1979
The massive arrival of the “boat people” (refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos) brought about immediate needs in Montreal’s community, in the interpretation field in particular.
1980
Creation of the Service des Interprètes Auprès des Réfugiés Indochinois by the Service to the Chinese family, the Catholic Vietnamese Community, the Khmer Community and the Communauté Laotienne of Canada
1981
The patent letters are registered and a board of directors is appointed. The SIARI team elaborated participation models in school, health and social services environments.
1991
The organization modified its legal name to Service d’Interprète et d’Aide aux Réfugiés Indochinois (S.I.A.R.I.) to better portray the organization’s expansion
1996
SIARI’s name became Service d’Interprète, d’Aide et de Réference aux Indochinois to better reflect its day-to-day reality. New services are offered: French classes, twinning and liaison officers in schools.
2001
SIARI finally became Service d’Interprète, d’Aide et de Référence aux Immigrants. Throughout the years, the people who used the SIARI’s services diversified. Our members come from more than 60 countries. We answer them in 52 different languages.
