Anja Kingston, Ontario
Fair address: Kingston Regional Fair
Project: De Levetzow à Leifso
An animated short film telling the story of the Leifso family’s journey to Canada.
What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?
Who my ancestors were. Before this project, I had didn’t know anything about them. Now I know so much more about my family’s past.
What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?
We all have a history that we need to share. If we don’t share our stories, they will be lost for future generations, who will wonder where their ancestors came from but have no answer.
How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?
Though we have very different lives, both me and my ancestors have moved. Though my ancestors had to go across the sea to a new country where many things were unfamiliar, and I only moved from Calgary to Ottawa, and then from Ottawa to Kingston, it gives me some insight into how they may have felt in a new and strange place.