The roles of nature and environmental experiences in integrating a newcomer to Canada : an autoethnographic account of an East African becoming Canadian

Abstract

It is the purpose of this thesis to explore the influence of Canada’s natural environment and the meme of environmentalism on the adaptation of newcomers to Canada. To that end, the author has chosen an autoethnographic design whereby he delves into his personal story in an effort to bring the unquantifiable part of the story to the fore. Through this research design, the writer attempts to revisit his societal and cultural upbringing by going back in time and telling his story. While recognizing that integrating into a new country engages social, cultural and economic factors, this autoethnography includes the natural environment and interactions with it as significant parts in a newcomer’s integration. Through revisiting his journey in becoming a new Canadian, the writer discusses and reflects on his early upbringing and cultural contexts as well as his prior perceptions of nature and describes the roles these played as influences on his adaptation to the new Canadian environment.