About Us
Although officially launched on June 28, 2025, the Hellenic Canadian Research Institute was first conceived in November 2018. Founded by three Greek-Canadians united by a shared vision, the Institute was established to address a critical need for a professional, nationwide educational and advocacy organization. Our core mandate is to inspire and engage Greek-Canadian youth, keeping them firmly rooted in the timeless ideals of Hellenism, while fostering a unified national voice—particularly when civic and legislative advocacy is required.
The catalyst for the Institute's creation was a pivotal historical and advocacy issue. In 2018, certain Greek-Canadian organizations sought federal recognition for only a single segment of the Greek Genocide—specifically, the victims from the Pontus region. This narrow initiative intentionally excluded all other victims of the broader genocide. Recognizing the injustice of this exclusion, our co-founders vigorously opposed the initiative through public broadcasts, digital advocacy, and formal letter-writing campaigns, arguing for a complete, inclusive, and historically accurate remembrance of all Greek victims.
This exclusionary approach was also met with criticism in Ottawa. It was explicitly addressed on the Senate floor by the late Senator Murray Sinclair, a deeply respected Indigenous leader, jurist, and renowned philhellene. Drawing from his profound understanding of historical truths and his perspective on Indigenous history, Senator Sinclair accurately contextualized the necessity of inclusive historical recognition when he stated:
The catalyst for the Institute's creation was a pivotal historical and advocacy issue. In 2018, certain Greek-Canadian organizations sought federal recognition for only a single segment of the Greek Genocide—specifically, the victims from the Pontus region. This narrow initiative intentionally excluded all other victims of the broader genocide. Recognizing the injustice of this exclusion, our co-founders vigorously opposed the initiative through public broadcasts, digital advocacy, and formal letter-writing campaigns, arguing for a complete, inclusive, and historically accurate remembrance of all Greek victims.
This exclusionary approach was also met with criticism in Ottawa. It was explicitly addressed on the Senate floor by the late Senator Murray Sinclair, a deeply respected Indigenous leader, jurist, and renowned philhellene. Drawing from his profound understanding of historical truths and his perspective on Indigenous history, Senator Sinclair accurately contextualized the necessity of inclusive historical recognition when he stated:
"I would like to point out that I found the motion itself to be acceptable insofar as it related to Pontic Greeks, but it was not inclusive of all the Greeks who were subject to the genocide at that time. I thought it was too narrow. I abstained because it was not properly inclusive." |
In the spirit of Senator Sinclair’s words, the Hellenic Canadian Research Institute is dedicated to collaborating with Greek-Canadian community leaders, organizations, and institutional stakeholders. Together, we will pursue formal federal recognition of the Greek Genocide in Ottawa, ensuring a fully inclusive approach that honors and remembers all Greek victims of this tragedy.
Who we represent:
The Hellenic Canadian Research Institute operates as an independent organization, representing solely our institution, our members, and those who support our mission. We do not speak on behalf of any specific Greek community organization, faction, or regional association, nor do we claim to represent the entirety of Canada's diverse Greek-Canadian population. Consequently, all public statements—whether delivered via broadcast media, digital platforms, in-person forums, educational presentations, or official press releases—are made exclusively by and on behalf of the Hellenic Canadian Research Institute.
About our name:
- The formal name of our organization is: Hellenic Canadian Research Institute;
- The informal name of our organization is: Hellenic Institute;
- The acronym for our organization is: HCRI.
About our logo:
Our logo features a spherical body of water, symbolizing an element deeply rooted in Greek identity, history, and life. The distinct blue hue represents Hellenism as a whole.
The polygon stars design presents a close-up perspective of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) maritime boundaries in the southeastern Mediterranean, precisely where the waters of Greece and Cyprus converge.
The white polygon stars on the left delineate the maritime borders of Greece, while the golden polygon stars on the bottom right define the maritime borders of Cyprus. At the base of the design, a larger, dual-coloured polygon star marks the exact convergence point where the waters of both nations meet.
The Institute's official name and web address are emblazoned in the middle of the logo in English.
Logo has been in use from June 28, 2025 to present.
The polygon stars design presents a close-up perspective of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) maritime boundaries in the southeastern Mediterranean, precisely where the waters of Greece and Cyprus converge.
The white polygon stars on the left delineate the maritime borders of Greece, while the golden polygon stars on the bottom right define the maritime borders of Cyprus. At the base of the design, a larger, dual-coloured polygon star marks the exact convergence point where the waters of both nations meet.
The Institute's official name and web address are emblazoned in the middle of the logo in English.
Logo has been in use from June 28, 2025 to present.
About our chosen mast-head painting:
Our masthead painting was intentionally selected for use across our website and social media platforms. It depicts the Revolution of September 3, 1843, an uprising led by Major General Dimitrios Kallergis and key figures of the Hellenic Army, actively supported by the citizenry, in opposition to the autocratic rule of King Otto. The artwork captures the pivotal moment Major General Kallergis presents the King not with a mere request, but with an absolute demand for systemic change. For the Hellenic Canadian Research Institute, this historic event serves as a powerful analogy: we do not simply hope for progress; we actively demand meaningful change.
Mission
To educate and foster a deeper awareness of modern Greek history and key issues of national concern by actively engaging with Greek-Canadian organizations, youth, philhellenes, and the broader Canadian public.
Vision
An engaged and empowered Greek-Canadian community, driving a unified national voice for Hellenism across Canada and on Parliament Hill.
Values
- Hellenism
- Democracy
- Unity
- Education
- Advocacy
- Justice
Guiding Principles
- We will be guided by Canadian democratic principles, and will be politically non-partisan.
- We will cooperate with all individuals, groups and organizations interested in promoting a unified voice for Hellenism in Canada, so long as their goals match our own.
- The positions we take will be based on sound and objective research and analysis.
- We will never accept funding that is meant to interfere with our positions.
Adopted by the founding committee at the inaugural meeting held online, 28 June 2025; Last update: July 19, 2026
