Displacement and Identity: Igbo Diaspora of Canada, 1965-1985

Abstract

Between 1965 and 1985, a significant number of Igbo, one of the three major cultural groups in Nigeria, migrated to Canada. This group of immigrants consists of victims of socio-political displacements that arose from the Nigerian civil war, which was fought when this cultural group attempted secession from Nigeria under the auspices of the Republic of Biafra, between July 6, 1967-January 15, 1970. As many Igbo began to leave Nigeria in search of a safe haven, Canada became one of the destinations for a significant proportion of the privileged class. It was certainly the knowledge of their previous encounters that propelled their choice of Canada. On arrival, they established socio-political organizations that created a sense of separate identity from the wider Nigerian community in Canada. This study focuses on the migration and identity formation of the second stream of Igbo immigrants in Canada, It highlights how displacement and victimization during the Nigerian civil war has propelled Igbo migration to Canada, and how their memories shaped their identity and activities in Canada. By examining the Igbo experiences during this period, the study situateS the Igbo Diaspora in Canada within a wider context, and in so doing, bring academic attention to the socio-political dimension of Igbo Diaspora.

Keywords: Displacement, Identity, Diaspora, Migration