Nazir Walji
Mr. Nazir Walji came to Canada along with his younger and both his parents when he was fourteen years old. After flying into the military base in Longue Pointe, Montreal, his family was flown to Calgary where they met his father’s sister who had immigrated to Canada before the expulsion decree.
He reflects fondly on his childhood in Uganda recalling the wonderful time spent with his family and his enrolment within the various Aga Khan schools in the country. Although his family had possessed Ugandan citizenship, they were effectively rendered stateless under the later decrees of Idi Amin which required the removal of all Asians regardless of their documentation.
Upon arriving in Canada, he was fond of the Canadian atmosphere and enjoyed his experiences as he completed his secondary and post-secondary education. Currently, Mr. Walji is a certified accountant and works for the Canadian Border Services as an auditor. He has been working for the Government of Canada for over 20 years.
This oral history was conducted in Mr. Walji’s home in Calgary, Alberta.