Ben is shown as an action figure of a carpenter or labourer in its packaging. The artist was struck by how employers willingly exploit and take advantage of the labour of those who are undocumented. Especially because undocumented labourers have no employment protection and are unable to speak about any unjust workplace conditions.

Joselyn spoke about both negative and positive experiences here in Canada. These experiences are represented in a game of snakes and ladders. Some of the positive experiences are connected by ladders which “rises” them to a safer and more ideal place. For instance, Joselyn spoke about an understanding landlord which provided her and her family a safe home. Another ladder is between a park and Heritage Days, which Joselyn shared felt like safe spaces. On the other hand, the snakes are negative experiences that placed even more barriers in Joselyn’s path. For example, deceptive job offers placed Joselyn and her family in a precarious and unsafe situation here in Canada.

Noemi is a highschool student and her illustration is a puzzle which represents her past and present experiences, as well as her future dreams. As a high school student, there are many things happening as we create new memories and begin to forge our identities. Noemi shared some of the core experiences she had before moving to and while living in Canada and the puzzle pieces come together to symbolize what has shaped her.

Ruby’s need to protect her son from the realities of being undocumented was very inspiring. The center point of this piece is a pair of hands covering a boy’s eyes. The gameboard journeys us through Ruby’s story and experiences in trying to secure her and her family’s status in Canada.

AWARE: Surviving the Canadian Dream

WORK

This project was a part of Alberta Workers Association for Research and Education's (AWARE) project called Surviving the Canadian Dream. Stories of 8 undocumented families in Edmonton were audio-recorded and art was created from these recordings.

I chose a theme that alluded to children’s games and toys because many of the experiences of undocumented migrants reflect the arduous mental and emotional games the Canadian Immigration system, as well as the Social Services sector puts them through. There are many barriers, hoops, and ladders non-status individuals have to undergo for a fraction of a chance to get “status” in Canada. Most games, however, have an ending where the players reign victorious, and that there are some pockets in this journey where elements of joy can be felt, especially through community. The Intention behind these pieces is to encourage community members to support and continue to build solidarity with non-status individuals. We must commit to join the fight for regularization.

I encourage you to learn more at AWARE's website, as well as their partner organization, MIGRANTE. We must demand for permanent status and regularization of our undocumented community members.