Italian-Canadian Narratives Showcase
Italian-Canadian Narratives Showcase
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Italian Communities in Canada: Heritage, Cultural and Ethnographic Studies

Lino Magagna: The Canadian Dream, and his Dedication to a Better World

My grandfather, Lino Magagna (C.M., E.MBA, Ph.D., P.Eng.), emigrated from Italy in 1952. Despite knowing no English upon his arrival, he went on to be not only an esteemed Academic and Businessman, but also the President of COSTI, a highly influential Italian-Canadian nonprofit, from 1971-1979, after serving on the Board of Directors since 1968. This is his journey from Italian farmhand to Member of the Order of Canada. Because he is no longer with us, I have to interviewed three people who have some of the best insight into his life: his brother, Sandro Magagna, his ex-wife, Rosemary MacLean, and his close friend, Robbie Shaw.

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Italian Canadian Immigration Stories: Then and Now

From top left to bottom right: Roberto Mancuso cutting a birthday cake at their home in Malton; Family photo from the personal archives of Alberto (top row, fifth from left) and Maria (middle row, third from left) Mancuso, featuring friends and family. Son Roberto Mancuso is featured as well, top row, second from left; Maria and Roberto Mancuso at the beach; Alberto and Maria enjoying some time together; Maria and cat Suzie cutting some cake; A photo of Maria's German grandparents, given to her by her brother; A photo of Maria's mother before losing her during the war; Maria's brother and sister-in-law from back in Italy; Alberto Mancuso during his mandatory military service standing on a tank with friends; Alberto Mancuso holding his son Roberto; Alberto standing with his brother in the background, while his nephew stands in the foreground; Alberto in his uniform during basic training back in Italy; Alberto's military portrait during basic training; Alberto and son Roberto visiting family and the Coliseum upon their return to Rome, Italy; A photo of the family cat, Suzie, as she jumps down from the fence of their home in Malton, Ontario. All photos were taken (with permission) from the private catalogue of Alberto and Maria Mancuso.

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