Between Islands and Home: Child Migration, Family Reunion, and Caribbean History in Jamaican-Canadian Families

In this episode of the Dis A Fi Mi History Podcast, host and Dr. Marva Ferguson delve into the experiences of Jamaican-born adults who migrated to Canada as children, situating their stories within the broader context of Caribbean history and family genealogy. They explore the complex two-step migration process, including the challenges of family separation and reunification, schooling in a new country, experiences of racism, and the lasting emotional and social effects on families. Using personal stories alongside academic research, this episode highlights how physical distance reshapes identity, belonging, and family ties. The conversation also urges the development of historically informed supports and policies to better assist families reunited across borders, reflecting on the importance of heritage and historical context. Listeners interested in Caribbean family history, genealogy, and the legacies of colonialism will find valuable insights and resources in this moving discussion about migration, resilience, and cultural identity. BIO: Dr. Marva Ferguson is a social worker, advocate and educator. A graduate of the University of Calgary, she holds a BSW and MSW in social work specializing in Leadership in the Human Services, certificate in Disaster Management, and trainer/facilitator in Mental Health First Aid and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). Marva's current interest is in anti-Black racism, anti-oppression, and critical race theory approaches to social work practice. She encourages students to stay curious and to question knowledge continuously. Marva’s current research interest is in sequence migration with a focus on The Personal Stories of Jamaican Adults who migrated to Canada as Children. Article: https://memorial.scholaris.ca/items/5cf8be72-c9ee-43ea-845d-67d88013f1bc   Caribbean Podcasts https://blog.feedspot.com/caribbean_podcasts/   History Podcasts For Historians https://blog.feedspot.com/history_podcasts_for_historians/  Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berkshirehalleppingpress/  Morning Journal Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXMTL3NV  Genealogy Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NRHG3M3  Prayer Journal: https://a.co/d/bfSdIl0  Devotional Journal: https://a.co/d/8K3C8Hk  Support The Podcast https://ko-fi.com/disafimihistory/tip  Great Research Resource https://www.ancestorsofparadise.com/  Clothes https://effystyle.goaffpro.com/  Reservations for Barbados https://diaspora-discoveries.com/reservations  Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=74ffcf  Cultural Roots: https://www.skool.com/cultural-roots-reconnection-8301/about?ref=62a97470644b496897d06254e6796add  Theme Music "Africa" is modern ethnic track with fresh chords, African vocal, orchestra. License Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)   #CaribbeanDiaspora #MigrationStories #CaribbeanHistory #JamaicanDiaspora #FamilySeparation #ImmigrantStories #BlackDiaspora #DiasporaIdentity #StorytellingMatters #PodcastLife #HistoryPodcast #CaribbeanVoices #Belonging #CulturalIdentity #DisAFiMiHistory