Episode 07: Chinese Canadians: A History of Brave and Resilient Immigrants
Chinatown. Chinese New Year. Fireworks. We see the beautiful expressions of Chinese culture in major cities and towns across Canada. What brought the first Chinese immigrants to land on Vancouver Island? What happened when they arrived? And how did Chinese immigrant communities find a place where they belonged?
In this episode, Hostion will share the history of Chinese immigrants to Canada. Although a dark history of Canada's past with the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Head Tax and the extreme discrimination and racism, there is also a thread of strength, resilience and community to be found. Listen as Hostion shares with you how Chinese immigrants brought community and welcome to other immigrants by sharing their culture, their resources and their traditions.
Pictured here are Thomas Soon (L) 97 years old and Charlie Quon (R) 99 years old holding government cheques - the first redress payments to Chinese Head Tax payers in Vancouver, BC, October 20, 2006.
(Photo Credit: Lyle Stafford, Globe and Mail)
Episode Sources
Vancouver hosts First US-Cnaada Chinatown Solidarity Conference
Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick: Discrimination in Canada
BC Government’s History of Wrongs
The Senate and the Fight Against Chinese Discrimination
A Guide on Anti-Asian Racism: Asian Canadian History
Quiz Sources
Ode to Ginger Beef: An Origin Story
Stat Canada: Chinese Communities in Canada