It took strong family ties and strong wills for citizens of Istria to come to Canada more than five decades ago, and a symbol of such strength is now on display in Chatham’s Kingston Park.
Lega Istriana unveiled a commemorative rock in the park Sunday, with the help of Italy’s ambassador to Canada, and other dignitaries.
Istria, once part of Italy, was given to Communist Yugoslavia after the Second World War. As a result, many Istrian-Italians fled their homeland. Some came to Chatham-Kent, often with little more than the clothes on their back, to forge a new life.
On Sunday, the local Istrian-Italian community gathered in Kingston Park to celebrate its successes.
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Christina Perini, president of the local Lega Istriana, described the dedication of the commemorative stone, which came from the Canadian Shield, as “history in the making,” adding it was very important for the current generation and future generations to understand the determination the Istrian-Italians who settled here had to start a new life.
“All new immigrants started working in the sugar beet fields or other cash crops,” she said. “But they eventually branched out into skilled trades. Our people helped to build our Chatham-Kent.”
Gian Lorenzo Cornado, Italy’s ambassador to Canada, echoed Perini’s comments.
“You came here 57 years ago. You are part of this community; you helped build this community,” he said. “You should be proud of your achievements. This is a wonderful piece of history.”
Dave Van Kesteren, MP for Chatham-Kent Essex, said his parents came to Canada from Holland in 1953, about the same time some of the Istrian-Italian community arrived as well. He said his parents, however, weren’t forced to flee their country.
Van Kesteren commended the members of Lega Istriana in Chatham-Kent for overcoming tragedy.
“To be ripped out of your homeland and have to find a place to set up shop again, to raise your family … this group worked hard. This group is well respected in the community,” he said.
South Kent Coun. Art Stirling, one of the councillors who worked with Lega Istriana to get the monument erected in Kingston Park, said Canada is a nation founded on “waves and waves” of immigrants.
He commended the members of Lega Istriana for their cultural spirit and discipline.
“Through hard work and perseverance, you created a community you can be proud of.”
Mayor Randy Hope said the commemorative rock will stand as an identifier of “the hard work of a lot of people. It will help people understand where our foundation was laid.”
