We Did It Finding Our Way came out of a number of meetings and workshops where youth explored different ways of expressing their stories. The additional information and resources included grew out of a lively discussion by the youth of things they wished they would have known. Many people came together to make this book a reality- all coming from diverse backgrounds, but sharing a common interest in helping newcomer youth settle in Canada. We are thankful to everyone for his or her ideas, help and support.
THE YOUTH CONTRIBUTORS
 | Lai Wei (Click here for story)
I’m from China, and about myself there is just one thing I can say, that is, LAI WEI is really really really really really really awesome. | | | Zoe Kawei (Click here for story)
I like lounging on the deck and taking long walks in the parks. As well, I enjoy catching horror films while munching on Fuzzy Peaches. |  | Dayposi Ray (Click here for story)
I was born in 1989 in KawThoo Lei ( Karen State ). I moved to a Refugee camp in Thai Land in 1999 and I moved to Thunder Bay in 2006. I like listening to music, watching movies, TV shows, and the news. I like to read world news, play computer, and play indoor and outdoor sports. My favorite sports are kickboxing, volleyball, and soccer. | | | Eh Ku Paw (Click here for story)
My name is Eh Ku Paw and I’m from Burma. My Hobbies are playing tennis, volleyball and bowling. These are the sports that I like the most even though I’m not very good at them. I want to be a nurse in the future and I hope my dream will come true. | | | Lahlu Thang (Click here for story)
"Moving to Canada has given me a new way of achieving my goal of helping my family and I am so happy to have an opportunity to go to school." | | | Christ Saw Moo Ro (Click here for story)
When I was on an airplane on my way here, I was asked if I wanted to eat and I didn’t answer because I was scared. I want to say to those that are coming, "Don’t act like me or you will starve." |  | Martin Zhang (Click here for story)
"The small things I now take for granted, however they used to be so new, confusing, and interesting when I first heard about them. Coming to Canada was a thrilling experience." | | | Anonymous (Click here for story)
"The experiences I have had are extremely understandable because of the many changes I have been through. Some of these changes include culture, language, food and education." | | | Tianyi Li (Click here for story)
"I think studying aboard has both the pain and also the sweat, so that you will experience everything to be most precious. There are many friends waiting for you, there are challenges you take. Just believe in yourself." |  | Amal Abu-Bakare (Click here for story)
"Looking back now, I see what they saw a girl who looked different and didn’t belong. Arriving and deciding that this was her place with a smile so cocky placed upon her face. |  | Parnum Johal (Click here for story)
Hi! My name is Parnum Johal and I am in grade 8. I like to play sports such as basketball, track and soccer. I like to read and write, and like to go on the computer!! |  | Tevin Lander (Click here for story)
My name is important because my name is not very common, so i think its very unique. I bike everywere I go which I think makes me independent. I admire my dad because he brought me and my mom to Canada for better job and education opportunities. I can’t live without my family because I love them and they take good care of me. I hope it makes you think about what you have, more than what you don’t have. |
THE PROJECT TEAM
 | Neena Lamba
I moved to Thunder Bay from India 15 years back. I was a full time teacher there in New Delhi and now I am a supply teacher. I enjoy being in nature. I like dancing, walking, hiking, art work and little bit of canoeing. I love to entertain and being entertained. | | | Sue Holloway
In my work and with my family I thrive on finding fun and exciting ways to help us all be people who care about the earth and the people on it. My biggest life adventure has been having my two wonderful boys who continue to challenge me, teach me, inspire me, and bring joy and humour to my life. |  | Annie Musa (click here for story)
I am fun, full of energy, outgoing, love hanging out with friends and going to the movies. I also love to make people around me laugh. |  | Pablo Villanueva (click here for story)
Hi. I was born in New York, raised here in Thunder Bay, ON and my parents are from Guatemala. I love sports. I’m a very outgoing person and I always have to be doing something because I do not like being bored. |
THE SUPPORTING TEAM
| | Derek Khani
Derek Khani is a multidisciplinary artist with a unique background. Originally from the Seychelles Islands, Derek studied Fine Arts in Germany, after which he completed a Bachelor of Education at Sussex University in Brighton, England. Consequently, Derek is fluent in four languages, including French. A father of two, he is passionate about children and encourages personal and academic development through visual literacy as an artist-educator with the Lakehead Public School Board. Derek is also an advocate of the visual arts and is involved in community art projects with the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Amongst his array of works, Derek creates paintings, illustrations, graphic designs, photography, and murals. | | | Heather Hopkins
I'm currently working on a PhD using participatory photography to document the meaning of contact with nature. Also doing yoga, learning to cook from scratch, and being part of the 'sacred strand of parents' at my kids’ schools. | | | Lenore Oakford
I grew up in Thunder Bay but now live in Stonewall Manitoba. I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren, and being outdoors at the lake with my husband Doug. |  | Eleanor Albanese
I have spent my life immersed in the arts with a focus in arts education, theatre arts and visual arts. My plays for young audiences have toured nationally from coast to coast. I have also been involved with many community agencies in developing collaborative arts projects- recently CNIB, Canadian Mental Health Association, and St. Joseph's Care Group. | | | Rosalind Maki
I am the LINC Coordinator at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association. I am also the founding member of the Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop. In my spare time (of which I have very little), I enjoy reading, gardening, and movies.
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