HOF171: Minh Karlsson

In Vietnam, Minh Karlsson’s sister-in-law lent her the funds that she needed to navigate through a “pipeline” of networks that would ensure her escape from her native country. On a boat from Vietnam to Indonesia, she looked out to the sea and knew that things were going to be okay. Although she was sailing to uncertainty, she knew that it would be better than the distress and hopelessness she was escaping from.

She arrived in the Galang Refugee Camp in Indonesia, where she helped other refugees by translating and interpreting for them. She hoped to be accepted into the United States, the land of freedom and opportunity. After much thought, she opted to go to Canada instead because as she stated: “it’s the same, but Canada is a more gentle and kinder nation.”