British Columbia's rich Chinese history will be remembered with a new museum exhibit.
The province is moving toward establishing a museum that honours Chinese Canadian history and living heritage.
The B.C. government has invested $10 million to establish the Chinese Canadian Museum - the first in Canada.
The museum includes a provincial hub in Vancouver Chinatown, multiple regional hubs and spokes throughout B.C., as well as an online portal and digital experiences for historical locations throughout the province.
"We've been working closely with the community for years and it has told us how important this museum is for everyone in B.C.," said Premier John Horgan. "We are at a critical point when it comes to conversations about race, inequality and injustice in this province. Now is the time to come together to share the stories about how our province got to where it is - and to have conversations about where we want it to go."
The newly formed Chinese Canadian Museum Society of British Columbia will lead development and operate the museum.
To kick off the museum experience, the society is launching a temporary exhibit in Vancouver Chinatown at 27 E Pender St. in August. A Seat at the Table explores the history of Chinese immigration and how the communities were able to stay vibrant and resilient through the food and restaurant culture they brought to British Columbia.
The society has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the newly formed Victoria Chinatown Museum Society to be the first regional hub and launch a pocket gallery in Fan Tan Alley with the support of the Royal BC Museum.
The pocket gallery is anticipated to open in time for the recognition of Chinese Cultural Heritage Week, July 20-27.
"Now more than ever, we need to come together and learn from each other," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. "People told us they want a museum to showcase the diversity of Chinese Canadian history and culture, past and present. This museum will help foster a more inclusive society."
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