The process for finding Chinese Case Files at Library and Archives Canada has changed considerably since I first wrote about the finding aids in 2020. Some individual Chinese Case file information is now findable through Collection Search. Use Advanced Search for searching by numbers.
Author: wanderernolonger
Accredited Genealogist® professional in the region of Canada Western Provinces (BC, AB, SK, MB). I love sharing what I've learned through blogging and public speaking. Member of genealogy societies across the country. My specialities are Western Canada and Chinese Canadian genealogy, and I have a deep interest in SOE F136.
Researching Supreme Court records at the BC Archives
Genealogists are interested in a wide variety of court records from adoption to wills. I don't know about you, but I learn best by doing. In this series, I'll share what I learned about researching Supreme Court records at the Royal British Columbia Museum and Archives, Victoria, in April, 2025. For the record - haha… Continue reading Researching Supreme Court records at the BC Archives
Asian History Month – The Riveter by Jack Wang
I enjoyed The Riveter. It's rare to read fiction about the Second World War which centres an Asian Canadian perspective. A writer tackling that subject cannot avoid discussing heavy issues such as exclusion, history, and racism. These themes are the background noise to my work, and I appreciate every writer who tackles them in a story with universal themes of identity, love, and struggle.
Exclusion: Beyond the Silence – a chat with Keira Loughran and Helen Lee
Each May in Canada and the U.S., it's Asian Heritage Month. I spent the first part of the month in Vancouver, where I had the distinct pleasure of seeing "Exclusion: Beyond the Silence," at the Cineplex Odeon Theatre, International Village, Vancouver. On 14 May 2025, I had a chat with writer and director Keira Loughran,… Continue reading Exclusion: Beyond the Silence – a chat with Keira Loughran and Helen Lee
WWII: what is a genealogy pack?
In Canada, most Second World War military files are only available on request. In this blog, I'll explore the difference between ordering a complete file and a genealogy pack by looking at two requests for the same records for the same person. If you're new to Canadian military files, see my posts Exploring First World… Continue reading WWII: what is a genealogy pack?
Was Won Alexander Cumyow framed? Researching a 140 yr old mystery, the conclusion
In examining the events surrounding Won Alexander Cumyow's rapid downfall from aspiring Chinese Interpreter to convicted felon in 1885, key questions arise regarding potential bias, the role of prominent figures like E.M. Johnson, and the peculiarities of a seemingly swift and prejudiced trial. Cumyow's eventual imprisonment highlights systemic challenges faced by the Chinese community in British Columbia.
Was Won Alexander Cumyow framed? Researching a 140 yr old mystery, part one
Won Alexander Cumyow, the first-known Chinese Canadian (1861-1955), was a prominent figure and an activist. Despite his contributions, he faced challenges, notably in 1885 when he was arrested for fraud. His trials involved questions of forgery, partnerships, and trust within his business, ultimately leading to a conviction for embezzlement. Cumyow's story highlights the systemic racism prevalent in BC, late 19th century, and his struggle against discrimination during a pivotal time in Canadian history.
How an Ottawa journalist found my lost family village
It's been a revelatory couple of weeks. In this post, I'll share the story of how I learned that Ottawa journalist and jazz pianist Peter Hum is my cousin, and how he solved the mystery of my lost maternal family village.
Explore Canadian Pacific Ship Records on Ancestry
Ships have personalities and lives, and humans have been sailing since time immemorial. The Canadian Pacific Steamship Company records help us family historians fill in the dry details of dates of immigration and departure with colour and life. As is always the case in genealogy, I had no idea how the story would turn out when I began writing, nor that I would find the stories of ten year old Ng Choy in 1913, or the Pike family in 1950.
On becoming an Accredited Genealogist® professional – Canada Western Provinces
After recovering from the emotional roller-coaster of testing, it was wonderful to receive dozens of congratulatory messages. I am proud to be the second genealogist - and first Canadian - to accredit in the Canada Western Provinces region.