The Father and Son project at German-Canadian Studies is excited to welcome three new research assistants: Michayla, Jeanette, and Brendan. Over the coming three months, they will analyze and document primary and secondary sources that speak directly to the experience of immigrant fathers and their Canadian-born sons. We asked them to introduce themselves:
Michayla: “I am excited to assist with research, and look forward to working with GCS. I am a fourth year Honours Political Science student, with a strong interest in history and research. I am most excited to develop a better understanding of how German immigration has shaped Canada and continues to have a cultural impact in our country.”
Jeanette: “My name is Jeanette and I am in my third year of the Integrated Education Program majoring in Geography and with a minor in German. I have a particular interest in travelling, experiencing new cultures and languages, and exploring the outdoors, which all contributed to my choice of degree. I am looking forward to joining the German Canadian Studies research team, because as a German-speaking Mennonite, it is important for me to better understand the German culture in Canada, its origins, and its effect on Canadian history. As a research assistant I look forward to reading and learning about the history my family is a part of.”
Brendan: “I enrolled in the 4-year History Hons. program in 2022. I have enjoyed my courses in United States and European History and have learned many skills from my professors in the areas that I am passionate about, such as learning about 20th century America. What I most enjoy about my job at GCS is applying research techniques and gathering information about the project, feeling involved in a greater purpose, and I hope to apply the skills I am learning into a future job where research is a priority.”
The Father and Son project explores the relationships between fathers and sons throughout the 20th and 21st century, in English and French-speaking Canada. Focusing on German immigrant fathers and their Canadian-born sons, it asks how their relationships evolved during periods of dramatic change, such as the Great Depression, the Second World War, and the Cold War. How did the newcomers to Canada, in particular in their roles as fathers and sons, navigate changing social and cultural landscapes? The project is funded in part by a three-year Insight Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) as well as the Chair in German-Canadian Studies and the University of Winnipeg.
In the current first phase of the project, researchers search for, analyze, and summarize primary sources, including autobiographies, memoirs, correspondence, and oral histories as well as what other scholars have written about the history of fathers and sons in Canada and elsewhere. They contribute to a database that will be made public and accessible to other researchers at the end of the project.
The University of Winnipeg’s Work-Study program provides undergraduate students with opportunities for professional growth alongside their studies. The program allows them to dive into a new research subject area and learn about conducting paid research.
We are looking forward to working with our new research assistants during the winter term, to build the project’s knowledge base, to expand their individual research skills, and to give them the opportunity to branch out into new topics of study. After all, research is not just about the work – it can also foster personal growth and build a deeper understanding of how to access research effectively.
Interested in joining our research team? Keep an eye out for future opportunities on the UWinnipeg career portal!
German-Canadian Studies 