Finnish Immigrants in Manitoba: A Home in Two Places?

AUTHORS:

Tuula Heinonen, Faculty of Social Work
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2

Carol Hussa Harvey, Department of Family Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2

The experiences of Finnish immigrants who came to Manitoba were the focus of a qualitative study conducted with 22 respondents in Winnipeg. Information was provided on their immigration process, and the hardships and luck they found as they tried to adapt to life in Manitoba. This small group of immigrants represents approximately 1,000 people in the province. Their lives as immigrants reflect some of the same challenges as those of many other immigrant groups. The cohorts of immigrants in our study described different sets of difficulties and opportunities in Manitoba. For example, the Finns who immigrated prior to World War II or in the decade after it, left difficult social and economic conditions in Finland to seek economic prosperity and security in Canada. Many arrived with their prized possessions in a few suitcases.

Finding jobs, housing and establishing social relationships were critical to success in their new environment. For the Finnish immigrants, one of the key factors attributed to integration was learning English, especially spoken English. At the same time, having opportunities to speak their own language with others was important to maintaining their sense of cultural integrity and pride.

According to study respondents, the idea of ‘home’ includes more than a shelter or place where basic human needs are met. It included intimate relationships with family members and friends, cultural events, seasonal activities, and a place where memories are made. Although a few respondents defined home as "in Canada now", many others referred to home as consisting of multiple sites, usually in Finland and in Canada. Related to the respondents’ construction of home were the strength of ties to Finland and the development of new roots (marrying, having children, finding satisfying work and a comfortable home) in Manitoba. These views may not differ much from immigrants from other countries, however, there are some unique cultural traditions and practices among Finnish immigrants in Manitoba which delineate the unique ways in which Finns view and construct home. The presentation will describe the significance of the sauna, the mid-summer’s festival, valued artifacts in Finnish homes, and the local social and cultural organization that promotes Finnish culture and tradition.