Canada
Recognition of the Roma Genocide
Recognition, official texts
At the federal level, the Government of Canada observes Holocaust Memorial Day − Yom HaShoah, the date of which is determined each year according to the Jewish lunar calendar. The date commemorates the death of millions of Jews, as well as other victims, including Roma.
The commemoration day was established in 2003, when the Canadian Parliament passed the Holocaust Memorial Day Act, and was celebrated for the first time in 2004.
Data (camps locations, Remembrance places, measures etc.)
Canada's territory has not been affected by the Holocaust. There is no particular data on the Roma Genocide.
Specialised institution, commission, research centre etc., dealing with this issue
There is no specialised institution dealing with the Roma Genocide in Canada.
Official initiatives (campaigns, actions, projects, commemoration days, museums)
The Government of Canada acknowledges Roma and Sinti victims within the context of its Holocaust remembrance activities.
There are no memorial days supported by the Government that specifically commemorate other victims of the Nazi Era. Since 2009, the Government of Canada has officially observed 23rd August as Black Ribbon Day to commemorate victims of both National Socialism and Communism in Europe.
Remembrance day
All Canadian provinces commemorate Holocaust Memorial Days, which sometimes involve students taking part in commemorations alongside members of the public.
Many schools organize Remembrance Day events on 11th November. As part of these activities, students of all ages often receive supplementary Holocaust education, with younger students being introduced to the topic through personal stories.
At the federal level, the Government of Canada observes Holocaust Memorial Day − Yom HaShoah, the date of which is determined each year according to the Jewish lunar calendar. The date commemorates the death of millions of Jews, as well as other victims, including Roma.
The commemoration day was established in 2003, when the Canadian Parliament passed the Holocaust Memorial Day Act, and was celebrated for the first time in 2004.
Teaching about the Roma Genocide
Inclusion of the topic in the school curriculum
In Canada, there is no federal department of education and no integrated national system of education. The Holocaust is taught in each provincial and territorial jurisdiction as part of the social studies and/or history curriculum, and is sometimes included in English language arts. It is a mandatory part of the curriculum for students of different ages and, as such, reaches all students. Holocaust education can begin as early as the fourth or fifth grades and continues throughout elementary and secondary school. The Holocaust is most often taught within the context of World War II, and is integrated into teaching about racism, genocides and human rights. Furthermore, the Holocaust can also be included in philosophy, anthropology, psychology, arts and religious education, as well as in civic and citizenship studies.
Roma victims of the Nazi persecution are included in the curriculum, as "other victims".
Inclusion of the topic in the school textbooks
Training of teachers and education professionals
Particular activities undertaken at the level of education institutions
Scientific publications
Bruchfeld, S. et al. (1998). Tell ye your children...: a book about the Holocaust in Europe 1933-1945. Stockholm: Regeringskansliet, Levande historia. [Original in Swedish]
Klauber, V. "Transcatégorisations 'socio-raciales' et négationnisme de l’holocauste nazi des Roms".
Multimedia material
Filmography
1998: “The Gypsies Of Svinia”. Documentary. Canada. Director: John Paskievich. 95 min.
About the hard living conditions of Roma in Slovakia. There is a commentary about the Holocaust and its role in the present.
A People Uncounted is a 2011 Canadian documentary film directed by Aaron Yeger about the culture and history of the Romani people (commonly known as gypsies) in Europe, with special emphasis on their plight during The Holocaust. The film also warns of the similarities in intolerance between the time of the Porajmos (Romani Holocaust) and the increasing intolerance and abuse of Roma rights in Europe today. It was nominated for a Producers Guild of America award in 2012. The film was featured in the New York Gipsy Festival and is part of Vanderbilt University's Holocaust Lecture Series.