Born in Iran to a Persian father and British mother, Annahid Dashtgard’s family fled to Canada following the Islamic Revolution. Though safe from war in small-town Alberta, Annahid was bullied and ostracized by her peers at school and by adults in the community. As an adult and driven political activist, the unhealed trauma resurfaced following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Annahid was forced to take the first steps towards personal healing. Her memoir, Breaking the Ocean shares her journey, and addresses the long-term impacts of immigration and racism and the chance we all have to create our own happily-ever-after.

In Conversation with Annahid Dashtgard is presented in partnership with the Immigrant and Migrant Women’s Association of Halifax.