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Tagged “Immigration”

Browse Tagged “Immigration” from the Canadian Macedonian Heritage Society archive, library and community collections.

2nd Annual Canadian Immigration Celebration Women & their Accomplishments

The 2nd Annual Celebration of Macedonian Immigration to Canada was held at the East York library to honor the diverse professional and personal accomplishments of Macedonian-Canadian women. Departing from the early 20th-century narrative of "bride" immigration, the event showcased women from various regions of Macedonia who have excelled in fields such as engineering, media, international development, and the arts. Featured speakers included Natasha Denkovski, a national-team athlete and MBA; Pobeda Piskaceva, the creator of the Macedonian Edition TV program; filmmaker Sandra Danilovic; fashion designer Maria Lazarova Manceva; and development expert Vera Belazelkoska. The afternoon concluded with keynote speaker Aleksandra Nasteska, an award-winning advocate for sustainability and gender equality, illustrating how these women have moved beyond traditional family roles to drive social change and inspire future generations within both the Macedonian community and broader Canadian society.

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Paul & Zorka Bassil

Paul Bassil (Tupurkovski) was born in the village of Oshchima, Agean Macedonia, in 1908. His father Vasil was killed by the Turks at a young age and his mother, Sultana had to raise his brother, Spero, his baby brother Micho and sisters Velia, Sandra, Elena and Ilinka all alone. His mother was killed by the Germans during the second world war.

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Chris Dafeff

On September 7, 1894, in the Macedonian town of Radovish, a son was born to the poor meat-peddler Daffe Antonoff and his wife Gona. They named him Christo and as he was always called Christo Dafeff (Daffe's Christo) that became his name in after years. Christo was a sickly but talented child. At six he started school and was an exceptionally good student, but was forced to stop school because of his health ... Young Christo couldn't take his studies easily, he was too intense. At seven he started to play the flute-. His father couldn't afford a musical instrument, so Christo "borrowed" 15 Turkish coptseta from his father's meagre store and went into partnership with a neighbour's boy, who also put in 15 coptseta, to buy a mandolin. One week, Christo had it, the next his partner. One day his mother sent the boy up to the attic to fetch something. There, among things left in storage by an uncle who had gone to Canada, Christo found a violin! He tuned it. He drew the bow. And, in that dusty attic, his errand forgotten, on his first try Daffe's Christo played a popular Macedonian air. There were no two ways about it. Music was his vocation. Poor as they were, his parents determined to do what they could to help him.

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Jugloff, John

Despite the fact than Baba wasn’t born in Macedonia, culture was maintained by both both parents in several ways. - Involvement with the Macedonian church - Virtually all attendance at social gatherings such as picnics, weddings and name day celebration revolved around the Macedonian community - Sending our Jimmy and Kathryn to Macedonian (Bulgarian) school

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Sojourners, Settlers, and a Lasting Legacy: Remembering Dr. Lillian Petroff

The First Annual Celebration of Macedonian Immigration to Canada served as a heartfelt tribute to the late Dr. Lillian Petroff, a pioneering academic who dedicated her career to documenting and validating the distinct identity of Macedonian immigrants in Ontario. Attendees, including family, colleagues, and community leaders, shared stories that painted a portrait of a brilliant, quick-witted, and defiant woman who successfully navigated political pressures to ensure her heritage was recognized independently of neighboring ethnic labels. Through her seminal work, Sojourners & Settlers, and her leadership at the Multicultural History Society of Ontario, Petroff became the definitive voice for early Macedonian "pechalbari" (sojourners), establishing a historical legacy that the Canadian Macedonian Historical Society aims to preserve through this recurring memorial event.

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Vasil Patsko

Vasil Patsko was born in the village of Zhelevo, Macedonia November 28th, 1907 to Done and Sophia (nee Hadjipaul) Patsko. Siblings included Elinka (died in infancy) Louis, Zoya, and Alex. As a young boy, he played music with his father and younger brothers.

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Patsy Sider - DANNY STOITSEVSKY (1925-1988)

This poem is dedicated in loving memory of Danny Stoitsevski- Hatzystoitse (Hafzyioannou) An unforgettable Hero, from Florina-Lerin DANNY STOITSEVSKY (1925-1988) Patsy Sider-Aspassia Bossota In Florina-Lerin the terminally ill widow mother of Danny Stoitsevski Breathless was calling Danny, her son. Her last wish was this. Danny, her son, she wanted to see him, for the last time. Danny, previously, was resident of ...

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Patsy Sider - MY HANDSOME MOUNTAIN

In Florina-Lerin where I grew up there is a mountain Therefore, I sing continuously for it. On it hundreds of birds voices sing And each May Day the youth sweet songs sing to it It seems like yesterday since I said farewell to you. In the foreign country, I did not forget you. Your image is in my memory Like the shades of the colorful dawn. My handsome mountain I love you very much. On your wild flowers, of daisies ...

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Patsy Sider - HER MACEDONIAN LIFE IN GREECE

She belonged to a middle class She had a husband and six children. Her husband as always was in the Macedonian villages of Florina-Lerin. He was working there, painting. She was home in bed sick She had a high fever and a pain in the stomach. And that day, as always, the door opened with a kick The Greek policemen entered, and they were staring them with hate. Her children, as every morning, were praying to the Lord ...

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