Tracing the history of Italians in Canada
A story of migration, identity, and belonging.
La Strada: The Italian-Canadian Journey is a five-part documentary series exploring the history of Italians in Canada—from their early presence in the 16th century to today.
This educational endeavour aims to deepen our understanding of the Italian-Canadian experience, the intersections among diverse communities, and the role migration has played in shaping Canadian society.
It also seeks to cultivate a sense of belonging, reinforcing the idea of Canada as a tapestry of diverse cultures and histories.
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The Segments
PART 1 – 15th to 19th Centuries – Early Italian Presence
Exploration of the earliest known records of people from the Italian peninsula in what would become Canada. Working for British and French monarchies, Italians helped map North America’s resources, participated in local conflicts, and played a role in early development efforts.
PART 2 – 1870 to 1914 – Italian Labourers: Building Canada’s Infrastructure
The second episode delves into the first mass migration of Italians,
highlighting the role of Italian labourers in building Canada’s
infrastructure such as railroads, roads and canals. It also explores the
padrone system, whereby labour agents contracted labourers in various
regions of Italy and, in many cases, exploited them.
PART 3 – 1914 to 1945 – Italian-Canadians at War
This episode explores the impact of the First and Second World Wars on Italian Canadians, including their designation as “enemy aliens” and the internment of many during World War II. It draws on original research from Italian-Canadian historians and organizations.
PART 4 – 1945 to 1970 – Post-War Immigration
The fourth episode focuses on the third and largest wave of Italian immigration to Canada. It explores the emergence of Italian communities across the country and examines the economic and social transformations during this period, from central cities to rural regions.
PART 5 – 1970 to Present – Cultural Contributions & Challenges
The final episode looks at the cultural and linguistic challenges faced by Italian Canadians from the 1970s onward, as well as the many contributions they’ve made to Canadian society—in the arts, business, politics, and more.
