Early Chinese Canadian Experiences in British Columbia

Guangzhou to British Columbia

The connections between China and British Columbia go back centuries, all the way to the gold rush in 1858 which enticed thousands of Chinese to seek their fortune in this province. Now a remarkable photography exhibition marking that time is being unveiled. From This Week in History Season 4 Episode 7. Credit: RBCM

Bean Sauce and Drums

In this short video, a group of visitors participates in an object-based learning experience facilitated by the Royal BC Museum’s Learning Department. They come to discover the meaning of a barrel drum from the museum’s collection and its significance in the history of early Chinese Canadians. Credit: RBCM. This video was made possible by funding from the Ministry of International Trade and Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism.

Mud Silk

By examining a mud silk outfit from the collection of the Royal BC Museum, a group of visitors draw conclusions about the relevance of this large collection and what it tells us about early Chinese immigration to British Columbia. Credit: RBCM. This video was made possible by funding from the RBCM. This video was made possible by funding from the Ministry of International Trade and Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism.

Chinese Opera Scenes, Vancouver, 1944

This rare footage shows excerpts from a Chinese opera performance at a theatre in Vancouver’s Chinatown.

Intricate makeup and costumes, choreographed movements, and elaborate sets in a Chinese Opera transport the audience to a fantastical world removed from everyday life, but still grounded in the values of Chinese society. 

Credit: BCA AAAA1119, Oscar C. Burritt, Vancouver, BC, 1944-02-08

A Letter from Chinatown

Between 1911 and 1949, China went through dramatic change. Political activist Dr. Sun Yat-sen wanted to build a republic that provided equal rights for all. Watch this video to learn about a link between Victoria's Chinese community and an important point in China's modern history. Credit: RBCM Originally aired March 2, 2013

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebration in Victoria's Chinatown is traced back to the turn of the 20th century, to a bustling store and a founding Vancouver Island family. Credit: RBCM