The Refuge Canada exhibit in WDM North Battleford had it's official opening. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Refugee stories

WDM Museum holds grand opening for Refuge Exhibit

Jun 8, 2022 | 5:00 AM

Stories of those who’ve fled their homes will be on display in North Battleford moving forward this summer.

Western Development Museum (WDM) North Battleford held the official opening for the Refuge Canada exhibit on Tuesday. A traveling exhibition created by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and supported by TD Bank Group, Refuge Canada draws upon oral histories, archival images, artifacts and interactive pieces to share stories of refugees that fled their homes and came to Canada. It also aims to create a setting for visitors to make a personal connection to the feelings of pain, danger and hope experienced by refugees, and to be inspired and informed on refugee issues in Canada today.

Joyce Smith, manager of WDM North Battleford, said they’re excited to have patrons experience Refuge Canada and have a learning opportunity.

“To see a refugee’s life before they became a refugee, what they do during that time and how they settle into a new country,” she said.

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Smith said there’s sensitive content featured for those who’ve experienced trauma in their lifetime, but noted that it’s part of a powerful display. Among the features in the exhibit is a basic canvas tent, which was the type of home many refugee families had to live in for years.

“That’s a terribly long time to do that for any human being,” she said. “Reading a book can’t do it justice, this is just that impactful.”

(Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

The ceremony featured speeches from multiple dignitaries and a surprise $500 donations to both WDM and Pier 21 from TD Bank.

Mayor Ames Leslie noted the importance of acknowledging that Canada hasn’t been accepting of all refugee groups over the past century. The town is working to address that with their involvement in the local agreement for inclusive communities. He also stressed the need for incoming refugees to share how residents in the Battlefords can best lend support.

“We’re not experts in every cultural need,” he said. “Help us understand how we can be better.”

Sharing his story

Bwe Doh Soe’s experience as a refugee fleeing ethnic cleansing in Burma is featured within the exhibit. He told battlefordsNOW that he’s grateful to have his story out there for others to hear as he continues to learn of others with similar journeys.

“It will be an opportunity to help people understand what it’s like to be a refugee,” he said. “So, [it’s important] to get to know people and make them feel comfortable in sharing.”

Soe said people who want to be supportive can best do so by being welcoming and interacting with immigrants at cultural events.

“There’s many other people in this province who were refugees,” he said. “Get people with similar experiences to share their story,”

He added that he hopes to the exhibit will become connected with schools locally.

Refuge Canada is on display at WDM North Battleford til August 27. More information is available here.

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josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports