Safer Shores

Marking 50 years since Vietnamese refugees began arriving in Canada
Written by Canada's History Staff — Posted July 23, 2025
Indochinese refugees make their way to the shore after their small boat crammed with 162 people sank a few metres off the coast of Malaysia.
GETTY/K. GAUGLER/151431986

Fifty years ago, Canada opened its arms to thousands of Vietnamese fleeing war and persecution. In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, more than 60,000 refugees arrived from Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos) between 1975 and the early 1980s, often making perilous escapes by sea. Many did not survive. Canadians from coast to coast, including faith and grassroots groups as well as private sponsors, played a pivotal role in resettling families and helping them rebuild their lives.

Prior to 1975, only a few hundred Vietnamese were living in Canada. Today, that community has grown to more than 240,000, contributing richly to every aspect of Canadian life — from business to education to the arts to public service. Their journey stands as one of Canada’s proudest humanitarian efforts and a powerful example of successful refugee integration.

In recognition of Canada’s contribution to refugee protection, the country received the Nansen Refugee Award by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on Nov. 13, 1986 — the only time an entire country has received such an honour.

Your history. Your inbox.

With 7 uniquely curated newsletters to choose from, we have something for everyone.

Sign up now!

You might also like...

Voyage to Freedom

A Vietnamese father and daughter make a dangerous escape from their war-torn region — a journey that ultimately takes them to Canada as refugees.

Rescuing Refugees

Starting in 1975, Canada opened its doors to a flood of refugees fleeing Indochina.

Sitting On Fire

In 1972, Canada took in thousands of Ugandan Asians who were stripped of their citizenship and given only ninety days to leave their homeland.

You can help share true stories of Canada’s diverse history

Thanks to Section 25 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canada became the first country in the world to recognize multiculturalism in its Constitution. With your help, we can continue to share voices from the past that were previously silenced or ignored.

 

We highlight our nation’s diverse past by telling stories that illuminate the people, places, and events that unite us as Canadians, and by making those stories accessible to everyone through our free online content.

 

Canada’s History is a registered charity that depends on contributions from readers like you to share inspiring and informative stories with students and citizens of all ages — award-winning stories written by Canada’s top historians, authors, journalists, and history enthusiasts.

 

Any amount helps, or better yet, start a monthly donation today. Your support makes all the difference. Thank you!

Make history now!
This article originally appeared in the August-September 2025 issue of Canada’s History magazine.

Themes associated with this article

Related to Settlement & Immigration

The Great Hunger

In 1847 the Irish Famine drove shiploads of sick and starving men, women, and children to Canada’s shores.
Article

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon

Two tiny islands off Newfoundland and Labrador are all that remain of what was once a vast French empire in North America.

Article

New Documentary to Correct Overlooked History

Port of Origins is intended to portray historical highlights of Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.

Article

Dreams in the Dust: The Story of Tom Sukanen

As an ocean-going vessel took shape on a Saskatchewan farm during the Great Depression, it was clear that its builder was either a genius or a madman.

Article