1. Halifax, Nova Scotia

2. July 20th, 1869
Dear Lola, My experience in this new world is strange compared to the Philippines. As soon as I stepped on the ship to start my new life in Canada, I was terrified and cold. The ride there was horrendous, I was placed on the lower level of the ship, where they kept supplies since the boat was packed with people who shared the same idea as me. It took almost a week of tossing and turning to get to the shore of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The moment I arrived in Halifax I noticed the strong stench of fish and lumber from left to right, with a touch of a disgusting mechanical smell. This was not like any kind of fish I had ever smelt before, almost unrecognizable to the milk fish we cooked together. I hope I can find a stable job in this foreign land. Wish me luck as always! Love, Julia
Warlita Dela Cruz
1234 Mayon st
Manila, Philippines

3. Halifax, Nova Scotia

4. Warlita Dela Cruz 1234 Mayon st Manila, Philippines May 10th, 1870
Dear Lola, The paled faced people have been cruel, I have been made fun of and abused physically and verbally in front of my peers and other white faced humans. My ‘home’ is a beat down house. I live with 10 other people from different lands who all came to Canada thinking the same thing I did, ’a new life’. I have tried repeatedly to find a job suitable for now, but I have been continuously mistreated for the colour of my skin. I crave our traditions once again. It’s as if I don’t exist to any of these unearthly people. Tomorrow I will try to find a job I can make money off of, even if it’s a small amount, it feels as though I have tried everything but I just keep getting turned down. I have been living off of Pemmican and Bannock, which is dried buffalo and a very bland bread, its incredibly gross to taste. I hope I can live through this, and start my life how I had planned it when I stepped off the ship. Lots of love, Julia
Warlita Dela Cruz
1234 Mayon st
Manila, Philippines

5. Halifax, Nova Scotia

6. August 4th, 1876
Dear Lola, It took awhile to send this letter due to recent events, but I have finally got a job as an assistant farmer. It isn’t the best, but it’s keeping me alive. I serve the pale faced family by planting crops, cleaning pens, and raking fields in rain or shine. I get paid ¢25 an hour depending on how generous the white family feels. This job wasn’t what I had in plan but if it gets me enough money to have a place to stay and have food, it’s the best I can be doing right now. I wasn’t into the politics since I was struggling with my own problems, but it seems as though the Canadian Government has been capturing the Indian’s children and taking them to these ‘Residential Schools’ to remove their background completely. I pray to god I will not suffer as do they. I miss you very much Lola. Yours truly, Julia
Warlita Dela Cruz
1234 Mayon st
Manila, Philippines

8. November 9th, 1879
Dear Lola, The climate here has been driving me crazy. This fall has been incredibly cold compared to the Philippines. Due to this intense cold rush, my job is much harder than how it is in the summer. My job is to keep the animals alive and make sure they aren’t harmed in any way possible. I am simply exhausted from this low paying job, my body is giving out, I have cramps everywhere and on top of my physical pain, I am constantly called names by the commoners. I’ve learned to get used to the insults but it doesn’t feel human like. I have recently noticed lots of men in red jackets on horses enforcing rules, calling themselves the North-West Mounted Police. We are told they are here to keep us safe, but somehow I don’t feel as safe. Changes are coming and I don’t know if I like them or not. Until next time, Julia
Warlita Dela Cruz
1234 Mayon st
Manila, Philippines

9. Citations
Clark, P., & McKay, R. (1996). Canada Revisited (5th ed.). Edmonton, Alberta: Arnold Publishing Ltd.