ItalCdn Enemy Aliens

Bio

On June 10, 1940 Prime Minister Mackenzie King announced the internment of all residents of Italian origin "who might in time of war endanger the safety of the state." Almost immediately, 6000 Italian Canadians were arrested. Around 700 were interned in camps for a period of 1 to 5 years. In addition, around 30,000, including women and children, were listed as "enemy aliens." Many were fingerprinted, photographed, and ordered to report monthly to the RCMP. No formal charges were laid. They were accused of being fascists, simply because of their Italian origin. Italian Canadians as Enemy Aliens: Memories of WWII is a project by Columbus Centre of Toronto. It will collect the personal memories of surviving Italian internees in Canada, their family members and others that were also affected by the internment. These video histories will form a national archive, along with related print, photographic and other resources. The resulting archive will be shared with the Italian community and general public through a permanent exhibit, online archive and website, and an academic publication. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.