Other Children of the Homes explores a British child-migration scheme between 1869 and 1948. With monarchy and government support, the Fairbridge Society and the Barnardo’s Foundation sent over 100,000 children from the United Kingdom to Canada as indentured workers. Others went to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. While a small portion of these children were orphans, most came from families struggling economically. To alleviate rising poverty, children were relocated overseas in the name of philanthropy. Despite good intentions however, the scheme became increasingly enterprising, leaving many families separated for life.
Today, approximately 10 percent of Canadians are Home children descendants; yet, this history remains relatively unknown. Using traditional darkroom photography, archival research, and descendant participation, this series highlights the shrouded reality of the child-migration scheme, celebrates the families’ resilience, and considers the intergenerational outcome.