A Brief History of Tibetans in Canada

Conbributed by the Pemma & Lobsang Mentuh

On March 30, 1971 100 Tibetans immigrated to Ontario, Canada.  These Tibetans had fled Tibet in 1959 and were living in refugee camps in India. The Canadian government sponsored approximately 200 Tibetans to Canada in the early ‘70s.  This is a brief overview of their journey.  This is where they began a new life with their friends and family.

Tibetans were dispersed throughout three Ontario cities; Belleville, Lindsay and Cobourg.  Six families settled in Lindsay; 9 families were set up in Belleville and four families called Cobourg home. 

While the journey to Canada was the beginning of a new life for these people, many of them could not help but think about going back home to Tibet.  The challenge of learning a new language and developing new skills in an industrialized country was a daunting task; however, the hope and promise of a bright future for their children was the very hope that kept them going and looking forward. 

As soon as they arrived to their destination city, Tibetan families were housed for 1 month in a local hotel.  All arrangements were made by what was then referred to as the Manpower.  Shortly after their accommodations were organized, it was typical for as many as 6 families to be together as transitional housing as a way to adjusting to life in Canada.  Usually, the common or living room was used to teach the adults English in a classroom style while their children were sent to day school.  This arrangement lasted for approximately 1 year.  During this time, Tibetans were given English language instruction and focused on occupational skills development for employment purposes. 

1972 was a very challenging year for Tibetan men and women.  Undoubtedly, adjusting to life in Canada was full of new experiences and emotions.  They were committed to learning as much English as they could to succeed in their new country.  They also made sure their children were doing well in their new learning environments.   After all, adjusting to a new country and culture can be just as stressful for children as it is for adults.

Following a year of life skills guidance under the Manpower, Tibetan men and women were ready to enter the workforce and move forward in their lives.  This period of learning was a time the men and women will take with them forever.  Also, they will never forget the compassion and commitment of the teachers who helped them through this time.

As hardworking people, they had no difficulties in finding employment.  In fact, by 1973 many families were doing so well that they were able to purchase their first home.  In a number of the towns where Tibetans resided, the majority of Tibetans were employed at 1 factory.  Interestingly, many Tibetans in Lindsay for example retired from their place of employment after 30+ years of service. 

As pioneers in this country of the Tibetan identity, the men and women in the Ontario Tibetan community were keenly aware of the need to preserve and share their culture.  To ensure that future generations of Tibetans were given a chance to learn their own heritage and traditions, the Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario was created in 1980.

 It was decided that the mandate of this organization would be to preserve, promote and share Tibetan culture and identity in Ontario. It was the ultimate dream for this organization to one day build a Tibetan cultural centre in Ontario.  

In the year 1989 less than a hundred Tibetans came to Canada as refugees and made Toronto their home.  Over the past decade there has been an influx of Tibetans into Canada and the number of Tibetans residing in Ontario alone stand around 3000 - 3500 consisting of mainly young adults.  There are approximately 4000 Tibetans now living all across Canada.