The Regional Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations said today in Ribeira Grande that the Azorean communities residing in Canada are a "source of pride" for the Region, especially for their "example of integration" at a social, cultural, economic and political level.

"From name places to business sector, Universities, culture and community and social organisations, the Azores have a strong and continuous presence in Canada thanks to the commitment and dedication of thousands of Azorean emigrants," Rodrigo Oliveira stressed, adding that "this is, undoubtedly, a heritage that makes us proud and we need it to better disseminate the Region."

"It is only fair to acknowledge that Canadians of Azorean-descent have demonstrated a clear awareness of their duties and rights as Canadian citizens, particularly an elevated sense of social responsibility," noted Rodrigo Oliveira. The government official spoke at the opening session of the Congress "60 years of Azorean Emigration to Canada," an event promoted by the Government to celebrate the arrival of the first Azorean emigrants to Canada.

In this speech, the Regional Secretary mentioned that "the Azores and Canada share links that geography, history and the deep emotional ties between both peoples will certainly strengthen them in the future, considering the thousands of Azoreans and Canadians of Azorean-descent as the "best ambassadors" of the Region. In fact, they play an important role as "strategic partners in culture and economy, thus contributing to the visibility" of the Region as well as to the progress of each island in the archipelago.

"The History of the Azores would certainly be very incomplete" without a reference to emigration, a reality that has conditioned and guided the lives of so many Azoreans," defended Rodrigo Oliveira. In this context, the government official recalled that many Azoreans emigrated in successive waves during the times of the 50's, "always in search of better living conditions."

The bilateral agreements signed between the governments of Portugal and Canada in 1953 opened the doors to the Azorean emigration to this country. On May 13, 1953, a group of 18 Azorean pioneers arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia; one of them, Afonso Tavares, attended today the opening session of the Congress and will launch his memoirs on Tuesday.

"We are aware that this initiative, included in a series of activities organised to celebrate this important milestone in our history, will contribute to a better understanding of our presence in the world and, in particular, in Canada," said Rodrigo Oliveira, who considered this congress a "fair tribute to the 18 men who have led this epic journey to which thousands of Azoreans have later joined."

 "The Azoreans who left the archipelago and headed to Canada brought with them their way of life and a very specific way of being in the world as well as their culture and traditions - all the aspects that embody our 'Azoreanity'," stressed the government official. When they arrived to Canada, Azorean emigrants settled in several cities, where "they established the institutions that would bring them safety and visibility in host societies."

The Regional Under Secretary also addressed a word of recognition for the dedicated work in favour of 'Azoreanity' over several decades" to the institutions represented at this congress by the Houses of the Azores of Ontario, Quebec and Winnipeg as well as to various organisations spread throughout Canada.

"Despite being far from their homeland, Azorean emigrants have never abandoned their roots as they have always lived and disseminated the traditions and customs that have shaped our identity over the years," the government official said, acknowledging the "important contribution" provided by Azorean communities in the promotion, development and progress of the Canadian society.
 
Accordingly, the Regional Under Secretary considered that "celebrating the 60 years of Azorean emigration to Canada is a way of recognising and revealing the life paths of many thousands of Azoreans who have undertaken the effort of building a country with tears, sweat and hard work that is today the homeland of their children and grandchildren. However, they have never forgotten their islands."

"We should emphasise the mission accomplished by the Azorean Diaspora in the dissemination of our identity values among youngsters of Azorean-descent, thus ensuring the continuation and vitality of our community organisations in the future, from the Houses of the Azores to philharmonic bands, sports clubs and folk dance groups, said the Regional Under Secretary. According to him, "youngsters of Azorean-descent residing in Canada are aware of the richness of their cultural values and the importance of the communities to which they belong, making them feel proud of their roots."

Furthermore, Rodrigo Oliveira highlighted the work that has been carried out by the Regional Government among Azorean youngsters, whether in the archipelago or in the communities, by "evoking the legacy, the courage and determination of the generations that preceded them so that they may better understand generational differences and the reality of the Azores of today."