Yi Fao, Speaking Through Memory: A History of New Westminster's Chinese Community 1858-1980

Can$19.95

This is the fascinating and complex story of the Chinese-Canadian community in New Westminster, British Columbia, told in text and photographs that relate a range of individual experiences and stories. Yi Fao is the city's Chinese name; it means "second port," a reference to New West's place as the second port of entry to British Columbia after Victoria. The book documents the history of Yi Fao and preserves and celebrates the voices and personalities of the Chinese immigrants who contributed so much to the city's development, focusing on four key families of settlers: Law, Lee, Quan and Shiu. In each family's story, children, siblings, grandchildren, grandparents and in-laws recount their memories of life in New Westminster. While the historical narrative helps place the stories in a broader context, the personal reminiscences offer a history not just of facts and dates, but of personal experiences and emotions. This intimate glimpse into daily life and the city's old Chinatown is compelling and poignant, revealing a story of struggle, adventure and achievement.

Jim Wolf is the heritage planner for the City of Burnaby and is an active heritage consultant. He is the author of Royal City: A Photographic History of New Westminster 1858-1960 (2005).

Patricia Owen has a master's degree in the arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas. She is currently working on a contract with the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia.


 

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