Joaquina Pires

Joaquina Pires is a respected Portuguese-Canadian educator, researcher, and community advocate whose work has helped preserve and celebrate the history and cultural identity of the Portuguese community in Quebec. With over 40 years of experience in intercultural relations, adult education, and community development, she has dedicated her career to promoting inclusion, human rights, and cultural dialogue.

Holding a Master’s degree in Adult Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from the Université de Montréal, Joaquina spent 28 years working for the City of Montreal as an Advisor in Intercultural Relations and Community Development. In this role, she coordinated intercultural training programs, implemented equal access employment initiatives, and collaborated on immigration and research projects connected to the Metropolis Project conferences. She also helped develop the “Cliniques de Mémoire” initiative, preserving the stories and experiences of immigrant communities.

Beyond her municipal work, Joaquina has been deeply involved in community organizing since the early 1970s, particularly through literacy and educational initiatives focused on women within Montreal’s Portuguese community. Her passion for education also led her to teach French in both Quebec and Portugal.

As a co-author, curator, and organizer, Joaquina has contributed to numerous publications, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives that celebrate the memories, identities, and experiences of Portuguese immigrants in Canada. Through her lifelong dedication to education, culture, and community leadership, she continues to leave a lasting impact on the Portuguese-Canadian community.