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Becoming Canadian

After 10 years in a Thai refugee camp, Hsa Kaw Thaw found peace in Canada

Hsa Kaw Thaw was born in Myanmar. He now lives in Regina, Sask. and became a Canadian citizen on July 20, 2016. As a Karen, Hsa's family faced persecution, but in Canada he's trying to focus on what's postive.

"We are Karen. We are like the First Nations in Burma."

Becoming Canadian ·

For Hsa Kaw Thaw, Canada has made him feel loved and valued after a life of pain and suffering.

7 years ago
Duration 1:35
“If we stay we die.” Hsa Kaw Thaw shares his story of growing up in a Thai refugee camp and moving to Canada to escape persecution.

This story is part of Becoming Canadian, a year-long project sharing stories of struggle and triumph from new Canadian citizens.

"Flee or die, that's our only choice. I was originally born in Burma [Myanmar] but I can't live there anymore because of the military power. I was a baby when we flee to Thailand refugee camp. We are Karen. We are like the First Nations in Burma, but they don't want us to live there. They don't want us to be a part of them. They want us to be gone forever. It's really hard. You never have the right to speak out, you never have the right to do anything. I lived there 10 years. They treat us like animals."

My mom told me don't worry, someday, somehow we'll find a better day and better life for us.

"My mom told me don't worry, someday, somehow we'll find a better day and better life for us. I think they keep searching until they find Canada. My dad is not around anymore. He passed away in Canada. People say, God give and God take back. If he was here I would say, 'I love you dad. I'm not the best son, I'm not the best person, but I will try my best and one day you will be proud.'"

— Hsa Kaw Thaw, born in Myanmar. Lives in Regina, became a Canadian citizen on July 20, 2016 in Regina.

​To find more stories about the struggles and triumphs of new Canadian citizens, follow Canada 2017 on Facebook and @BecomingCDN on Instagram and Twitter.