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Childhood Narratives of Greek Canadians from the 1940s

The Greek 1940s are known to be distinctive, if not unique. No other European country experienced such a dramatic sequence of events from occupation to famine, resistance, and civil war, all in the span of ten years.

This project analyzes the life histories of Greek Canadians who were born in Greece during the mid to late 1920s and 1930s to document their experiences. “Childhood Narratives of Greek Canadians from the 1940s” aims to evaluate the effects of trauma and resilience through the events of the 1940s in Greece to critically reflect on memory eighty years later. The research contributes a transnational perspective to the historiography. It reveals how memories and ethnic identities can expand beyond borders to create a community of those who may share the same experiences, traumas, and identities.

Principal Investigator


Angelo Nicholas Laskaris is a PhD candidate in History working under the supervision of Professor Athanasios Gekas at York University. His current research investigates childhood memories and experiences of Greek Canadians during the 1940s in Greece. His work takes a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses the fields of oral history, migration, and diaspora studies. Angelo Laskaris holds an MA in History from York University (2020) and a BA in History and Political Science from the University of Toronto (2019).

laskang@yorku.ca | Twitter | Linkedin

“If You Could Describe the 1940s in One Word, What Would That Be?”

At the end of each interview for his project, ‘Childhood Memories of Greek Canadians from the 1940s,’ Angelo Laskaris asks an important question to all participants: If you could describe the 1940s in one word, what would that be?

The 1940s had a lasting impact on those who suffered and witnessed traumatic events first-hand. The decade has also made them resilient, which we proudly showcase through the archive. If you wish to have your memories and legacy documented, please contact laskang@yorku.ca.

Photos

Researcher, Angelo Nicholas Laskaris, Photograph of Mr. Theodore (Ted) Trakas, 1940s, Greece., Childhood Narratives of Greek Canadians from the 1940s. York University. 
Researcher, Angelo Nicholas Laskaris. Image of Interviewee Maria Vrentzos at a young age during the 1940s, Crete, Greece., Childhood Narratives of Greek Canadians from the 1940s. York University.
Researcher, Angelo Nicholas Laskaris, Syligardakis Family, 1943, Latsida Crete, Greece., Childhood Narratives of Greek Canadians from the 1940s. York University.

Photograph taken following the execution of their father and husband by the Nazis in 1943. The interview participant is Emmanuel (Manoli) Syligardakis, who kindly shared his childhood years for the project and archive.

From Left to Right:
Kostandinos Syligardakis  (B. 1935), Maria (nee: Ierapetritakis) Syligardakis (B.1913), Below Ioannis Syligardakis (B.1942), Top right Emmanuel (Manoli) Syligardakis (B.1938), Bottom right Georgios Syligardakis  (B.1940).