City's Chinese community celebrating historical shift from Exclusion to Inclusion

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It’s a sobering thought that a couple of centenarians I know were alive at the time that Canada implemented the Chinese Immigration Act in 1923.

The act barred the entry to this country of immigrants from China, and those that were already living here were paying a head tax, starting at $50 in 1885 but jumping to $500 in 1904.

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Fortunately, things changed and our present Chinese community is celebrating One Heart One Canada: From Exclusion to Inclusion — running Sept. 29 to Oct. 8 in the Chinese Cultural Centre at 197 1st St. S.W.

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It will feature a carefully curated collection of photographs and poignant stories, workshops and seminars to explore the influence the community has had on Western culture. The narrative of resilience, adaptation and the beauty of cultural fusion promises to be a momentous celebration of history, culture and the enduring effect of the Chinese community in Calgary and Canada.

The exhibit is a collaboration between multiple organizations both here and in Toronto, with photos provided from museums and cultural archives, but the City of Calgary provided funding and the prime organizer is the Chinatown Business Improvement Area. Chair Grace Su says there are some tough memories, but the celebration is of a Canada that has changed to be inclusive of all countries and cultures.

Many of the first Chinese to come to Canada were expecting riches during the Fraser gold rush of 1850, but the real influx was due to the CPR needing labourers to build the tough western portion of the railway. Beginning in 1881, more than 6,000 were persuaded to leave their homeland with promises of work and passage home when it was finished. That didn’t happen. They faced hard labour in a harsh environment where hundreds died of accidents, winter cold, illness or malnutrition, and there was no return passage despite the fact that many had wives and children back in China.

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Theirs was a job well done, but there was a growing swell of people who were anti-Chinese. The Victoria Colonist wrote of the Chinese ulcer eating into the prosperity of the nation — and the Chinese Immigration Act was signed into law, refusing entry into Canada except for students, merchants, diplomats, tourists and men of science.

Su says the exhibition will trace the history of Chinese in this city who are thankful for the opportunity to live and do business here, even though the act was not repealed until 1947, thanks in part to the 500 or more Canadian-born Chinese who volunteered to fight in the Pacific arena during WWII.

The population of ethnic Chinese has increased greatly since then, and has had a tremendous effect on Calgary, contributing greatly to our culture and economy.

The exhibition will highlight health and wellness, food, sport, military and leadership. Iconic foods such as chop suey, egg rolls and ginger beef will be discussed by presenter Josephine Smart, professor emerita of anthropology at the University of Calgary. Traditions and origins of Chinese cultural events, such as the Dragon Boat Festival, will be featured along with demonstrations of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicines.

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In sport we are all aware of footballer Norman Kwong, who was appointed lieutenant-governor of this province, but NHL player Larry Kwong — born in 1923 — will be remembered with the screening of The Shift — The Story of the Chinese Clipper.

The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers – Western Chapter, is presenting a comprehensive exploration of the history and lasting consequences of the Chinese Exclusion Act, examining its origins, legal and practical implications, and its profound influence on Canadian Society.

Exclusion to Inclusion will wrap up with an enlightening seminar on the intricate history of Tongs, the benevolent Chinese societies: another interesting story of how our Chinese community has had and continues to have such an effect on our city.

Notes:

The first franchise for TacoTime Canada was launched in Lethbridge in 1978 but is now headquartered in Calgary. After 45 years of growth as an iconic national brand, it now serves more than 2.5 million tacos and 3.2 million hand-rolled burritos every year, using locally sourced ingredients in more than 125 locations from coast to coast. Happy birthday.

David Parker appears regularly in the Herald. Read his columns online at calgaryherald.com/business. He can be reached at 403-830-4622 or by email at [email protected]

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