Canada, Land of Refuge: Polish Orphans of Tengeru and the 85th Anniversary of the Deportations to Siberia

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) invites you to join us in commemorating the 85th anniversary of mass deportations of Polish citizens to Siberia. This event is held in collaboration with the Canadian Polish Club, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Ottawa and the Centre for Documentation of Deportations, Expulsions and Resettlements in Krakow, Poland.

More than a commemoration, the gathering sheds light on a little-known chapter of the Second World War and Canada’s role in offering refuge to Polish orphans. From the Soviet labour camps in Siberia, through the sunny foothills of Kilimanjaro, and finally to Pier 21 in Halifax, these children’s remarkable odyssey speaks to both tragedy and hope.

Conversation on the book Polish Orphans of Tengeru: The Dramatic Story of Their Long Journey to Canada 1941-49

The event will explore and discuss aspects of the story as told by Canadian historian Lynne Taylor in Polish Orphans of Tengeru: The Dramatic Story of Their Long Journey to Canada 1941-49.

Polish Orphans of Tengeru recounts the journey of 123 Polish children who escaped Soviet labour camps, found temporary refuge in East Africa during World War II, and were eventually resettled in Canada in 1949. This story highlights the resilience of the orphans and the efforts of Father Lucjan Królikowski and international partners who helped secure their future after years of displacement.

The multi-part learning event will allow visitors to learn about this historical event from survivors, scholars and diplomats.

Program activities

• Remarks and presentation by the Centre for Documentation of Deportations, Expulsions and Resettlements in Krakow, Poland
• Round Table 1: H.E. Witold Dzielski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Canada, in conversation with H.E. Joseph Edward Sokoine, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania in Ottawa, and Mr. David Prodger, Deputy Head of Mission, British High Commission in Ottawa, on the humanitarian legacy and modern solidarity in crisis response
• Round Table 2: Conversations with witnesses of history—children of Tengeru on their experiences and a Roman Catholic priest on the role of the Catholic Church in helping orphans settle into life in Canada
• Film presentation of Childhood DENIED by Myra Dziama—a documentary capturing the tragic story of Tengeru orphans through archival footage and a fictionalized child’s narrative
• Community networking and informational kiosks

Event details

Date

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Time

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Admission

Free admission; registration is required

Location

Library and Archives Canada

Event address

395 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario

Registration

Seating is limited, so please register:

Register

For more information, please contact evenements-events@bac-lac.gc.ca.