A new museum exhibit in Vancouver spotlights the untold sacrifices of Chinese Canadians during WW2 and their fight for equal rights.
When the Second World War ended, the Chinese Canadian community celebrated not just the defeat of fascism—but also a hard-fought victory for civil rights. Their unwavering service on the front lines and the home front helped pave the way for the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act and the long-denied right to vote.
Now, the Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver’s Chinatown is shining a light on this overlooked chapter of Canadian history. In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the war’s end, the museum unveiled a new military exhibit on May 12 titled “A Soldier for All Seasons: Chinese Canadians in the Second World War.”
A Courageous Choice Amid Prejudice
The decision to enlist was not simple. According to museum board member Randall Bud Wong, many elders questioned why young Chinese Canadians would risk their lives for a country that denied them basic rights and dignity. “You’re basically our treasures of a later generation,” they warned.
But for the younger generation, service was a strategic act of patriotism. “If we fight for king and country,” said Wong, “then we have earned the right to say: now grant us full citizenship.” At the time, Chinese Canadians—despite being born on Canadian soil—were legally excluded from voting due to the Chinese Exclusion Act, which remained in effect until 1947.
Stories That Echo Through Generations
The exhibition tells these powerful, often unheard stories through rare wartime photographs, immersive installations, and a 3D holobox where actors recount the lived experiences of Chinese Canadian soldiers. Each display draws visitors into a chapter of history long neglected in classrooms and public memory.
Anthropologist and retired professor Imogene Lim, whose mother and aunt are featured in the exhibit, shared her emotional connection. “They both passed on, but this exhibit ensures their courage won’t be forgotten. It fills my heart with pride.”
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
Grace Wong, chair of the museum’s board, emphasized that this exhibit isn’t just for Chinese Canadians—it’s for all Canadians. “Many people, even in the Chinese community, don’t know these stories,” she said. “Few realize it took nearly 160 years—since the first Chinese immigrants arrived in 1788—for Chinese Canadians to gain voting rights.”
At the core of the exhibit is a commemorative artwork by Vancouver artist Jeanette G. Lee, whose uncle was a veteran. The piece, inspired by jade, Forget Me Not flowers, and traditional Chinese lattice design, is engraved with the names of known soldiers. “It’s a piece that breathes hope and remembrance,” Lee shared.
A Legacy Carried Forward
Curated by Catherine Clement, Naomi Louie, Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee, and Sarah Ling, the exhibition is a tribute to those who served under unequal conditions, yet returned with a victory that would change Canadian democracy forever.
Their service reminds us: freedom is never free, and recognition is often long overdue.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more stories that honour untold histories and celebrate the courage behind Canada’s diverse legacy. Follow us as we continue to bring voices from the margins into the mainstream.
