This amount will support the project's activities for five years (from April 2024) and strengthen efforts to create a permanent chair of Portuguese community studies at the same university.

Speaking to Lusa, Gilberto Fernandes, a researcher at York University and responsible for the project, explained that the central objective of the initiative is to guarantee a permanent structure for the study and appreciation of Portuguese communities in Canada and throughout the diaspora.

The researcher highlighted that community support was essential to reach the initial value of US$500,000, but stressed that the final objective is more ambitious.

“To ensure the sustainability of a permanent chair, we need to raise between 3 and 5 million dollars (2 to 3.4 million euros). This fund will allow the position to be self-sustaining and maintained indefinitely, funding the salary of the teacher in charge as well as other costs associated with the position.”

Founded in 2008, PCHP is a non-profit organization that collaborates with the University of York and the Camões Institute. The project aims to preserve, digitize and disseminate archival material that documents the history of Portuguese immigrants and their descendants in Canada.

Fernandes highlighted the importance of this mission: “Our work has been crucial to preserving stories and archives that could otherwise be lost, and to ensuring that future generations understand the vital role that Portuguese-Canadians played in building this country. This is a project made by the community and for the community.”

According to the researcher, the funding now raised will allow the work of collecting new collections, research and academic production to continue, and the implementation of new activities and resources that aim to involve the public and promote the history of the Portuguese diaspora.

“In addition to preserving historical memory, these initiatives strengthen ties between researchers, students and the community, creating a space for knowledge sharing and collaboration,” he said.

On October 16, 2024, PCHP celebrated its 15th anniversary at the Scott Library on York University's Keele campus with a reception marking the official announcement of the $500,000 raised.

“It was an opportunity not only to celebrate our trajectory, but also to thank the Portuguese community for the financial and moral support they have given to the project. It was a moment to reaffirm the commitment to continue expanding this work and ensuring that our history is preserved and recognized,” said Fernandes.

Support

The researcher also highlighted the role of institutional partners such as the Camões Institute, the Portuguese Embassy and the Consulate General in Toronto: “Without the support of these entities, it would be impossible to achieve the progress we have made.”

With the creation of the permanent chair, it is expected to directly benefit around 3,000 students, especially those from York University and the Camões Institute programs in Ontario. Furthermore, the Chair will have a wider impact by positioning the University of York as a centre of excellence in Portuguese diaspora studies.

“We want this chair to be a landmark in the studies of the Portuguese diaspora, similar to what already exists for other communities, such as the Italian, Greek and Jewish. It is a recognition of the importance of our history and a legacy for future generations,” concluded Gilberto Fernandes.

The $500,000 funding is just the beginning of a fundraising campaign that will continue for years to come.

“We are confident that, with the support of the community and institutional partners, we will be able to achieve the goal of creating a chair that reflects the importance and contribution of Portuguese people in Canada and the world,” said Fernandes.