On behalf of AMAC’s Editorial Board, I asked Remy Guirguis, my 20 year old nephew, an Egyptian-Armenian by birth, to write on the occasion of Canada’s 153th Birthday in both English and Armenian, and his thoughts about his Canadian Armenian Identity growing up in Toronto.
On the occasion of Canada Day, we present this article to our friends.
Thank you Remy.
Salpy Kadjemian
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Canada Day, also sometimes referred to as Canada’s birthday, is celebrated every year on July 1st to commemorate that day in 1867 where four provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick; Ontario and Quebec after Confederation), which at the time were simply colonies, joined and gained its independence being declared a “kingdom in its own right”, still however operating within the British Empire. 115 years later, with Patriation and the Constitution Act of 1982, Canada was declared a fully sovereign nation and was no longer under the rule of the British Empire.
When I tell an Armenian person that I am Canadian born and raised, whether that’s in Armenia or any other country, I do so proudly and confidently. When a non-Armenian person asks me what my race is, I say that I am Armenian with even more pride because I feel it to be a badge of honour, even though many people are not even familiar with Armenians or the story of my people. I am especially proud that my identity has given me a sense of belonging within a race that is largely overlooked by many on the world stage, thus giving me a unique experience that many in my day-to-day interactions do not share. I am happy when people ask questions about my cultural identity such as “Where is Armenia?” or “Is it part of the Soviet Union?”, giving me the opportunity to share the story of my people and provide more context as to why I am so proud to be Armenian. It’s especially endearing when someone tells me that they know or have met an Armenian person in their life; they say things like “I had an Armenian classmate” or my mom’s co-worker’s son-in-law’s doctor is Armenian”. Sentiments like these are what make being an Armenian in the diaspora a unique and pleasing experience. It is strange to know that a race with a history dates back thousands of years is not as commonly known as I would hope and think, but nonetheless, it makes me happy to know that a person is familiar with my people and my small homeland, however limited that familiarity may be.
Those three words “I am Armenian” may seem like a simple acknowledgement of your race to a person but what many are not aware of is that those three words came at a price. Those three words may not reveal the unconscionable pain and suffering that my ancestors had to endure for me to preserve my cultural identity and freely and proudly declare that I am Armenian. I am a proud Armenian and a proud Canadian. I live and study in one of the most racially diverse cities in the world and under the leadership of a government that encourages and helps minorities; a government that acknowledges and lauds the contributions of the Armenian community and its various cultural and religious events.
I grew up attending the Armenian Evangelical Church, graduating Armenian School in the 12th grade, and I now attend Ryerson University where I am VP of student life in the Armenian Students Association. I credit all my accomplishments to my mom and her constantly encouraging me to uphold my cultural identity and my faith whether that be in school, church, university, or around friends.
In conclusion, this Canada Day as always, I give thanks to God for allowing me to live in a country that has given me the freedom to preserve my cultural identity and proudly declare it to anyone who asks, “Who are you?” and “What’s your story”. I can raise the Maple Leaf with a red, blue and orange backdrop and proudly say, “My name is Remy and I am Armenian and Canadian”.
Thank you.
Remy Guirguis
