More Than Good Refugees! 50 Years of Cambodian, Laotian and Vietnamese Presence in Montréal
An exhibition highlighting the collective history of Southeast Asian refugees and their contributions to Montréal society.
The Super Boat People collective and the MEM invite you to discover a vibrant exhibition celebrating fifty years of Cambodian, Laotian and Vietnamese presence in Montréal. Profound humanitarian crises—including the Vietnam War and the Cambodian genocide—brought them to the city. But what are the stories of their integration? How did they create their own institutions and advocate for their causes?
More Than Good Refugees! uncovers a wide range of stories, both familiar and unfamiliar, offering glimpses into a rich, complex, and sometimes ambiguous history that is still evolving. Going beyond the dominant narratives, it documents the initial living conditions of Southeast Asian refugees, the establishment of Québec’s humanitarian immigration system, and the reception strategies developed by the City of Montréal and civil society. It also explores the integration of these Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese communities into Montréal and their presence today, examining how these refugees and their descendants have made a place for themselves here. Additionally, the exhibition reveals their struggles, perspectives, and aspirations.
Super Boat People is a collective of primarily second-generation Cambodians, Laotians and Vietnamese. Their mission is to mobilize people across generations to reclaim their histories, reconnect with their cultures and communities, and advocate for fair representation. Super Boat Peopleleads a variety of initiatives, including arts and cultural programming, a collective Asian garden, cooking workshops, oral history projects, discussion groups, and community advocacy.