Story of Armenian Genocide survivor published in book honouring Canada’s 150th birthday

A new book created in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday features 150 stories, told by 150 Ontarians, in 150 words or less.

The book, aptly titled “150 Stories” is a project from Ontario’s lieutenant-governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell, designed to put a uniquely provincial spin on the nation’s sesquicentennial.

Sevaun Palvetzian, Chief Executive Officer of CivicAction has written about her grandfather Garabed Palvetzian, who survived the Armenian Genocide.

Garabed (“Charlie”) Palvetzian

“My grandfather Garabed (“Charlie”) Palvetzian arrived in Ontario in 1915. He was 12 years old. He, unlike many members of his family, had successfully escaped the Armenian genocide. Canada became home.

His first job earned five cents an hour. Afterward, he’d join my grandmother and their five children, including my father, in the family restaurant.

My grandfather’s desire to provide for his family — to see his children and his grandchildren have a better life — was what fuelled him. Picking Canada, and it in turn picking him, made this possible. Within one generation the state of poverty was broken. Within two, a passport and multiple degrees became the norm. This trajectory would not be possible in many places around the world. But it is here.

Ontario is where the world gathers. It is where people get to write new chapters into their family’s history. I am forever grateful that it includes my own.”

Sevaun Palvetzian