FEATURED INTERVIEW VIDEOS
Phan Thi Kim Phuc ´Napalm Girl` - Vietnam War - June 8, 1972
Phan Thị Kim Phúc (born April 6, 1963), referred to informally as the girl in the picture and the napalm girl, is a South Vietnamese-born Canadian woman best known as the nine-year-old child depicted in the Pulitzer Prize–winning photograph, titled "The Terror of War", taken at Trang Bang during the Vietnam War on June 8, 1972.
The image, taken for the Associated Press by a 21-year-old Vietnamese-American photographer named Nick er at nine years of age running naked on a road after being severely burned on her back by a South Vietnamese napalm attack.
She later founded the Kim Foundation International to provide aid to child victims of war
Andrew Arruda - CEO & Co-founder Automate Medical
Andrew Arruda is a Canadian serial entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of Automate Medical, a health technology AI startup that builds software to support medical professionals and optimize patient outcomes. Andrew is currently an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System in Denver, Colorado, and a Special Advisor to Ryerson University's Legal Innovation Zone in Toronto, Canada. Andrew is the former Senior Advisor, Strategy and Operations, at the University of Toronto's Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, and the former CEO and co-founder of ROSS Intelligence. Andrew is a member of the Board of Advisors at the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System and serves on the Board at the Duke University School of Law's Center on Law and Technology. Andrew is a former TED Talk speaker and a member of Forbes' 30 under 30 list of the world's best young innovators and a regular guest lecturer at colleges including Vanderbilt, Duke, and Harvard.
Joana Vicente - Former Executive Director of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Joana Vicente is the CEO of The Sundance Institute, starting November 1, 2021, leaving her charge as Executive Director and Co-Head of the Toronto International Film Festival. She previously served as the Executive Director of the Independent Filmmaker Project and the Made in NY Media Center by IFP. Vicente is an Academy Award-nominated producer of over 40 feature films. Her films have won awards at the Sundance Film Festival, the Berlin International Film Festival, The Cannes International Film Festival, and the Venice International Film festival, including two Sundance Grand Jury Prizes and Venice's Silver Lion for Best Director. She has also served as a press attaché for the Portuguese delegate to the European Parliament and a radio news producer for the United Nations.
Joseph Mancinelli Tribute - Vice President LiUNA International
Joseph S. Mancinelli is LiUNA International Vice President Canadian Director & Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada, a diverse union with over 500,000 members, of which over 100,000 are in Canada.
Mr. Mancinelli is also Chair of the Labourers’ Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (LPF), whose total portfolio is nearing $5 billion. He is President of the LiUNA Ontario District Council, Chair of the Labourers’ Central and Eastern Canada Organizing Fund (CECOF) and is a Trustee on the LiUNA Tri-Funds (Health & Safety, Training and LECET).
President of LiUNA Local 837, his home local, of which he has been a member since 1978; Joe also oversees many of its related entities, including its Health & Welfare Plan, its Training Trust Fund and LiUNA Hamilton Association. He is also President of the LiUNA Group which oversees the Liuna Gardens and Liuna Station Banquet Facilities and its long-term care division overseeing Queens Garden and Regina Gardens.
Dr. Frances Henry - Canada´s Leading Expert
Dr. Frances Henry is one of Canada's leading experts in the study of racism and anti-racism. Since the mid seventies when she published the first study of attitudes towards people of colour, she has consistently pioneered research in this field. Her books include co-authoring the fourth edition of The Colour of Democracy: Racism in Canadian Society. Thomson, Nelson, 2009 that is widely used in universities as a text. This work demonstrates how the 'new racism' here identified with the concept of 'democratic racism' manifests within Canadian institutions. Another recent co-authored book is Racism in the Canadian University, U. of T Press, 2009. Other co-authored books include: Racial Profiling: Challenging the Myth of a Few Bad Apples, U. of T. press, 2006; and Discourses of Domination: Racist in Canada's English Language Press using critical discourse analysis was published in 2002. An earlier book, Challenging Racism in the Arts, University of Toronto Press, was published in 1998.
Now retired as a Professor Emerita from York University in Toronto, she continues an active research and writing career. Dr. Henry has been a member of the prestigious Royal Society of Canada since 1989. Along with six colleagues she is the Principal Investigator of a Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada grant to continue studies of racism in the university. She has also published articles and reviews on racism in the justice system and other institutions of Canadian society.
PORTUGUESE ROOTS - CORPORATE RESPONSBILITY INTERVIEW VIDEOS
Paul ´Paulo´ Gaspar - UPS Canada - Director of Small Business
Paul Gaspar is director of small business for UPS Canada. His role is to educate and guide small businesses in Canada on ways to better leverage UPS’ tools to help them grow and expand both domestically and internationally. With his team of small business ambassadors, he empowers small business owners to determine the best mix of customized services, technologies and innovations available to them
Melissa Barbosa - IKEA Canada - Sustainability Manager
In 2020, IKEA was once again elected one of the most environmentally friendly companies in the entire country. Melissa Barbosa is the Portuguese-Canadian responsible for the Canadian company's sustainability practices.
At Portuguese Roots we met some of the Portuguese-Canadians who live in Toronto and work in the most varied areas. They all have in common pride in their Portuguese roots and gratitude to Canada for having welcomed their family.
Antonio Lopes - Export Development Canada - Global Accounts Director
EDC is Canada’s trade finance agency, providing financing and insurance solutions locally and around the world to help Canadian companies of any size respond to international business opportunities. As a profitable Crown corporation that operates on commercial principles, EDC works together with private- and public-sector financial institutions to create greater capacity for Canadian companies to engage in trade and investment.
PORTUGUESE ROOTS - LOCAL TORONTO INTERVIEW VIDEOS
Peter De Quintal - Police Constable *Star Wars Cop* - Toronto Police Service
Known to kids as the “Star Wars Cop,” Const. Peter De Quintal believes in the importance of creating “little leaders in our community.”
In his role as community school liaison officer with Toronto Police Service’s 12 Division, De Quintal runs presentations and programs for 29 elementary schools.
As an avid Star Wars fan, De Quintal tries to incorporate the theme into breakfast programs and activities to engage with the kids.
De Quintal is also the founder of the Toronto Helmet Initiative, an organization that encourages young people to wear helmets while cycling. He is also involved in bicycle rodeos, blood drives, Lego clubs, and the CAA School Safety Patroller Program, which helps educate kids about safe road-crossing practices.
Peter also helps facilitate the Kids, Cops and Computers program, which teaches kids about cyber safety, social media and overall digital literacy.
Marlene Barcelos - Wedding Coordinator
Marlene Barcelos won the award for best wedding coordinator in Canada. The Portuguese-Canadian helps couples on the happiest day of their lives.
At Portuguese Roots we met some of the Portuguese-Canadians who live in Toronto and work in the most varied areas. They all have in common pride in their Portuguese roots and gratitude to Canada for having welcomed their family.
Rui Mateus Amaral - Artistic Director - Canadian Museum of Contemporary Art
Rui Mateus Amaral is the new Artist Director at the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Art , located in Toronto. Rui has always been passionate about art and his thirst for knowledge has taken him to many countries all over the world.
Prior to his evolving role at MOCA, Mateus Amaral was the curator and director of Scrap Metal, an eccentric, privately owned, not-for-profit art space in the Lower Junction neighborhood. Over the course of a decade, Mateus Amaral curated notable exhibitions by artists Eduardo Basualdo, Eric N. Mack, Hudinilson Jr., Paul P., Ryan Gander, Abraham Cruzvillegas, Iris Häussler, and Eva Kot’átková, among others (many for whom it was their first solo presentation in Canada). In the spirit of collaboration and with his leadership, Scrap Metal co-presented major projects with local organizations such as Fogo Island Arts, Toronto International Film Festival, Contact Photography Festival, Images Festival, and the Art Gallery of York University.
Mateus Amaral has also consulted on projects for a number of organizations and institutions such as the Royal Ontario Museum, the Canadian Art Foundation, Art Toronto, and various luxury brands. His writing has appeared in Artforum International and Momus, as well as artist publications. In 2022, Mateus Amaral and artist Paul P. collaborated on Garden Court, Scott Burton, a publication reintroducing an important, yet overlooked public artwork to the city of Toronto.
PORTUGUESE ROOTS - ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEW VIDEOS
Mike Rita - Comedian
Mike Rita is the son of Portuguese immigrants from Sao Miguel in the Azores. The comedian is a well-known name in Canadian comedy theaters across the country and Portuguese culture is one of his great inspirations.
Mike was the winner of the Second City's 'Cream of Comedy' and the runner up for Now Magazine's 2014 & 2015 'Best Male Stand-up'.
Mike has worked with the likes of Joe Rogan, Bobby Lee, Mike MacDonald, Ari Shaffir & The Portuguese Kids
Daniel ´Danny´ Raposo - Masterchef Canada
Participating in Masterchef Canada changed his life and today Danny Raposo dedicates himself to an unconventional area – preparing meals with cannabis. Stonerchef, as it is known, believes that the liberalization of cannabis has opened up new opportunities in this area.
At Portuguese Roots we interview some of the Portuguese-Canadians who live in Toronto and work in the most varied areas.
Nós Por Cá - Portuguese Clubs & Associations
Promotional Video
With Your host Joana Leal
Nós Por Cá - Portuguese Clubs & Associations
First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre - Episode 01
First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre of Toronto is a non-profit organization and a registered charity. We have our roots and history in the Portuguese community as a place where new-comers to Canada are helped to assimilate. At the beginning of our organization’s history (in 1956) we were the center of the Portuguese Community as a gathering place, a second home away from home. Now, we serve the Portuguese community with the same passion and fervor, focusing on those most vulnerable amongst us, children and seniors. We do no limit our activities to the Portuguese community and our doors are open to everyone.
First Portuguese has been providing education, recreational and social services to the Portuguese and Canadian community since 1956. Our work is augmented by the efforts of our caring and talented staff and volunteers.
Canadian Madeira Club - Madeira House Community Centre - Episode 02
There are lots of varied and exciting offerings from an organization which has been a proud part of this community since 1963.
We offer our members, guests and the community a wide range of activities and programs, covering everyone’s interests. Whether you are a senior, a youth or anywhere in between, we offer everything from weekend parties and festivals with a wide variety of Portuguese food, music and activities, to just plain relaxation and good fellowship in a warm and friendly environment.
Casa Dos Acores do Ontario - Episode 03
The Casa dos Açores of Ontario is a non-profit, independent, and non-partisan association. Its patron is the Holy Spirit, whose feast day is celebrated annually for a week in his honor, organized by elected stewards.
Casa dos Açores do Ontário continues to serve its members not only with social and cultural gatherings but also with a few other initiatives such as community services and a help centre for Portuguese citizens of Azorean descent, a project that has received support from the Regional Government of the Azores.
Casa dos Açores do Ontario is one of 13 casas spread all over the world.
Arsenal do Minho - Episode 04
Arsenal do Minho, founded in 1986 by a group of proud Minho natives from Braga, has been a cornerstone for Portuguese culture in Toronto, bringing generations together through tradition and celebration.
From the soulful Festa de S. Martinho to the joyful rhythms of the Rancho Folclórico, Arsenal do Minho stays true to its roots while embracing the future. Annual events like the Festa do Arroz de Cabidela and the Festa das Concertinas have become staples, drawing people from across the community to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Minho. It’s not just about honoring the past—it’s about creating something meaningful for today and tomorrow.
With an energetic youth movement organizing events like Festa da Caipirinha and children’s Christmas parties, Arsenal do Minho blends tradition with innovation. It’s a place where generations connect, cultural pride thrives, and the community’s bonds grow stronger.
At Arsenal do Minho, Minho’s vibrant spirit doesn’t just live on—it shines brighter than ever, right here in Toronto
Gil Vicente - Episode 05
Gil Vicente FC Toronto (GVFCAT) is a youth soccer academy based in Toronto, Ontario, and a certified Canadian affiliate of GIL VICENTE FUTEBOL CLUBE in Portugal. It is a soccer club that trains players of various ethnicities from around the world. Gil Vicente FC focuses on player development by teaching lifelong lessons through soccer.
Nazare - Episode 06
Rancho Folclórico da Nazaré is the oldest Portuguese folklore dance group in Canada and possibly in North America. The pioneer status granted this group the honor of sponsoring other community ranchos over the years, such as Rancho Folclórico da Casa da Madeira, the deceased Rancho Folclórico da Casa do Benfica, Rancho do Académico de Viseu, Rancho Folclórico As Tricanas, and Arsenal do Minho. Godfather and godchildren still gather for the anniversary of Rancho Folclórico da Nazaré, held annually in Mississauga.
The foundation of the rancho dates to 1958 but, curiously, it was not started exclusively by people from the town of Nazaré.
Immigrants from Nazaré began arriving in Canada in the 1950s as were others who hailed from different parts of Portugal. As the Portuguese community was still small and slowly growing, people gathered to socialize and reminisce about the motherland. It was out of these meetings that the idea of a folklore dance group arose. It so happened that the majority were from Nazaré, hence the choice of name. Since then, dances, songs, and customs have always depicted those of Nazaré.
Barcelos - Episode 07
Associação Migrante de Barcelos proudly represents the heritage of Barcelos within the Toronto Portuguese community. Founded by immigrants from northern Portugal, the association promotes Portuguese culture through folklore, music, and community gatherings. Its events showcase the traditions of Minho and the artistry of Barcelos, symbolized by the iconic Galo de Barcelos. More than a cultural organization, it’s a home for generations of Luso-Canadians to celebrate Portuguese pride and preserve their roots in Canada.
Porto - Episode 08
The clubhouse on Rogers Road continues to serve FC Porto’s fan base in the Greater Toronto Area, particularly on game days where supporters can watch the game while savouring varied petiscos and drinks.
Casa das Beiras - Episode 09
Casa das Beiras Cultural Community Centre of Toronto was formed with the intention of bringing together the Portuguese-Canadians hailing from the former Provinces of Beira Alta, Beira Baixa, and Beira Litoral. Its predecessor is Clube Academico de Viseu, an association formed in 1989 that enjoyed great success both with its rancho folclórico and its soccer team.
Founded at the turn of the millennium, in the year 2000, Casa das Beiras has settled at 34 Caledonia Road ever since. The folk group transitioned from the defunct Académico de Viseu and maintained its name. The association added a Portuguese School, a soccer program, and a youth group to its mélange of activities. However, the Cultural Week, held each September, continues to be the staple of the organization with the participation of guests from Canada and from Portugal, including artists, politicians, and other personalities.
Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga - Episode 10
The Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga (“PCCM”) was founded on February 26, 1974. Our Cultural Centre has proudly represented the Portuguese Community in Mississauga for over 40 years. We have over 500 active members and our facility runs on the hard work of our volunteers. There are over 40 volunteers that work tirelessly every week to ensure our Cultural Centre represents our community to the highest standards.
Casa do Alentejo - Episode 11
Casa do Alentejo Community Centre of Toronto grew out of a need felt by Alentejanos living in Toronto to have a place to call their own.The dream became reality on February 20, 1983!
The activities at Casa do Alentejo are our contribution to the dynamism of the Alentejo culture, acting as a cultural space multipurpose where several strands take place, such as book presentations, poetry sessions, temporary exhibitions, thematic conferences, weeks gastronomic, competitions in the areas of the plastic arts, letters and photography, handicraft exhibitions, weeks dedicated to Alentejo counties, cultural afternoons on Saturdays, dances and other social activities.
Casa do Benfica - Episode 12
Casa do Benfica de Toronto is the Portuguese soccer giant’s first affiliate outside Portugal and number six in the world, a distinction that affords it pride but also responsibility. Over the years, this organization has witnessed several stages but the willpower of its members and its Board of Directors, along with the support of the parent club in Portugal, has helped maintain the success of the Benfica House of Toronto.
Nós Por Cá - Portuguese Clubs
Peniche Belenenses - Episode 13
Founded in the distant year of 1981, Peniche has established itself as a model of resilience and an example of perseverance. This is especially relevant to its commitment to a soccer program that has placed it as probably the longest standing club still in operation in the History of the Portuguese community in Toronto.
Poveiros - Episode 14
Like many other Portuguese community associations across Canada, Casa dos Poveiros – Varzim Sport Club of Toronto was formed after a soccer team that represented the beautiful coastal town of Póvoa de Varzim.
Transmontano - Episode 15
Grupo Folclórico Transmontano was founded in 1981 to represent the former Province of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. The costumes depicted the people of the mountain, the worker, the market retailer, the pilgrim, the wealthy, and the famous pauliteiros de Miranda.
Banda Sagrado Coracon de Jesus - Episode 16
The story of The Music Society of St. Helen’s is one of steady and substantial growth. In September 1974, a group of Portuguese music enthusiasts, all living in and around Santa Cruz Parish located in Toronto wished to continue their traditions and love of music. They formed the first directorship of the Banda do Sagrado Coração de Jesus. The band was comprised of 30 musicians, the first public appearance occurred while participating in the feast of the Holy Spirit at Santa Cruz in the spring of 1975.
25 Abril - Episode 17
Incorporated on September 14, 1994, the Associação Cultural 25 de Abril of Toronto is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to commemorating the Carnations Revolution in Canada and educating young Portuguese-Canadians about this important date in Portuguese history. It is the first branch of this network of organizations to be founded outside of Portugal. Among its founders were the late Mário Lebre (its first president), Dr. Tomás Ferreira, Walter Lopes, Odete and Carlos Melo, Mário Corte-Real, Henrique Santos, Maria João Lisboa, and Joaquim Paulo. Many of them had been members of Toronto’s Portuguese Canadian Democratic Association, one of the first and most leftist Portuguese organizations founded in Canada, whose embers fought the Estado Novo and its colonial empire from abroad.
Every year, around April 25th, this association hosts an “April Captain” – an officer of the Armed Forces Movement that in 1974 brought down the dictatorial regime. During their visits to Toronto, these guests of honour visit schools with sizeable Portuguese-Canadian student bodies and talk about their experiences on the day of the revolution and its aftermath. They also participate in commemorative events organized by this small organization, to which Canadian political officials are normally invited.
The Associação Cultural 25 de Abril also participates in other commemorative events, like the annual Portugal Day parade or the campaign to memorialize Aristides de Sousa Mendes in Canada.
Presidente Comissao ad hoc ACAPO - Episode 18
Portugal Week, although a fantastic celebration for the thousands who attend each year, is a major undertaking for the organizers. The whole event costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Add the tremendous amount of manpower necessary to coordinate all of the events, it is unbelievable that this feat has been undertaken by volunteers.
The June 10th parade and the adjoining Portugal Week celebrations have been ACAPO’s trademark for the past three decades. Every year, thousands of spectators line-up on the sidewalks of Dundas Street to watch floats and other cultural elements that reflect the Portuguese heritage. Thousands more have attended concerts, exhibitions, and other events promoted by the organization, every year, during the month of June.
ACAPO will forever be in the history of the Portuguese presence and cultural preservation in Canada.
Amigu di Micau - Episode 19
Amigu di Macau (Toronto) is a non-profit organization founded and officially registered in Canada in 2002. It aims to promote Macao and its culture in Canada as well as the well-being of its Toronto-based community.
Although Macao’s culture originated in China, its uniqueness was fundamentally influenced by the Europeans, due to the fact that of the Portuguese presence for many centuries. Throughout this period Macao’s poets and artists, both Chinese and European, have contributed to the cultural influence of Macao art and culture, including literature, painting, photography, music and dance. Through various activities and events, Amigu di Macau (Toronto) strives to promote the appreciation of this bicultural legacy as a living and evolving cultural legacy, thus contributing to the enrichment of community life. Above all, Amigu di Macau (Toronto) seeks to ensure the continuity of this unique culture, essentially through initiatives promoted by the Canadian community.
Our two music groups offer a traditional repertoire of Macanese, Portuguese and western folk music as well as Chinese classical music. We believe that music is one of the many vehicles to draw together our community and foreign audience and simultaneously preserve and promote Macao’s cultural identity, which is rich in Canadian multiculturalism. In this way, and together with other ethnic communities, we can contribute and maintain a culturally diverse but united Canada.
Sporting - Episode 20
Sporting Clube Português de Toronto was founded on April 4, 1980 by nine Sporting supporters. The event occurred on Lippincott Street but the organization soon found a home on Augusta Avenue, just north of Dundas Street, where it remained before it settled at the current location, in the mid 1990s.
Although Brockton Stadium is the most important home of Sporting Clube Português de Toronto, the club's headquarters remains the meeting point for all Sporting fans residing in the region. The building has a hall with a capacity of 188 people on the main floor and another with a capacity of 235 on the second floor. Here, in addition to socializing and watching Sporting games on television, members and supporters of the Lions can also admire a vast collection of coins and attend the famous table tennis tournaments promoted by the association.
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