Join us for a celebration of immigrant voices!
You’re invited to attend the IWA’s 7th Annual General Meeting and the unveiling of our latest anthology written by members: Old Roots, New Shoots.
This captivating collection of stories, poems, and essays (fiction and non-fiction) explores the profound journey of immigration, capturing the challenges, triumphs, and transformative experiences of individuals who have uprooted their lives and found new beginnings in Canada.
Through the powerful voices of our immigrant writers, Old Roots, New Shoots delves into themes of identity, belonging, cultural adaptation, and the enduring spirit of resilience.
This anthology features French contributions for the first time—reflecting Canada’s rich bilingual tradition and the diverse voices that shape our literary landscape.
It is also a special honour to highlight that one of our contributors received the prestigious CBC Book Award during the creation of this anthology.
Inspired by their roots and experiences on different continents—Bangladesh, Iran, Lebanon, UAE, DR Congo, Ghana, Burundi, Nigeria, UK, Poland, Romania, France, Ukraine, China, and USA—this anthology offers unique perspectives and shared experiences that unite us all, regardless of our origins.
Event Highlights*
- 6: 30 – 7:00 pm IWA’s 7th Annual General Meeting (achievements, plans for the future)
- 7: 00 – 8:00 pm Book Launch (readings, meet the contributors, special drawing)
After the book launch event, there will be an after-party at a nearby restaurant in Toronto.
All attendees are invited!
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow writers, support immigrant voices, and celebrate the power of storytelling.
The event is open to everyone.
For non-IWA members: If you’d like to participate only at the book launch section of this event, you can join us at 7:00 pm.
All proceeds from the anthology sales go to support IWA’s programs and its annual anthology project.
The anthology Old Roots, New Shoots is available on Amazon, in both Kindle and paperback format
*This is a hybrid event: in-person and virtual (Zoom).
You’ll receive the Zoom link two days prior to the event, and 10 minutes in advance.
“Old Roots, New Shoots by the Immigrant Writers Association is an anthology of various immigrant experiences through fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and other styles of work. In The Awakening of Layla, a Kurdish woman from Iraq rebuilds her life in Toronto, balancing independence with love and family as she forms a new bond with Ahmed, a Palestinian refugee, and his son. The poem Odyssey of the Braves reflects the immigrant journey, speaking on the resilience and solidarity of newcomers as they integrate into Canada’s diverse society, seeking justice and unity. In the non-fiction piece The Roots & Bridge Story, Li, a Chinese immigrant, starts a bilingual publishing company to preserve cultural heritage and connect immigrant generations, using literature to bridge cultural divides. Together, these works explore themes of adaptation, identity, and community in the immigrant experience.
In Old Roots, New Shoots: Anthology by Immigrant Writers, the contributors (Immigrant Writers Association) deliver a collection of wonderful and thought-provoking writing. Each piece resonates with unique vantage points and a fresh perspective on individuality, belonging, the Earth, and cultural heritage. One standout for me is the didactic poem by climate activist Surveyor Efik, contrasting “old roots,” symbolizing sustainable traditions, with “new shoots,” representing harmful modern practices, and humanity’s dangerous shift from conservation to rampant consumption. In a time when amplifying new voices is crucial, this anthology provides an essential platform for immigrant writers. Their stories not only educate and inspire but also call for a more harmonious relationship with our environment and each other, making this collection an invaluable read. Very highly recommended.”Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite
The Immigrant Writers Association (IWA) / Association des écrivains immigrants (AEI) is a non-profit organization that provides programs, activities, and services that empower and support immigrant writers on their journeys.
All the annual anthologies published by IWA are available on Amazon:
Building Bridges (2019), Grow Together (2020), Moving Forward (2021), Finding the Way (2022), Reborn With Memories (2023), Old Roots New Shoots (2024)