned so much about you and what you do for the community, and I appreciate the time you've spent with us. Tamara Toledo: Thank you! Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data On Zoom Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 20m59s Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Conversation with Tamara Toledo from the Latin American Canadian Arts Project (LACAP) Description An account of the resource We interviewed a representative-Tamara Toledo-- of  the Latin American Canadian Arts Project or LACAP.  Their mission showcased a good example of support for the community, by the community.  Tamara's passion was infectious: “Because my background is in the arts, that sort of has been my focus with that activist intention of changing how art is understood, accepted, and the narratives that are a part of the Canadian dialogue.”  LACAP is a Toronto-based organization that helps contemporary Latin American artists who are living in Canada connect to resources, such as help with exhibitions and research. They also provide public programming. LACAP frequently works with Toronto's institutions, such as Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCAD) and York University, providing lectures and seminars about Latin American artists and the history of Latin American art. LACAP’s two founders are Tamara Toledo and Rodrigo Barreda, who is in operations management. Toledo’s background in Art history and curation allows her to understand the artists' needs on a deeper level and provides mentorship for up-and-coming Latin artists. Having attended OCAD herself, she first-hand encountered the issues that many fellow artists were experiencing, allowing her to work directly with the University's programming to create a more inclusive curriculum.  LACAP only has two paid employees; everyone else is contracted, depending on project funding. In 2025, they had 3 paid staff who received payroll thanks to an additional grant they received. In general, the organization relies heavily on a fluctuating number of volunteers, meaning that lots of people are constantly coming and going. LACAP is always looking for helping hands--you can apply on their website if you are interested in getting involved with the Latin arts community.  One of LACAP’s main initiatives is Sur Gallery, located right on Toronto's Waterfront. The gallery is a dedicated space used to present contemporary Latin American and LatinX art. This venue and its programming focus on the dialogue between artists, scholars, and communities while encouraging collaboration across borders and artistic disciplines: “Initiatives are aimed to socially innovate, critically engage, lending itself to opportunities of national relevance to begin to develop global networks of exchange.” (LACAP, 2026) Toledo saw the lack of Latin American representation in the art scene of Toronto and understood the issues many Latin artists were experiencing throughout the art community. This left her and her partner to create LACAP to allow the artists to build a strong foundation in their craft to succeed in the Canadian art world. One of her favourite projects is at the Sur Gallery. She visited four Canadian cities and interviewed 15 Latin American artists for the exhibit. Toledo and her team curated a series of video interviews, forming video portraits of Latin American artists across the country, providing a platform for the artists' voices and experiences. The work that the organization does is incredibly important as it acts as one of the only support bodies for the Latin American art community in Canada. LACAP strives to employ a mainly grassroots approach, as explained by Tamara in our interview: “(...)20 years ago there was a lack of representation, visibility, of the Latin American diaspora in galleries and institutions, and so for me the motivation was to change that and to create that change and it had to be done from a grassroots place.” The gallery plans for the long term; The Covid epidemic required them to shift gears and create alternative plans to showcase their artists.  Currently, LACAP is  undergoing structural and organizational changes, in order to continue to serve their community as best as they can by responding to  constantly changing needs.  One of the ways you can support this organization is by donating. In this context, dollars go toward promoting Latin American art in different ways, such as by inviting classes to visit their galleries, by providing resources to artists for seminar-style workshops, or by supplying art tools to beneficiaries in the community. These donations can be made by cheque or via their website: <a href="https://lacap.ca/support-lacap/donate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://lacap.ca/support-lacap/donate/</a>. You can also visit their most recent project, Sur Gallery, by appointment only (for now), situated at 100-39 Queens Quay East in Toronto, Ontario. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource M4A file (29,758 KB) Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Latin American & Caribbean Organizations Subject The topic of the resource collection of organizations designed to support and uplift Latin and Caribbean people in Canada. Description An account of the resource <div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is a city rich in diverse cultures and communities from around the world. Relocating to Canda from the southern hemisphere is a significant shift and challenge. For these immigrants, they face obstacles, including finding people who are culturally similar. Thankfully, there are many aid organizations which connect people with help. In this section of AnthroHarvest, we showcase a few of these groups. They do not just celebrate immigrant cultures, they give them the chance to meet others and learn how to adjust to Canadian life. There are language classes, cultural events, and get-togethers. Each group is different. Some groups focus on keeping languages and traditions alive. Other groups help artists show their work. They provide spaces for people to meet and talk. All of these groups together illustrate the strength of Latin American and Caribbean communities here. In the collections below, you will find more information about them: the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, the Barbados Ottawa Association, Canada Habla Español, the Humanitarian Organization of Latin American Students, the Latin Hub and the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada. Specifically, we hope to emphasize different events, fundraisers, and resources they have, how to contact them and/or join their association, their social media pages, and a short description of the organization itself.</div> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cover Photo: Day of the Dead altar commemorating Québec artist Jean Paul Riopelle at Maison du Citoyen Photo taken by Noémie Burrs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Taylor Paterson, Soorya Hedayat Omar, Racheal Agofure, Zainab Oyejobi, Amy May Lajeunesse and Roodmya Douge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource <a href="https://www.facebook.com/barbadosottawa/directory_category">Barbados (Ottawa) Association Inc.</a> Description An account of the resource The Barbados (Ottawa) Association (BOA) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1966, making it the oldest Barbadian association in all of Canada! Their mission entails working closely with similar organizations to help their members find their place in Canada’s changing society, while having a space where they can maintain a close relationship with Barbados. This year, they will be celebrating their 60th anniversary. It was founded on the same day that the nation of Barbados obtained its independence from the United Kingdom by six Barbadians who wanted to create a space for Barbadian immigrants. This space would help Barbadian immigrants adapt to life in Canada while also sharing their heritage with the Ottawa community. The current president of the BOA is Jacquie Belgrave-Dixon. The BOA has since organized many cultural, educational, and recreational activities. They host yearly Independence Receptions and Galas in Ottawa, to celebrate the anniversaries of Barbados’ independence and of becoming a Parliamentary Republic. Additionally, they often encourage their members to volunteer in community events in Ottawa, as seen in events like the yearly Ottawa Race Weekend and Ottawa Black Film Festival. Volunteers represent Barbados and support fellow Caribbean and Black communities. They also regularly host recreational activities, such as bowling nights, trivia nights, and “Promoting Healthy Lifestyles” seminars throughout the year. To see their upcoming events and get updates on the organization, you can reach the Barbados Ottawa Association by email or follow them on their social media pages linked above Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Roodmya Douge and Amy May Lajeunesse Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.facebook.com/barbadosottawa/directory_category">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/barbadosottawa/">Instagram</a> | Email: barbadosottawa@gmail.com Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Latin American & Caribbean Organizations Subject The topic of the resource collection of organizations designed to support and uplift Latin and Caribbean people in Canada. Description An account of the resource <div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is a city rich in diverse cultures and communities from around the world. Relocating to Canda from the southern hemisphere is a significant shift and challenge. For these immigrants, they face obstacles, including finding people who are culturally similar. Thankfully, there are many aid organizations which connect people with help. In this section of AnthroHarvest, we showcase a few of these groups. They do not just celebrate immigrant cultures, they give them the chance to meet others and learn how to adjust to Canadian life. There are language classes, cultural events, and get-togethers. Each group is different. Some groups focus on keeping languages and traditions alive. Other groups help artists show their work. They provide spaces for people to meet and talk. All of these groups together illustrate the strength of Latin American and Caribbean communities here. In the collections below, you will find more information about them: the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, the Barbados Ottawa Association, Canada Habla Español, the Humanitarian Organization of Latin American Students, the Latin Hub and the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada. Specifically, we hope to emphasize different events, fundraisers, and resources they have, how to contact them and/or join their association, their social media pages, and a short description of the organization itself.</div> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cover Photo: Day of the Dead altar commemorating Québec artist Jean Paul Riopelle at Maison du Citoyen Photo taken by Noémie Burrs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Taylor Paterson, Soorya Hedayat Omar, Racheal Agofure, Zainab Oyejobi, Amy May Lajeunesse and Roodmya Douge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource <a href="https://latinhubcanada.com/">Latin Hub Canada</a> Description An account of the resource Latin Hub Canada is a non-profit organization that operates in Ottawa. Their mission is to foster the growth of local artists by being the leading platform for international Hispanic and Latin artists, while providing a safe space for them to connect with Canadian audiences. Latin Hub Canada is a local club where Latin artists are able to perform and connect with a Canadian audience on stage, in a way that creates cultural exchange. They are located in Gatineau at 94, rue du Patrimoine. They were founded by a Cuban-born pianist named Miguel de Armas, and, as of 2023, they are a non-profit organization based in Ottawa, Ontario. They organize activities and soirées showcasing Latin and Hispanic artists in Canada, while helping them gain visibility and opportunities. They host multiple events such as the Ottawa Latin Jazz Conference, which explores the dynamics of jazz music and includes art exhibits, workshops, and discussions. The Latin Jazz Conference has diverse music and promotes unity. They also host the Fiesta Cubana Fest, which explores Cuban culture, dance, and literary work, with top salsa bands, authentic Cuban cuisine, and cocktails, offering a multitude of flavours. They have 4,307 attendees, 42 activities, 27 bands, and 184 artists. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Roodmya Douge and Amy May Lajeunesse Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LatinHubCanada">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thelatinhubcanada/">Instagram</a> | <a href="mailto:latinhubcanada23@gmail.com">Email</a>: latinhubcanada23@gmail.com Language A language of the resource English https://omeka.uottawa.ca/anthroharvest/files/original/60bd92ccedda6a08900f851f63e8ce20.jpg e8fe77cc644c14622c116c5c8c58eb97 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Latin American & Caribbean Organizations Subject The topic of the resource collection of organizations designed to support and uplift Latin and Caribbean people in Canada. Description An account of the resource <div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is a city rich in diverse cultures and communities from around the world. Relocating to Canda from the southern hemisphere is a significant shift and challenge. For these immigrants, they face obstacles, including finding people who are culturally similar. Thankfully, there are many aid organizations which connect people with help. In this section of AnthroHarvest, we showcase a few of these groups. They do not just celebrate immigrant cultures, they give them the chance to meet others and learn how to adjust to Canadian life. There are language classes, cultural events, and get-togethers. Each group is different. Some groups focus on keeping languages and traditions alive. Other groups help artists show their work. They provide spaces for people to meet and talk. All of these groups together illustrate the strength of Latin American and Caribbean communities here. In the collections below, you will find more information about them: the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, the Barbados Ottawa Association, Canada Habla Español, the Humanitarian Organization of Latin American Students, the Latin Hub and the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada. Specifically, we hope to emphasize different events, fundraisers, and resources they have, how to contact them and/or join their association, their social media pages, and a short description of the organization itself.</div> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cover Photo: Day of the Dead altar commemorating Québec artist Jean Paul Riopelle at Maison du Citoyen Photo taken by Noémie Burrs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Taylor Paterson, Soorya Hedayat Omar, Racheal Agofure, Zainab Oyejobi, Amy May Lajeunesse and Roodmya Douge. Physical Object An inanimate, three-dimensional object or substance. Note that digital representations of, or surrogates for, these objects should use Moving Image, Still Image, Text or one of the other types. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Day of the Dead altar commemorating Québec artist Jean Paul Riopelle at Maison du Citoyen Subject The topic of the resource Photo of event. Description An account of the resource This image was taken by student Noémie Burrs while attending a Day of the Dead celebration at UNAM-Canada in Gatineau Quebec. The image features vibrant colours, patterns and textures surrounding an alter dedicated to late canadian artist, Jean Paul Riopelle. He is known internationally for pioneering "mosaic" style abstract paintings in the 1950s. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Noémie Burrs Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Latin American & Caribbean Organizations Subject The topic of the resource collection of organizations designed to support and uplift Latin and Caribbean people in Canada. Description An account of the resource <div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is a city rich in diverse cultures and communities from around the world. Relocating to Canda from the southern hemisphere is a significant shift and challenge. For these immigrants, they face obstacles, including finding people who are culturally similar. Thankfully, there are many aid organizations which connect people with help. In this section of AnthroHarvest, we showcase a few of these groups. They do not just celebrate immigrant cultures, they give them the chance to meet others and learn how to adjust to Canadian life. There are language classes, cultural events, and get-togethers. Each group is different. Some groups focus on keeping languages and traditions alive. Other groups help artists show their work. They provide spaces for people to meet and talk. All of these groups together illustrate the strength of Latin American and Caribbean communities here. In the collections below, you will find more information about them: the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, the Barbados Ottawa Association, Canada Habla Español, the Humanitarian Organization of Latin American Students, the Latin Hub and the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada. Specifically, we hope to emphasize different events, fundraisers, and resources they have, how to contact them and/or join their association, their social media pages, and a short description of the organization itself.</div> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cover Photo: Day of the Dead altar commemorating Québec artist Jean Paul Riopelle at Maison du Citoyen Photo taken by Noémie Burrs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Taylor Paterson, Soorya Hedayat Omar, Racheal Agofure, Zainab Oyejobi, Amy May Lajeunesse and Roodmya Douge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/latinsoldierscanada/about/">Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada</a> Description An account of the resource The Latin American Soldiers Committee (LASC) is a non-profit organization based in Ottawa. Their mission is to recover names and stories of Latin American soldiers who have served in the Canadian military. Founded in 2022, they have published remembrance books in honour of the veterans and their families. Their goal is to inspire future generations by telling each other stories. To educate young people and inspire individuals entering the army. They hold ceremonies and events for Latin American Heritage Month, recognizing all the soldiers and those who have made an impact on Canadian history, for example, Major General Michel St-Louis. All while celebrating Latin American culture and heritage.  They advocate not only for the Latin American veterans but also for the communities in which many of those Latin American soldiers were not recognized or documented throughout Canadian history. Collecting the records allowed the group to show its historical and cultural impact by preserving its work. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Roodmya Douge and Amy May Lajeunesse Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.facebook.com/latinsoldierscanada/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/latinsoldierscanada/">Instagram</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Latin American & Caribbean Organizations Subject The topic of the resource collection of organizations designed to support and uplift Latin and Caribbean people in Canada. Description An account of the resource <div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is a city rich in diverse cultures and communities from around the world. Relocating to Canda from the southern hemisphere is a significant shift and challenge. For these immigrants, they face obstacles, including finding people who are culturally similar. Thankfully, there are many aid organizations which connect people with help. In this section of AnthroHarvest, we showcase a few of these groups. They do not just celebrate immigrant cultures, they give them the chance to meet others and learn how to adjust to Canadian life. There are language classes, cultural events, and get-togethers. Each group is different. Some groups focus on keeping languages and traditions alive. Other groups help artists show their work. They provide spaces for people to meet and talk. All of these groups together illustrate the strength of Latin American and Caribbean communities here. In the collections below, you will find more information about them: the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, the Barbados Ottawa Association, Canada Habla Español, the Humanitarian Organization of Latin American Students, the Latin Hub and the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada. Specifically, we hope to emphasize different events, fundraisers, and resources they have, how to contact them and/or join their association, their social media pages, and a short description of the organization itself.</div> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cover Photo: Day of the Dead altar commemorating Québec artist Jean Paul Riopelle at Maison du Citoyen Photo taken by Noémie Burrs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Taylor Paterson, Soorya Hedayat Omar, Racheal Agofure, Zainab Oyejobi, Amy May Lajeunesse and Roodmya Douge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource <a href="https://holascentral.wixsite.com/holas/general-meetings">Holas: The Humanitarian Organization of Latin American students</a> Description An account of the resource The Humanitarian Organization of American Students (Holas) is a non-profit organization based in Ottawa, specifically at Carleton University, which allows them to have a greater reach and collaborate with different organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Their mission is to provide humanitarian aid in Latin America through food, shelter, clothing, and education. They want to eradicate food insecurity in Latin America while also raising awareness of these issues. They aim to reduce poverty and inequality. The club was motivated and driven by a commitment to social responsibility, helping communities back home. A non-profit founded in 2007 by students in Ottawa. They have helped with humanitarian development in Latin America and in the Caribbean. They have raised 50,000 in development projects. There are about 200 members in HOLA who are actively participating and volunteering.  On their website, there are many pictures of Latin American and Caribbean dance and celebrations featuring traditional costumes. They are partnered with an NGO that allows others to donate to them. They have fundraisers in which they teach free salsa classes with cultural dance groups and folklore. They also host Spanish and Portuguese lessons free of charge for students to learn, practice, and improve their skills. To maintain the group, they meet once a week to discuss upcoming events, allowing students to network. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Roodmya Douge and Amy May Lajeunesse Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.facebook.com/holas.carleton/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/h.o.l.a.s/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanitarian-organization-of-latin-american-students/?viewAsMember=true">LinkedIn</a> | Email: holacentral@gmail.com Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Latin American & Caribbean Organizations Subject The topic of the resource collection of organizations designed to support and uplift Latin and Caribbean people in Canada. Description An account of the resource <div style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;">As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is a city rich in diverse cultures and communities from around the world. Relocating to Canda from the southern hemisphere is a significant shift and challenge. For these immigrants, they face obstacles, including finding people who are culturally similar. Thankfully, there are many aid organizations which connect people with help. In this section of AnthroHarvest, we showcase a few of these groups. They do not just celebrate immigrant cultures, they give them the chance to meet others and learn how to adjust to Canadian life. There are language classes, cultural events, and get-togethers. Each group is different. Some groups focus on keeping languages and traditions alive. Other groups help artists show their work. They provide spaces for people to meet and talk. All of these groups together illustrate the strength of Latin American and Caribbean communities here. In the collections below, you will find more information about them: the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, the Barbados Ottawa Association, Canada Habla Español, the Humanitarian Organization of Latin American Students, the Latin Hub and the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada. Specifically, we hope to emphasize different events, fundraisers, and resources they have, how to contact them and/or join their association, their social media pages, and a short description of the organization itself.</div> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cover Photo: Day of the Dead altar commemorating Québec artist Jean Paul Riopelle at Maison du Citoyen Photo taken by Noémie Burrs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Taylor Paterson, Soorya Hedayat Omar, Racheal Agofure, Zainab Oyejobi, Amy May Lajeunesse and Roodmya Douge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource <a href="https://www.canadahablaespanol.org/copy-of-saskatchewan">Canadá Habla Español (Ottawa Chapter)</a> Description An account of the resource Canada Habla Español (CANHE) is a Canadian-based organization that operates in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario - Ottawa, that encourages the preservation and promotion of the Spanish language. Their mission, here, in Ottawa, is to help expand access to Spanish-language education, while also celebrating the identity and traditions of Spanish speakers of the region. They actively support the development of Spanish-speaking communities across Canada and the preservation of the Spanish language. It was founded by Ericka Aguilera, an active member and advocate of various Canadian-Hispanic communities, who was born in Mexico. With her are her co-founders, Luz Madroñera and Carolina Testa, from Colombia and Argentina respectfully.  CANHE regularly hosts celebratory and educational events across its seven different chapters, including their yearly Spanish Language Day celebration in April, where you will find a panoply of lectures, panels, and musical numbers to celebrate the Spanish language: all are welcome! They debuted this celebration in Ottawa last year at the Embassy of Spain in Canada, and it will henceforth be celebrated in Ottawa yearly.  They also host a “youngpreneur” program, which aims to provide students with alternative educational paths while helping them connect with the Spanish language and Hispanic heritage. These workshops, conferences, and events allow students to learn from different individuals in their community and develop key skills. Follow their events and updates on the CANHE website and on their social media pages! Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Roodmya Douge and Amy May Lajeunesse Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550345763417">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cahablaespanol/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadahablaespanol/posts/?feedView=all">LinkedIn</a> | Email: chapter.director@canadahablaespanol.org