Rooted in oral histories from the Childhood Narratives of Greek Canadians archive, the series earns top honors for excellence in public history and journalism.
Oral history interviews preserved within the Childhood Narratives of Greek Canadians from the 1940s project have achieved significant recognition, demonstrating the power of community archives in expanding both national and international historical narratives. Collected by Angelo Laskaris (Affiliated Researcher with the HHF Greek Canadian Archives), these firsthand accounts served as the vital primary source material and foundational basis for the two-part podcast series, Greece’s Darkest Decade (featured on HHF Presents).
By centering original oral testimonies from children who lived through the Axis Occupation and Greek Civil War before immigrating to Canada, the project provides a uniquely Greek-Canadian lens on 20th-century Greek Canadian history. The initiative enriches public understanding of the motives to an immigrant journey while making a lasting contribution to the broader historiography of 1940s Greece.
Media & Heritage Recognition
- 47th Annual Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA) Award for Journalistic Excellence (2026): Winner, Best Podcast Category (Hellenic Heritage Foundation History Committee).
- Heritage Toronto Award Nomination: Official Nominee for Public History, recognizing excellence in engaging and educating the public on local and diaspora history.
The podcast series brings listeners directly into the lived experiences of Greek children who survived wartime devastation and went on to build new lives in Canada. Bridging archival research with accessible storytelling, the series illustrates how diaspora memories offer vital insights into global history.
"The 1940s had a lasting impact on those who suffered and witnessed traumatic events first-hand. These personal accounts reveal both sides of the migration story, illuminating the dire conditions that forced families to leave post-war Greece, while explaining what made Canada such a beacon of hope and opportunity. Bringing these oral histories together with public audio storytelling ensures that our community's lived experiences continue to enrich both Greek history and the Canadian immigrant narrative."
— Angelo Laskaris, Co-Host & Lead Researcher, Childhood Narratives Project
The complete archive of oral testimonies is available through the Online Digital Portal via Childhood Narratives of Greek Canadians, and the complete podcast series can be streamed on HHF Presents across all major streaming platforms.
About the HHF Greek Canadian Archives
The Hellenic Heritage Foundation (HHF) Greek Canadian Archives is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history and experiences of Greek Canadians. Through collaborative oral history projects, archival collections, and public programming, the Archives serves as a premier resource for researchers, students, and the public.