Unacknowledged Bounty
I have often wondered if the waves of new immigrants to this country, and to this city, realize what a draw this place we call home has been over the ages. I hope that we don't lose sight of how incredibly fortunate we are to live here, amidst such bounty, at a time where so many in the world are without hope of a better life.
Ireland Park is tucked behind the old concrete silos at the base of Bathurst Street in Toronto harbour, not easy to find, I wish it were a mandatory stop for school children to learn about the kind desperation that could drive people from their homes, across oceans, for the hope of access to a steady supply of food. I was glad that I had the opportunity to photograph it on a calm night on the water.
"In 1847 over 38,000 Irish men, women and children landed on the shores of Toronto. Over 1,100 did not survive and died upon their arrival. At the outset of this project there were only 30 names, we are pleased to have uncovered a total to date of 675. Their names will be forever engraved in the limestone at Ireland Park and have been returned to the citizens of Ireland in a commemorative book presented to H.E. President of Ireland, Mary McAleese on the occasion of the opening of Ireland Park, June 21, 2007."
www.irelandparkfoundation.com/
