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" They Came From the Land of Milk and Honey: The Lebanese Immigrant Experience in New Brunswick, 1879–1939 "
Barry R. MacKenzie
G. G. Campbell
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Latin Dissertation
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| Language of Document
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English
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| Record Number
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52532
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| Doc. No
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TL22486
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| Call number
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MR80716
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| Main Entry
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Barry R. MacKenzie
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| Title & Author
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They Came From the Land of Milk and Honey: The Lebanese Immigrant Experience in New Brunswick, 1879–1939\ Barry R. MacKenzie
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| College
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University of New Brunswick (Canada)
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| Date
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2009
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| Degree
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M.A.
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| student score
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2009
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| Page No
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101
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| Abstract
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Arriving at a time when the Canadian population was growing exponentially, the first wave of Lebanese pioneers found their way to New Brunswick between 1879 and 1939. Pushed from their homeland by circumstances beyond their control, and drawn to the West by promises of adventure and economic success, they were unlike any other ethnic group that had preceded them and, although they shared some characteristics with other immigrant groups, their particular experience was unique. This thesis analyzes that experience. As was the case for other immigrants, Lebanese settlement was characterized by a pattern of chain migration, but the types of economic opportunities the Lebanese sought tended to draw them to small communities rather than to the large cities favoured by other urban immigrants. The lives of the overwhelming majority followed a common trajectory: they were involved in pack peddling during their first few years in Canada, while they saved enough capital to open their own small businesses. Within a generation, Lebanese small businesses dotted the commercial districts of nearly every town and city in the province. The older children of the pioneers were often active in the family business, most eventually taking over when their parents retired, while their younger siblings went on to university or college and entered the professional world. In analyzing the evolution of this ethnic community, this thesis traces the process of its assimilation into the mainstream New Brunswick culture, as the Arabic language and many cultural traditions all but disappeared within two generations. Today, the descendants of the pioneers, while they retain both traditional Lebanese recipes and a pride in the success of their immigrant ancestors, are themselves proud New Brunswickers. Though few in numbers, the Lebanese followed the same model in New Brunswick as in communities across North America and, here, as elsewhere, they achieved material and professional success.
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| Subject
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Social sciences; American history; Ethnic studies; 0631:Ethnic studies; 0337:American history
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| Added Entry
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G. G. Campbell
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University of New Brunswick (Canada)
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