Internment of Italian Canadians

11/15/2025

A very interesting exhibit to check out in Toronto before November 28th by Lorretta Favari....

These stitched paper portraits shed light on the WWII internment of the Reverend Libero Sauro, my Italian Canadian grandfather. Like thousands of Italian Canadians, he was believed to be a fascist...

11/15/2025

Captured Moments

Please check out this multi-sensory Installation/Performance exhibit by Loretta Faveri, about Italo-Canadians interned at Petawawa during WWll. A short trailer is available on Loretta's website: lorettafaveri.com "Captured Moments".

This poignant exhibition is a brilliant displayand account of her grandfather, Libero Sauro, who was among those interned during the Second World War, while five of his sons were serving in the Canadian armed forces.

At the Columbus Centre, Toronto until Nov 25. Free tickets available on her website....

01/05/2025

Congratulations to gifted writer, Giustino Scibetta on the release of his most recent book, PETAWAWA, an account of a family that emigrated to Canada to escape the hardship of their poverty stricken life in Sicily. The book is a fascinating fictional account that is threaded into the historical context of the internment of Italian Canadians during the Second World War, and the anti-Italian sentiments that existed at the time. Gratitude is also extended to the author for acknowledging the work done by the Hamilton community in bringing awareness to the internment.. PETAWAWA is available at area Indigo Stores and on Amazon ..... Giustino Scibetta-Lawson

10/25/2024

9-10 November marks 86 years since Kristallnacht. To commemorate this, we are inviting Year 6/P7 students from across the UK to join us and listen to Eve Kugler BEM’s story as one of the witnesses to Kristallnacht on Thursday 7 November from 10am on Zoom. To register, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwFzgA_YItoRXMMFnGHDFxkRl2iWokS7WZVslgmZtWjtdMbA/viewform

10/25/2024

10/15/2024

Following a nine month run on Cable 14, FRATELLANZA - A LEGACY OF SURVIVAL is now available online!

SYNOPSIS:
In 1908, (some speculate earlier than that) the first immigrant from Racalmuto, Sicily, set foot in Hamilton, Ontario to escape the poverty of their homeland. As the Racalmutese population in Hamilton began to grow, various Racalmutese clubs were established to provide the security and support needed to integrate into Canadian Society. All but one of these clubs dissolved, making the Racalmutese Italian Club (the Club) the longest surviving Sicilian club in Hamilton.

In spite of the many challenges and anti-Italian sentiments faced by Italian immigrants, they prospered because of their ability to establish networks of support, including clubs like the Fratellanza Racalmutese, that allowed Racalmutese to integrate and become meaningful and contributing members of Canadian Society.

Today, approximately 30,000 Hamiltonians can trace their roots to Racalmuto. Throughout its 90 year history, the Club faced many challenges and at various times, threats of closure due to declining membership..... until a new generation of Racalmutese descendants sparked new energy into the Club, restoring and preserving their heritage for many generations to follow. Video created and produced by Sam Cino.......... Thank you to those making this documentary possible, including but not limited to: Fratellanza Racalmutese Hamilton, Joe Curto, Mary Martorelli, Peppe Scifo, Charles Brucculeri, Cheryl Hasler, Fanara, John Macaluso (Bonarma), John La Rocca, Joe Baiardo, Vincenzo Agro, Giovanna Alaimo-Giglia, Joe Ricottone, Sam Migliore, Calogero Milazzo. Thank you to Cable 14 Hamilton for taking a special interest in this important aspect of Hamilton's history........ Sicilia Canta Canada.

In 1908, (some speculate earlier than that) the first immigrant from Racalmuto, Sicily, set foot in Hamilton, Ontario to escape the poverty of their homeland...