Canada has always been known for its welcoming attitude towards immigrants. Throughout history, many immigrants have moved to Canada and made a name for themselves in Canada and worldwide. Here are some impressive individuals who have achieved great heights.
Russia – Irina Bokova
Ms. Bokova is a Bulgarian-born Russian who immigrated to Quebec in the mid-1980s. She went on to become the first woman to head UNESCO, the United Nations specialized agency for education, science and culture, from 2009 to 2017. During her tenure, she led the agency in promoting literacy and gender equality, protecting cultural heritage and combating terrorism through education.
Russia – Mikhail Baryshnikov
Mr. Baryshnikov is one of the most famous Russian dancers of all time, and is considered one of the greatest male ballet dancers of the 20th century. He defected from the Soviet Union in 1974 and moved to the United States, where he later settled in Quebec. He has performed with some of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world, including the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre, and has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to dance.
Russia – Luba Goy
Ms. Goy is a Russian-born Canadian comedian, actress and writer who has been entertaining audiences for over four decades. She moved to Montreal with her family at the age of 10, and later attended the National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal. She is best known for her work on the comedy series Royal Canadian Air Farce, and has also appeared in numerous films and television shows.
Russia – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Mr. Solzhenitsyn was a Russian writer and dissident who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1970. He was exiled from the Soviet Union in 1974 and settled in Vermont, but later moved to Cavendish, Quebec. He is best known for his novel One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, which exposed the harsh reality of life in Soviet prison camps. His works were often censored in the Soviet Union, but have since been translated into many languages and have inspired people around the world.
Russia – Natasha Gargiulo
Ms. Gargiulo is a Russian-born Canadian radio personality and television host who has become a fixture in the Montreal media scene. She moved to Montreal with her family at a young age and later pursued a career in broadcasting. She is best known for her work on the morning show on Virgin Radio, and has also appeared on various television shows as a host and contributor.
Ukraine – Alexandra Kosteniuk
Alexandra Kosteniuk was born in Perm, Russia, and later became a Ukrainian citizen after marrying a Ukrainian chess player. She represented Russia in World Junior Championships as a child before moving to Canada with her family in 2004. Alexandra became the 12th Women’s World Chess Champion in 2008. She is also a chess writer, commentator, and promoter in Canada.
Ukraine – Roman Hrynkiv
Born in Ukraine in 1932, Roman Hrynkiv immigrated to Montreal in 1953. He quickly became known for his talent in the arts, specifically in graphic design and illustration. He designed the very first Canadian postage stamp featuring a Ukrainian subject in 1960, titled “Ukrainian Pioneer.” He became a prolific illustrator, producing a series of illustrations based on the Ukrainian folk tale “The Malanka Gander” that were published in The Montreal Star. Hrynkiv’s work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to the arts.
Kazakhstan – Dinara Kasko
Dinara Kasko is a Ukrainian pastry chef who graduated from Kharkiv University of Architecture and Design. She specialized in 3D modeling, which she later applied to her culinary creations. She quickly gained popularity after creating stunning architectural pastries, using silicone molds and innovative techniques.
Kazakhstan – Rita Chretien
Rita Chretien moved to Canada with her husband, Alfred, and became a landed immigrant. In March 2011, the couple became stranded in a remote region of Nevada after their car got stuck in the snow. Alfred went out to find help and never returned, leaving Rita stranded alone in the wilderness for 49 days. She survived by eating candy, trail mix, and snow, until she was finally rescued. Her story made international headlines and influenced her to write a book.
Uzbekistan- Rustam Jabrayilov
Rustam Jabrayilov is an Azerbaijani-Canadian artist who was born in Uzbekistan. He is known for his bold use of color and unique painting style. His works explore the themes of identity, immigration, and cultural assimilation. His painting “Bridge” sold for over $100,000 in an auction in Quebec.
Armenia – Atom Egoyan
Atom Egoyan is an Armenian-born Canadian film director and screenwriter. He is known for his arthouse films that examine themes of identity and displacement. Egoyan has been nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Director, as well as for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. He has also won multiple Genie Awards (Canadian film awards). Egoyan has directed dozens of feature-length films and received critical acclaim for most of them.
Georgia – Eka Darville
Eka Darville was born in Cairns, Australia, to parents of Georgian and Canadian origin. He rose to fame for his role as Scott Trammell on “The Vampire Diaries.” Besides, he appeared in popular shows like “Jessica Jones and “The Defenders.” He was recently cast as a lead role in the upcoming musical series “Schmigadoon!”
Azerbaijan – Tahir Shah
Tahir Shah is an Azeri-born British writer tracing back to land in Canada. Besides, he has released dozens of critically acclaimed books, including travelogues, memoirs, and novels like ‘The Caliph’s House’ The book was a bestseller in Canada and inspired both a television series and a dramatic feature film adaptation.
Kyrgyzstan – Cholponai Pakhova
Cholponai Pakhova is a Kyrgyz-born dancer and choreographer. She moved to Canada in 2001 and founded the Nomad Dancers, a dance company that combines traditional Kyrgyz dances with modern techniques. Her performances have garnered her critical acclaim and have been shown at festivals worldwide.
Belarus – Marc Labrèche
Marc Labrèche is a Canadian comedian, actor, and radio host. He was born in Quebec City to a Belarusian immigrant family. His wittiness and dry humor have made him into a beloved Quebec comedy icon. His shows are critically acclaimed, and he has won multiple awards for his work in radio, television and cinema.
Tajikistan – Rahim Othman
Rahim Othman is a Tajikistani-born Canadian businessman who moved to Canada as part of the immigration program in 1994. He’s the founder of IbexPay, a well-known payment solutions company that operates in Canada and the US. Rahim is known for his humbleness and dedication to charity work for underprivileged people globally.
These immigrants not only made Canada their home, but they also contributed significantly in making Canadian culture more vibrant and diverse. They have achieved what seems impossible, and their stories have inspired many people to chase their dreams.
The journey to Canada wass not an easy one for them. They left behind their families, friends, and the comfort of their homes to start a new life in a foreign land. It took then courage, determination, and a lot of hard work to make this transition successful. However, once they arrived in Canada, they embarked on a self-discovery journey that helped them understand their strengths, weaknesses and set themselves up for success.
Here’s how you can do it on demand.
STEP 1: LEARNING ABOUT CANADA
The self-discovery journey of landed immigrants starts with an eagerness to learn about Canada, its people, and its culture. They immerse themselves in the Canadian way of life, trying out new experiences, and learning new skills. They take advantage of the many opportunities provided by the Canadian government to integrate into Canadian society. They attend language classes to improve their English or French-speaking skills, join community groups, and participate in cultural events.
STEP 2: DISCOVERING YOURSELF
Landed immigrants also learn about their own strengths and weaknesses during their self-discovery journey. They discover that they have skills and talents that can be used to achieve their goals. They learn how to use these skills to their advantage and identify areas where they need to improve. They take courses, attend workshops, and seek out mentors to help them develop their skills and talents further.
STEP 3: SETTING YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS
The self-discovery journey of landed immigrants is not just about exploring their strengths and weaknesses; it is also about setting themselves up for success. They understand that success is not just about financial gain; it is about achieving personal goals, making a difference in their communities, and contributing to society. They set ambitious goals for themselves and work tirelessly to achieve them. They start their own businesses, pursue higher education, and become leaders in their communities.
To smoothly assimilate in Canada, you need to equip yourself with personal development tools that will help you navigate the journey. Here are some of the essential tools to consider:
Adaptability:
Immigration requires you to adapt to a new environment, both physically and mentally. You need to be open-minded and flexible to learn new ways of doing things, which may be different from what you are used to. Embracing change is crucial to succeed as an immigrant.
Resilience:
Immigration comes with its own set of challenges, including culture shock, language barriers, and homesickness. You will face setbacks and failures, but the ability to bounce back and keep moving forward is essential. Developing resilience will help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Networking:
Creating a support system is crucial for success as an immigrant. Networking with people who share your culture, language, or interests can help you navigate the new environment. Building connections with individuals in your profession, community, or social circle can lead to job opportunities, valuable advice, and new friendships.
Learning:
Immigration is a journey of continuous learning. Whether it is learning a new language, acquiring new skills, or understanding a different culture, it is important to adopt a growth mindset. Investing in your education and personal development will not only benefit you but also contribute to your community and society.
These are just a few examples of the talented and inspiring Eurasians who have made Quebec their home. You too can make a contribution to Canadian culture and society and enrich the lives of many. Are you ready to make your story a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the human spirit? Move on!