Che Caldo!  That was one hot summer, especially those last few weeks of August. Now it is harvest and wine making time. But let us hearken back to July 11 when gli Azzurri won the Euro Cup and our Corso Italia found itself in a wonderful celebratory mood. Bravo!

A little bit of news on the National Congress of Italian-Canadians (National Capital District) front. As President of our local chapter, I was kept busy with the apology by the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau and the Federal Government, on May 27th, to Italian Canadians who were interned during World War Two. Executive Members of the three major organizations (NCIC, CIBPA and The Order of the Sons and Daughters of Italy) sat as part of a cross country committee. These three organizations have worked tirelessly over the last 30 plus years on the Internment Issue and Apology- check out our website https://www.ncicottawa.com for a video of the apology and additional material that so vividly tells the story of this dark chapter in Canadian history. A recent screening, on September 15th and September 22nd, by the Società Dante Alighieri and the NCIC of “Il Duce Canadese”, a CBC and Radio-Canada joint venture (2004) is a very solid portrayal of the Alvaro family as to how they survived through the internment. It is our hope that once we can return to the Italian Canadian Historical Centre for live events that we will screen this series again. Its Executive Producer Claudio Luca has indicated that he would like to be present for a full discussion following the screening. There will be more to come in this regard as information from the National Congress of Italian Canadians, both at the national and regional levels works with the federal government for support to create educational awareness on this topic. The NCIC (Ottawa chapter) was able to obtain from the Department of Canadian Heritage an allotment of commemorative pins and many have been sent out to family members of those individuals who were interned. It was my honour and privilege to meet and connect with so many families across the country. As a granddaughter of an internee, a special bond has been established with many of these men and women whose stories about the internment are all so like mine. A pin will be archived and on display at the Centro Storico.

June brought us Italian Heritage Month and there were many virtual activities presented. I shared with you a feature done by Kelowna B.C.’s Italian Club: this film dealt with Kelowna’s First Families. These short vignettes were very special and had that special thread that winds together to tell a story that is so familiar to all of us. The Congress was asked and honoured to present, on June 23rd, as part of the Bytown Museum’s virtual programming “The History of Ottawa’s Italian Community.” This was Part 1, and it is our hope that Part 2 will be presented sometime next year. I thank many individuals, as well as local historical societies and community associations (Glebe Historical Society and the Lowertown Community Association to name two) for sharing some of their treasured photos they had in their archives.

The NCIC has agreed to preserve the legacy of Cavaliere Giovanna Panico and Parolissima and will be, after some consultation, presenting our plan to the community. There is more on this in this newsletter. Feedback from the community and those on our mailing list is very informative as it gives us an idea as to the types of events you would like to see. Please let us know if you think a survey would be a good idea.

October brings us a chance to have a Zoom book presentation. Italy Through the Rear View Mirror, written by Susan J. Bocock . Susan has a local connection but currently lives in Alberta. Once a date has been confirmed, you will all be the first to know.

October also brings forward the advertisement for the 2021-2022 Giovanni Caboto Scholarship Awards as well as the Giovanna Panico Memorial Bursary. There will be more information on this annual event over the next couple of weeks. These scholarships are managed by the National Congress of Italian Canadians Foundation Inc. in conjunction with both Carleton University and the University of Ottawa.

As well, contained in this newsletter, is the most current policy with respect to the Italian Canadian Historical Centre. This note outlines a continuation of our COVID protocol, respecting all current Ontario regulations. We hope that we can return to some live events soon but like so many others, virtual is the way we must continue at this present time.

Memberships to the NCIC are available year-round for a cost of $10.00 for two years. We thank those that took out memberships last spring leading up to our April 2021 Annual General Meeting. It is our plan to host our 2022 AGM sometime next spring and to have it coincide with the election of our Executive. Memberships can be purchased by completing the most current application form found on our website. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or by e-transfer to: ottawancic@gmail.com. For further information, do not hesitate to contact any member on our Executive.

On behalf of the Executive, I would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! May you share a lovely time with your families!

Cordialmente,

Trina Costantini-Powell

President, NCIC (National Capital District)