Cropped Black T-Shirt
subject: This is a go-to shirt of University of Ottawa students as it neutral and used in very common outfits you would see University of Ottawa students wearing
description: This black t-shirt can be found amongst all ages, genders, and lifestyle groups found at the University of Ottawa in 2025. This object is so particular because it crosses barriers allowing diverse groups of people to relate and ease themselves with common fashions.
creator: Aritzia LP Canada
source: Aritzia BayShore 100 Bayshore Dr Unit Cc5a Ottawa, ON K2B 8C1 Canada Curated by: Amina Demirdache-Grace; Lilah Hurtubise-Gates; Evelyn Maclver; Faith Mackay; Rebekah Slack
publisher: Aritzia
date: 2022
rights: Aritzia Canada
format: This shirt all black and is made of 57% cotten, 38% polyester, 5% elastane and it is size large. It fits slim and close to the body and it is intended to go down to the waist.
language: English
type: Physical-object - clothing
coverage: This item can be found at Aritzias stores across the country and on their online store. Aritzia LP 611 Alexander St. Vancouver BC, V6A 1E1 Canada

Reusable Lululemon Water Bottle
subject: Reusable Lululemon Water Bottle
description: A reusable water bottle created by Lululemon that combines a minimalistic design with everyday functionality. Made from stainless steel with a silicone grip and a polypropylene lid, which helps keep drinks at a cool or warm temperature while reducing the need for single-use plastics.
creator: Lululemon Athletica Inc.
source: Lululemon 287A, 50 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J7
publisher: Lululemon Athletica Inc.
date: 2025
rights: © Lululemon Athletica Inc. – All rights reserved
format: Physical object (plastic and metal with a printed logo). Materials: Body: 100% Steel Band: 100% Silicone Top: 100% Polypropylene
language: English
type: Physical Object
coverage: Global; designed in Canada

Apple AirPods Max
subject: Apple AirPods Max Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
description: Apple AirPods Max headphones represents a widely adopted personal audio technology among university students. Known for their premium materials, active noise cancellation, and integration with the Apple device ecosystem, AirPods Max became a recognizable element of campus life
creator: Apple Inc.
source: Apple Store
publisher: Apple Inc.
date: 2025
rights: © Apple Inc. – All rights reserved
relation: Physical object. Materials: Ear Cups: Anodized aluminum Frame: Stainless steel Headband: Breathable knit mesh fabric Ear Cushions: Memory foam with acoustic fabric covering Case (if present): Soft-touch synthetic material
language: English
type: Physical Object (Contemporary Technology Artifact)

Sherpa Jacket
subject: Sherpa Jacket
description: This sherpa jacket is a lightweight but cozy way to stay warm against the cold temperatures we face in Ottawa. Made to resemble sheepskin, this 21st century outwear piece is apart of both men and women's fashion making it a popular choice for everyone.
creator: Boxercraft - Manufacturer
source: Acquired From: Uottawa Boutique Campus Store Jock-Turcot University Centre 85 University Pvt Ottawa, ON K1N6N5
publisher: University of Ottawa
date: 2023
rights: University of Ottawa
format: Physical Item - 100% Polyester Unique to Student
language: English

University of Ottawa Syllabus
subject: The syllabus is an outline provided to students by their professors to give them a roadmap of the goals, expectations, and schedule for the course.
description: A syllabus is a long, detailed document written by the professor that outlines the key information of a university course. It contains a course schedule, themes of lecture material, rules for class conduct, and technical information for the class. All professors are required to follow a certain format for their syllabi. The title page must have the University’s logo, the professor’s name, the class title and code, the location, day and time the class will take place, and also the professor’s office hours. If there is a teacher's assistant for the course, their office hours, name and email should also be included. For the rest of the syllabus, it should contain a description of the course, the objectives of the course, any required texts, the weight that each assignment and evaluation will have on the students’ final grade and a schedule for the semester.
creator: University of Ottawa Curated by: NZimm; JLi; FSher; Henry Shepherd
source: University of Ottawa. https://saea-tlss.uottawa.ca/images/passed-events/EN/tip-2.4-syllabus-template.docx
publisher: University of Ottawa
date: October 23, 2025
rights: University of Ottawa, individual professor of the course.
format: Word Document.
language: English
language: French
type: Digital Document.
coverage: As of August 2024, this syllabus template is available to the public but is mostly catered to uOttawa professors to help them prepare for their courses.

University of Ottawa Student ID Card.
subject: A piece of plastic that includes a chip that can be used to access university facilities and student perks.
description: This laminated plastic card is used as a form of identification for all uOttawa students in addition to uOttawa services like to open automated entry points, a source of payment, and a proof of ID for activities or spaces with specific access requirements, whether it’s in person or digitally. Recently, the university discontinued physical U-Pass cards, and it was absorbed by the UO Student Card, granting university students access to OC Transpo and STO public transportation through their student ID. Exams require student cards as photo ID to verify a student’s identity, as well as your student number which is on the card. As a key card, it grants access to the UO Dining Hall, residences, labs, classrooms, sports facilities, gyms, and libraries. The card can even be used as a debit card for Dining Hall expenses, for eateries on campus, or to spend uOttawa’s Flex Dollars. In 2025, new students can send in their photos for their card rather than having their picture taken in person. This represents how in 2025 education has evolved to be more hybrid, integrated with technology.
creator: University of Ottawa
source: Acquired from: 90 University Pvt (room 145) Ottawa, K1N 6N5 Canada Curated by: Henry Shepherd; Jun Li; Nikolett Zimmermann; Fred Sherman; Erica Doucet-MacDonald; Fred Gagne; Maya Norgaard; Lorelie Houde; Olive Soki-Kavwahirehi; Cloée Ennis; Patrick Levesque ; Erica Woolsey; Hadissa Shahzad; Meera Thoniyil; Liliana Cianci; Alice Girard; Maya Johnson; Sydney Finkle
publisher: University of Ottawa.
date: 2025-09-22
rights: Card owner, University of Ottawa.
format: A white card that on the front has a student's legal name, their photo, their unique student number. To the right is a symbol of three grey curved lines incrementally growing to show that the card has electronic scanning capability. On the back of the card there is a barcode, a sticker for the gyms, and some information that could be useful for students, these details appear in French and English. Dimensions: 84.6 mm by 54 mm.
language: English
language: French
type: Physical object - laminated plastic card.
coverage: University of Ottawa students. University of Ottawa. Ottawa-Carleton Regional Transit Commission. Société de transport de l'Outaouais.This card's appearance and style began printing around 2020 and is still used as of 2025. uOttawa Card Service 90 University Private, Room 145 Ottawa ON, K1N 6N5 Phone: 613-562-5885 E-mail: uOttawaCard@uOttawa.ca

Pedro the Panda
subject: Trophy, Sports Trophy
description: Pedro the Panda is a symbol for university students in Ottawa. It goes to the winner of the iconic “Panda Game” that takes place in early October between the two universities in Ottawa. It's where the Carleton University Ravens and the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees partake in a football game where the winner keeps it until the next game the following year. It represents pride for the winner and instills a greater sense of rivalry between the two schools. The game alone is one of the most celebrated traditions in the Ottawa local area; Pedro is more than just a trophy, he is a mascot of the rivalry, a symbol of school spirit, and a part of the lives of many university students. It represents not just victory in a football game, but also bragging rights, student pride, and a connection to the legacy of the Panda Games.
creator: Dale Dunning - Artist
source: Photo: Ruiqing Bi Curated by: Eli Pearce; Yanqing Lu; Ruiqing Bi; Ben Maduri; Erica Woolsey; Patrick Levesque; Ocive Soki-Kavwohirohi; Hadissa Shahzad; Cloee Ennis
publisher: University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton University Ravens
date: 2013
rights: University of Ottawa and Carleton University (Currently in possession)
format: Brushed aluminium trophy mounted on a wooden pedestal with metal plaquettes engraved with the names of the winners on the side.
language: English
coverage: Trophy used between 2013 - Present Day

"Every Child Matters" Orange T-Shirt
subject: Orange Tee-Shirt representing the history of Residential Schools, and brings awareness to Truth and Reconciliation Day.
description: These Orange “Every Child Matters” T-shirts are made specifically for raising awareness of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Day. These T-shirts are representative of the “Every Child Matters” movement with the purpose of spreading awareness and showing support. The University of Ottawa “Every Child Matters” T-shirt is both symbolically supportive to the Indigenous Community as well as financially, with proceeds donated to various charities supporting Truth and Reconciliation. The University of Ottawa students and staff are taught the history of Canadian Indigenous Peoples through guest lectures, and courses throughout the school year, all with the goal of awareness and support. In addition to this education, each course syllabus includes a mandatory land acknowledgement, with many professors adding additional education for their students.
creator: DGN Marketing SVCS LTD, Art by: Madison Pascal
source: Found Online at University of Ottawa Campus Store In-Person- Boutique Campus Store, University of Ottawa, Jock-Turcot University Centre, 85 University UCU, Level 0, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Curated by- A. Brown
publisher: University Of Ottawa Boutique Campus Store
date: Truth And Reconciliation (September 30th), 2025
rights: DGN Marketing SVCS LTD, University of Ottawa
format: 100% Cotton, Screen Print Design, Ranges in Sizes from Small- 2XL
language: English
type: Apparel, Physical Item
identifier: 120396 GLD2000/ORNG3FR/949
coverage: Sold as Campus Merchandise however online access allows for broader shopping audiences

Hilroy 1 Subject Notebook
subject: Notebook Used by students for coursework, notes, and studying
description: Hilroy Lined Notebooks offer students an opportunity to study away from their electronics and write notes, complete assignments and study by hand. While manually writing notes and coursework is no longer the mainstream method in University, many efficient studying and note taking techniques can only be done with pen and paper! Returning to old methods never fails and many students choose to create a hybrid study plan using both devices and handwritten notes. Hilroy Notebooks are the go-to for students offered in many colors and sizes perfect for any class!
creator: Hilroy
source: Can be found online at University of Ottawa Campus Store Or Sold Right on Campus at the Boutique Campus Store, University of Ottawa, Jock-Turcot University Centre, 85 University UCU, Level 0, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Or on the Hilroy Online Store- Hilroy® - ACCO Canada Curated By- A. Brown
publisher: Hilroy ® 2025
date: Date Purchased 19/11/2025
rights: Hilroy® 2025
format: Hilroy 1 subject notebook, 3 hole, 200 pages. Wide ruled white paper with margin and 3 hole punched. Fits into binder. Size 10-1/2 x 8 On Campus Availability- covers available in assorted colors: navy, red, green.
language: English
type: Physical Object
coverage: Sold Online or In-Store, Hilroy Notebooks have a variety of Uses pertaining to school, work, or personal use.

Conversation with David King
description: This interview explores the life story of David King, beginning with his childhood in Black River, Jamaica, and continuing through his immigration to Ottawa, Ontario, in 1976. The interview highlights key themes, including migration, identity formation, intergenerational knowledge, and cultural preservation. David's interview is punctuated by his keen sense of humour, kind disposition and detailed description of his childhood in Jamaica and the life he has built in Canada. David began his story by sharing details of his childhood in Jamaica, where he was raised by his grandmother, whom he believed was his mother until he was seven years old. He grew up in a small home with his Grandmother and fifteen of his cousins. During this time, his family struggled with food insecurity. They lived far from any stores, so his grandmother walked ten miles on Saturdays to shop for groceries and bring them home. Although there were many struggles, David looks back at this time fondly. He shared one story with a smile, stating, “Yeah, there was two beds in the house. 15 kids, and you sleep head to foot. So whoever get to the bed first, grab the corner. And if you're the edge, you get knocked off. **Laughs** Oh yeah, there were just two beds, and all the kids, they would sleep head to foot. My grandmother slept on the sofa. But I never see her sleep because she'll be up. We go to bed, wake up and she's still up. Oh yeah. It was great, because we thought we just live together, brothers and sisters. We had no idea.” (David King). Throughout David’s life, family has been an interesting, ever-changing reality. He was five years old when he was first introduced to his biological siblings, and continued to meet other siblings as he got older. Most shocking was his introduction to his biological mother when he was seven years old, who would return to take him to Canada when he was ten. David explained that even his last name, “King,” was not a direct link to family. It was a false name giv…
date: March 1st, 2026
format: mp3, 19.3 mb
language: English

Conversation with Lance
description: This interview features Lance, a Haitian man in his early 20s, who immigrated to Canada with his mother, father, and older sister in 2011. He and his family came to Canada due to a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti, which occurred in 2010, and caused the Haitian economy to crash due to the high death toll and extensive damage to the country’s infrastructure (Pallardy 2026). He explained that his father was a judge in Haiti and already had professional connections to Canada, which is why they chose to come here. During our interview, he recounted what a day in his life was like when he lived in Haiti, sharing anecdotes about the heat, the loud bustling noises around him, the intense heat in the afternoons and playing soccer. Now living in Canada, Lance’s life is different. However, he has found ways to celebrate his Haitian heritage, such as by observing all the major holidays from back home. He provided examples of a few of his favourites, such as Christmas, January 1st/Haitian independence day, and a holiday in Canada usually celebrated around Halloween called Gide. He also works hard to cook traditional food such as a fried pork dish called griot. Overall, he wishes that Canadians could see Haiti for what it is, rather than believe all they see in the media about Haiti and its people. It is important to him that Canadians see past the politics of Haiti and see the people of the country for who they are. Resource on the 2010 Haiti earthquake
date: 2026-02-24
format: MP3, 7 mins, 10s
language: English

Conversation with Hakim Marquez.
description: This interview features Hakim, a Venezuelan migrant living in Canada. Hakim spent the majority of his life in Venezuela, but Canada was not the first place he had lived abroad. In truth, Hakin was born in France and returned to Venezuela soon after. He later moved to Canada at the age of fifty-one, seeking opportunities in education and technology. Since then, he’s found success working at the University of Ottawa in Teaching Learning Support Services. Initially, Hakim's family had limited access to Latin American culture, let alone Venezuelan culture, and the Spanish language while living in Ottawa. However, they have been able to find a connection through an introduction to another Latin American family at their daughter’s school, and Hakim’s wife has since begun working at the Spanish Embassy. Beyond the social connections they have formed with other Latin Americans in Ottawa, Hakim and his family also prioritize maintaining their culture at home. He notes in the interview that social media has been one avenue that has helped them stay connected to Venezuela. Other ways they celebrate their family heritage are by making traditional foods, like Arepas, and by celebrating major Latin holidays. They listen to Latin music and dance, keeping their cultural heritage alive!
date: Thursday, March 12th, 2026, 1:30 pm EST
format: MP3, 20 MB.
language: English

Conversation with Monica Fosado
description: This interview features Monicaa Fosado, a vibrant member of Ottawa’s cultural landscape, sharing her personal passions, cultural identity, and community engagement rooted in her Mexican heritage. She pursued her academic journey in Canada at Carleton University, where she completed a master’s degree in journalism. In her free time, she is highly active and engaged in personal hobbies that bring her joy and connection. She teaches salsa dancing at least once a week, and plays soccer regularly. She emphasized both physical activity and social connection as important parts of her routine. Food also plays a central role in how she maintains her connection to her Mexican heritage, regularly preparing traditional dishes such as tacos and quesadillas not only as meals but also as meaningful cultural practices. She also celebrates culturally significant traditions, such as the Day of the Dead, honouring the celebration's importance in Mexican culture. However, what stands out most is how she chooses to engage with her culture on her own terms. She maintains her cultural identity through food, language, and personal traditions, while also contributing to the community in her own way. She teaches Spanish one-on-one, helping others learn the language while sharing aspects of her culture in an informal setting. Her story offers an important insight into the diversity of immigrant experiences. While some individuals seek out strong cultural communities abroad, she demonstrates that cultural identity can also be maintained in more private, self-defined ways. Her life in Ottawa is a blend of independence, cultural pride, and active engagement, showing that belonging does not always require a formal community hub, but can instead be created through everyday practices and personal choices.
creator: Teagan Logie, Emma Rhéaume, Joshua Foreshew
date: March 3rd, 2026
format: MP3, 112 MB
language: English

Conversation with Shameena
description: This interview features Shameena, who migrated from Guyana to Toronto, Canada, at the age of Sixteen with her family. She explained that her father decided to bring them to Toronto because he saw Canada as offering his family better opportunities, education, health care, food, and a higher standard of living. Shameena explained that, luckily, Guyana is one of the few predominantly English-speaking places in the Caribbean, which made coming to Toronto easier, as she and her younger siblings were already proficient in the city's main language. Shameena speaks lovingly about her home in Toronto, where she has established a strong community not only of Guyanese people but also of people of the same religion, and she deeply appreciates the way she can engage with religion locally. Beyond her faith, Shameena describes the primary focus of Guyanese culture to be food and family. Extended family relations are weighted similarly to close relations, as everyone is included in traditions and events. Even without specific social events, families still gather regularly. Food strengthens their cultural roots. Despite immigration from Guyana to Toronto, she continues to uphold her culinary practices and familiar dishes. There are also specialized markets where Guyanese can purchase food for cultural dishes. Given that Toronto is a large and diverse city, Shameena states that Guyanese feel welcome there. Shameena explained that she sees similarities between Guyana and Toronto in that both are immensely diverse places. She enjoys being part of a global community and, although there are differences between her life in Guyana and Canada, she remains deeply connected to her community and family.
creator: Ashmi, Samantha, Lexi, Cordelia and Catriona
date: February 25th, 2026
format: Mp3, File size - 24.9mb
language: English

Conversation with Miguel Gonzalez
description: This interview features Miguel Gonzalez, who immigrated from Venezuela to Canada to escape what he describes as a “difficult situation” unfolding there. Miguel had family in Ottawa and Montreal prior to moving to Canada, and selected Ottawa as his home base because of his family's prior experince with English, which he believed would allow them to better integrate into the community. Family is central to Miguel’s identity and experince in Canada. He has many family members who immigrated to Montreal, and he sees them frequently. As a husband and father of two, he is motivated to provide stability and opportunity for his children. He believes success is measured not only by professional achievements but also by the ability to support loved ones and remain grounded in one’s values. Maintaining strong relationships is important to him, whether within his household or his broader social circle. Miguel has a passion for helping others with mobility and supporting them. He finds it deeply important to have mutual support and information-sharing, particularly within immigrant and Latin communities. He believes collaboration and empathy are essential for overcoming challenges, especially in unfamiliar systems. Having seen how easily people’s skills can be overlooked, he strongly believes in recognizing the knowledge and experience individuals bring. Overall, Miguel is guided by respect, hard work, and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. These beliefs carry over into how he celebrates and shares his Venezuelan culture, as he prioritizes seeing his loved ones share knowledge and supporting the broader Latin American community.
date: 2026-03-10
format: MP3, 21:45 minutes
language: English

Conversation with Ángel
description: Ángel Albarrán-Ponce is a 33-year-old PhD student at the University of Ottawa who originally comes from Mexico City, Mexico. His experiences as an international student and member of Ottawa’s Latin American community highlight how immigrants maintain cultural connections while adapting to life in a new country. Ángel moved to Canada primarily for academic reasons and is currently pursuing doctoral studies, balancing a demanding research schedule with efforts to stay socially and culturally engaged. Ángel describes his daily routine as “really busy with work,” reflecting the intensity of graduate studies. Despite this, he prioritizes social connection during his free time. He enjoys attending salsa events in Ottawa, spending time with friends, and sharing meals, activities that allow him to maintain a sense of community while living abroad. These moments of connection are especially important for international students who may be far from family and familiar cultural environments. Maintaining cultural traditions is central to Ángel’s identity. He expressed pride in being Mexican and highlighted important celebrations such as Mexican Independence Day on September 15 and Día de los Muertos. For Ángel, participating in or remembering these traditions helps him stay connected to his cultural roots while living in Canada. During the interview, he described the Mexican community as “welcoming,” “united,” and “chill,” emphasizing a shared sense of openness and hospitality. These qualities help foster connections among individuals who may come from different countries but share similar cultural values and experiences as immigrants. At the same time, Ángel reflected on broader social issues affecting his home country. He discussed what he called “modern colonization,” explaining that increased tourism and development in certain regions of Mexico have transformed local communities. From his perspective, these changes can leave residents feeling disconnected from their homeland…
date: 2026-03-09
format: MP3 - 19.6 MB
language: English

Conversation with UNAM-Canada
description: 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 reg…
rights: 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)
format: 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: English

Conversation with Eduardo
description: This interview features Eduardo, a Cuban immigrant living in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, whose experiences reflect the complexities of migration, shaped by strong family responsibility, cultural changes, and the lasting influence of life in Cuba. Eduardo spoke to us about growing up in Santa Clara, Cuba, and how he was raised in a rural farming family before later moving to the city. He describes life in Cuba as deeply shaped by both community and restriction. While daily life included music, dominoes, and large-scale carnival celebrations that brought people together, it was also influenced by government surveillance, which created a sense of caution and limited trust outside the family. Subsequently, he notes loyalty as a strong value in his life. Another integral social value we learned from him was food. Back in Cuba, he mentions how important food becomes as it is heavily tied to crucial memories and traditions; it represents the social connections made. However, many of the Cuban dishes he lovingly detailed to us, such as arroz congri, have been largely abandoned. Eduardo moved to Canada after being encouraged by his niece, who spoke of greater opportunities and a better quality of life. Migration did not mark a separation from his family, but rather an increased sense of responsibility toward them. For many years, he worked to support his parents and relatives in Cuba financially, often prioritizing their needs over his own. This sense of responsibility, “pressure” as he called it, shaped his daily decisions, often leading him to feel guilty about enjoying simple comforts. This sense of obligation shaped his daily decisions and motivated him to work consistently. Even after the passing of his parents, Eduardo continues to support extended family members, including a cousin who remains in Cuba. More recently, he was able to bring his sister to Canada, marking a significant shift in both his responsibilities and relief from the pressure he once carried. Today, …
date: 2026-03-10
format: MP3, 21.9MB
language: English

Conversation with Lauren Keshvari Leyva
description: This interview features Lauren Keshvari Leyva. We had the honour of discussing Cuban culture with Lauren, a first-generation Cuban-Canadian. Lauren highlighted that Cubans pride themselves on hard work and family. Upon immigrating with her mother, she was immersed in Canadian culture and society, which she had to learn and adapt to quickly. A struggle that brought her family closer and really ingrained the importance of family within her household. Lauren mentioned that growing up in Canada, she and her family would attend Latin Fests. These festivals showcased Latin American and Spanish culture through live music, dance, and food. Her greatest source of connection to her roots came from her family. Throughout the interview, Lauren shared some of her favourite foods and music that help her feel connected to her heritage and culture, especially fried plantains and Cubanos, which are sandwiches made with seasoned pork and placed between soft, slightly sweet bread. An important point that Lauren highlights at the end of our interview needs to be repeated: "... every Latin immigrant has a different story, and every Latin culture and country is not the same. And I think that's also important to keep in mind when meeting Latin immigrants and interacting with Latin immigrants, because we all have different experiences and you want to be very careful not to overgeneralize as well, just to maintain a certain level of respect for everyone's unique culture."
date: 2026-03-04
format: MP3; 33.442 mb
language: English

Conversation with Lucia Rios
description: Lucia Rio is a Brazilian-born psychotherapist and doctoral student currently living in Ottawa, Canada. She moved to Canada several years ago, initially to Winnipeg, and later to Ottawa to pursue her studies. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master's in public health. She recently decided to pursue her PhD in anthropology. Since moving to Ottawa, a place where Lucia has no family, she has built a strong community through new friends and participation in Latin American organizations, including Saravade and Acher, both named after Brazil's African religion. In the interview, she explained that a strong value in the Brazilian community is prioritizing community and connection over individualism. Lucia is very involved in Ottawa’s Latin American culture. She participates in this through volunteering with organizations that promote music, tradition, and important values rooted in Latin American and Brazilian history. Her favourite event in Ottawa is the Carnival. She describes this event as a symbol of resilience, unity and cultural expression. To maintain her heritage, she takes great pride in her Brazilian accent. She believes her accent is a proud representation of her past and should never be hidden. Finally, she shows pride in her heritage through her food. Dishes like feijoada, which is a Brazilian stew, and large barbecues help her share her heritage with her new Ottawa friends. As a queer individual, Lucia explained the political shift in Brazil, which contributed largely to her decision to move to Canada. She expressed in her interview that she felt much safer in Canada. Overall, Lucia highlighted how important community and culture are to her and how they affect everyone. Lastly, Lucia is proud to share her story on this website and hopes that, in the future, it will be more language-accessible so that more immigrants can use it and connect with stories similar to theirs.
creator: Emma Croucher, Jorja Champagne, Faith Mackay
date: Tuesday March 10th, 2026
format: Mp3, 41.9 MB
language: English

Conversation with Irene Robalino
description: This interview features Irene Robalino, a fourth-year student in the International Studies and Modern Language program at the University of Ottawa. She was born in Ecuador but grew up outside Toronto in a strong Latin American community of friends and family. Since moving to Ottawa, Irene has built a small Latin American community here and lives with three other Latin American roommates, two of whom have family connections to Colombia and one from Venezuela. In this interview, Irene discusses different ways she stays connected to her culture, such as speaking Spanish with family and friends, listening to Ecuadorian music and especially cooking. Irene wishes more people knew about Ecuador’s cultural dishes, especially since shared meals are a big part of not just Latin American culture but also family connection. Her favourite dish that she has recently learned to make is Ecuadorian Ceviche, a combination of shrimp, fish, lime, cilantro, and tomato, traditionally served with Plantain chips. Throughout our conversation, Irene emphasized childhood and community when celebrating her Ecuadorian culture and her heritage. She articulates this, stating, “there's a huge emphasis on, like, you know, taking care of every family member [...] we're all very close-and every-there's so many gatherings that are just centered around, like, eating and just dancing and-and just being happy.” (Irene Robalino 5:11).
date: February 28th, 2026
format: MP3 File
language: English

Conversation with Tamara Toledo from the Latin American Canadian Arts Project (LACAP)
description: 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 La…
date: Thursday, February 19th, 2026.
format: M4A file (29,758 KB)
language: English

Conversation with Jorge Garcia
description: This interview shared the story of Jorge Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant living in Canada. Jorge immigrated to Canada after fleeing the Civil War in El Salvador. Throughout this interview, he reflects on memories from his move to Ottawa, the ways he has seen the city transform, his broader experience engaging with Canadian culture as a Latin American man, and how he stays connected to his Salvadoran culture. Upon his arrival in Canada, Jorge stated that he prioritized learning about and integrating into Canadian society. He noted that the longer he’s lived in Canada, the more he's come to understand its diversity, particularly between anglophone and francophone communities. Jorge speaks of his efforts to assimilate into Canadian society while not forgetting his roots, and discusses his perspective on Canada’s bilingualism and questions he has had about French culture in Canada, stating, “Personally, I try to keep myself merging in not forgetting my roots, even though I'm in Canada. I'm part of the Canadian society now. Now, I have learned a lot about the Canadian society. What's the French? What's the English side? Why is it so important for the French constitution when they say that this is a country that is bilingual? When in certain parts of Canada, that bilingualism doesn't apply.” Jorge considers his efforts to connect with and learn about the different communities in Canada to sit at the core of his belief system, and described how, as someone living in a predominantly French neighbourhood, he’s enjoyed getting the chance to learn about French Canadian culture and their language. Building on this, Jorge describes how he feels it is his responsibility and pleasure to work towards improving and contributing to Canadian society as a Canadian; his goal is to be there to support not only the Latin American communities in Canada but society at large. Jorge celebrates his Salvadoran roots through maintaining connections to family. He also prepares and eats Salvadoran …
date: March 9, 2026
format: MP3, 16 min 40s
language: English

Conversation with Diego Martinez
subject: Ethnographic Interview of a Mexican Immigrant, Diego Martinez
description: Diego Martinez is a 22-year-old engineering undergraduate student studying at the University of Ottawa. Diego immigrated from Mexico City, Mexico, to Calgary when he was four years old because his father found a job in the oil and gas industry. Diego believes that his family’s decision to immigrate to Canada was a good choice because it is safer than Mexico. After graduating from high school, Diego moved from Calgary to Chelsea, QC, to live with his uncle and cousin and pursue his studies at the University of Ottawa. Diego describes Chelsea as having a small Latin American community. However, he found a larger community presence at uOttawa. Throughout the interview, Diego discusses the key aspects of his culture, namely language, celebrations, art, and family ties. He talks about how all aspects of his culture have family elements. For example, he mentions that Christmas is an important celebration in Mexico that gets the whole family together. Additionally, he talks about how the arts are used to connect the family. Diego and his family make sure to keep the culture and heritage alive by speaking Spanish daily. Diego also has a friend who is learning Spanish at the time of this interview, and he takes time to explain how fun it is to speak with him and how much he’s enjoyed getting the chance to use his language outside of his home. He also discusses how his family in Canada makes sure to travel to Mexico to visit their relatives. When asked about his favourite Mexican food, Diego highlighted tortilla soup as his first choice. He enjoys making a variety of traditional foods weekly. He described tortilla soup as a comforting staple food from his childhood, often prepared by his uncle while he was growing up in Mexico. One thing that Diego thinks is very important is travelling to countries in Latin America. He wants people to be curious when they travel by trying new foods or visiting different landmarks. Essentially, he wants people to really explore the culture as…
creator: Matt Leclerc, Amy Biegler, and Adam Kallali
date: 02/03/2026
format: MP3 (17.3 MB), 12 min
language: English

Conversation with Tatiana
description: This interview features Tatiana, a Colombian immigrant living in Canada. Tatiana is a Political Science student at the University of Ottawa. She immigrated from Tunja, northeast of Bogotá, to Canada at the age of 18, seeking new opportunities and to expand her knowledge of the world beyond her hometown. During our conversation, Tatiana opens up about the efforts she’s made to stay connected to her Colombian heritage and the struggles she's faced along the way. One of the main things Tatiana has found difficult to access in Ottawa is ingredients and fresh produce, as she enjoyed at home. Fresh fruit, in particular, holds a special place in her heart, as her family in Colombia owns a fruit farm and she has strong memories of always having delicious fruit at her table. She describes this experience, stating, “I'd say at least once a week. Like the thing I used to love about Colombian foods is like fruits. And my family, at least my mom's side, they have a whole farm to grow fruits. So my house always has them. And here the selection is so limited and it's so tasteless. And I find myself craving like a juice, a lemonade with coconut or with cherry, because we have lemonade at all (*******) times. Like it's good, like a good juice, And I found a store here in Byward that kind of sells juices, but it's like $12 for a glass, which I find it's overpriced.” She noted that when she’s feeling homesick or has a pull to reconnect with her culture, she tends to seek out restaurants that serve Colombian food. In general, Tatiana explained that she sees a few different Latin American businesses around Ottawa, particularly in the Byward Market. Outside of food, Tatiana describes the differences she has noticed between Canadian and Colombian culture during her interview. Particularly, Colombians' collectivism, which she feels is a core value of her culture. She articulated this, stating, “I feel as if Colombians think of their community first a lot of times before taking a decision t…
date: Thursday, January 29th 2026
format: MP3 (21.3 MB)
language: English