Indochinese refugees at Griesbach (Alberta) Base Reception Centre in 1979.

Canadian and Malaysians on boat to Bidong.

Malaysian fishing boats used initially to ferry visa officers, their files and overnight luggage on the four hour trip to the refugee camp on Pilau Bidong.

Charter flight of Indochinese refugees en route to Canada

CIHS thanks its corporate members - IRCC, P2P and Pier 21 - for their significant support as well as its life and annual members. All these contributions allow us to pursue our objectives and activities.

The Society has carried out significant research and communication on the 1975-1980 movement to Canada of Indochinese refugees. We are especially focussed on Hearts of Freedom.

2019 Gunn Award

The 2019 Gunn Award competition for the best university student essay on Canadian immigration or refugee history is now open till June 14, 2019. Click here for full competition details.

CURRENT BULLETIN ISSUE

Bulletin 95 - December 2020

The Canadian Immigration Historical Society (CIHS) was formed in 1986, when seventeen people met and agreed upon the need for a non-partisan organization gathering historians, political scientists, sociologists, academics, government officials and private individuals to develop and promote interest in Canadian immigration and refugee matters and history.