Goan Archives Canada Inc.  GOAN ARCHIVES CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER
2011
. Message From the President and Chair – Cecil D’Cruz by Muriel Lucas
On behalf of my steering committee John D'Souza, Uvy Lopes, Maurice Pinto, Claude Gomes, Lazarus Pereira, Muriel Lucas and myself, I warmly thank our dedicated volunteers, contributors and supporters for your commitment to the Goan Archives Project. We acknowledge and applaud all of your hard work in 2011 and look forward to a New Year filled with challenges and wonderful new opportunities. I also wish to thank my steering group who’ve helped overcome all obstacles ad hurdles we’ve come across since our inception. Our continuing progress speaks volumes for their dedication to the cause. Before going any further, mention must be made about the passing away of one of our GAC contributors and strong supporters, Miss Blanche DeSouza and Mr. Giles Noronha. Their presence will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Our prayers go out to their families. My aim as President and Chair, is to ensure that our resources are used responsibly and effectively as well as to build accountability in every aspect of our budget. As I look back at our achievements over this year, I am thinking ahead about how much more remains to be accomplished. To give you a brief glimpse of our accomplishments, I invite you to walk through the pages of our website: www…http://sites.google.com/site/goanarchivescanada To the two Open Houses which were held, one in the East End and one in the West End, to the Historical Society of Toronto, to The Ties That Bind, In-House Meetings with the Archivists of Peel Heritage Complex, The Passages Project, Meet and Greet at Bayleaf Restaurant, 55 PGA-Goa Fest, TEGSA Fest, Workshop Project at OAC, CLR Picnic and 5 You Tube interviews… these can all be accessed on our website: http://sites.google.com/site/goanarchivescanada Our main objective is to Archive our Community’s contribution to Canada since we began immigrating here 40 years ago. These collections have been a resounding success, as approximately 450 items have been collected from more than 40 Goan organizations. As of today, they have been packed in Acid Free Boxes waiting to be deposited with Peel Heritage Complex in Brampton, in the Spring of 2012 for the use of scholars, historians and for posterity. We have been highly commended by the Archivists of Peel Heritage Complex as being the first ethnic group to have taken the initiative to Archive our History and contribution to Canada. We intend to showcase our collections of artifacts at the opening of their multi-million dollar complex, together with our Canadian Native Indian collections. This is a major accomplishment achieved without any Community’s financial support and zero financing from Government. In the eyes of the management of Peel Heritage Complex, this is a feat unequalled by any organization in Ontario! They have extended their full fledged support towards our endeavour, as they see it as a priceless treasure On another matter, I am pleased to inform you that we have applied jointly for a Grant as co-sponsors with TEGSA organization and are optimistic of a successful outcome. I am also pleased to announce our new recruits, Pradip Francis Rodrigues, Joyce Dsouza, Melba Pimenta and Trevor DeSouza - Welcome Aboard! Pradip is a freelance journalist with an ethnic newspaper, Canada India News with a rich readership, who will be potential contributor in the field of media contacts. He also writes autobiographies for senior citizens. Joyce DSouza, Past President of the Tanzanite Association in Canada, has opted to recruit youth to come on board, and will nurture them in the right direction to fill our shoes. As promised, we have risen to the challenge and are pleased to report that we will be moving to modernize PHASE 2 in 2012, with T.V and media blitz’s to which our youth can relate and interact. Last but not least, as our expectations continue to rise, we are confident that the high value we have set in saving our history for posterity and the trust placed in the hands of our youth of tomorrow , will yield unprecedented and tangible results. It is an important element of what defines us and what distinguishes us in our vision. We the initiators of Goan Archives Canada, offer moral support to our youth as we pass the baton on to the new breed of torch bearers as they forge ahead. Once again, I wish to thank each and every one of you for your loyal support in 2011 and look forward to your continued assistance in taking Goan Archives Canada up a notch!
On behalf of my committee members, I wish you, your families, all our Sponsors and readers worldwide A Blessed Christmas Season and a Safe, Healthy and A Prosperous New Year 2012 God Bless. Cecil D’Cruz – President and Chair Goan Archives Canada Inc. . . The Goans – A pioneer South
Asian Community in Peel Region Almost four decades ago
Goans from various parts of the “Diaspora” came in numbers to Canada, and
settled in Peel Region, in Mississauga in particular. Goans can rightfully
claim to be the first South Asian Community to create their own social
organizations for the well being of members.
Goan Archives initiated this program on February 21, 2011. Approximately 50 members of the community came to the Bayleafs Restaurant on family day to “Meet & Greet” and be interviewed by Ms Denyse Churchill, an Educator, who is co-ordinating the program for the Region of Peel, in Brampton. The interviews centred on a 250 word description of an item of special interest with a photograph taken of the interviewee with the item. These will later appear on the Peel Heritage Complex website.      
 Dr. Colin Saldanha addressed the gathering,
to a rousing applause, and made particular mention that Goans needed to reach
over and above their own circle and collaborate with the mainstream community.
As a case in point he cited an event that took place in Mississauga. A
fund-raiser was held for Troy De Souza, a prospective PC candidate for a seat
in BC. This took place in the home of a supporter, and attracted more than 100
persons. Present at the event was Rt. Honourable Jason Kenney, in the Federal
Cabinet with a close ear to the Prime Minister. This type of event helps to
raise the profile of the Goan community. It also helped to raise $12,000
exceeding the $10,000 target set by the organizers.
When the Complex goes online, any resident of Peel Region will be able to add their own story online. Stay tuned.
Goan Archives 21st Feb, 2011 " Passages Project " on YouTubeClick image to view
Photo Album -2010 - Click Image to View   The Phase I Report has now been released and can be viewed on-line Please Click Here Please Click here to view Phase I Report Interview
 Click Image to enlarge
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