I uncover the story of my unknown uncle Yim, through a variety of sources from original documents to the BC archives
Category: Chinese Culture
Force 136 like you’ve never seen them – in living colour
I'm super excited to share today's post with you. Last week, I told you there would be a big surprise. HERE IT IS. Val Erde of Colouring the Past chose this photo to bring to life. Her research, talent and artistry literally brought tears to my eyes. It felt like the next best thing to… Continue reading Force 136 like you’ve never seen them – in living colour
Force 136 goes to London and takes some holiday snaps – a pictorial story of WWII
In March, 1945, a group of Chinese men travelled to London, England. It was the penultimate stop on their way to Poona, India. They had enlisted in the top-secret South East Asia Command (SEAC), known in India as "Force 136," and had completed basic training at Shilo, Manitoba. From Manitoba they boarded trains for the eastern… Continue reading Force 136 goes to London and takes some holiday snaps – a pictorial story of WWII
How to find your surname in Chinese
Here is the post I wish I'd read 20 years ago: How to find a Chinese surname if you only know your name in English
The James Bonds of Chinatown: meet Force 136
My uncle's secret identity as a super spy
The Chinese Detention Shed, Vancouver
What if you were Chinese and coming home to Canada in 1921? You got a free stay in the Chinese Detention Shed, no exceptions.
The history of my grandparents’ house
The surprising fate of my grandparents' house
We’ll tell you where you can live – BC’s Land Titles Act
Ah Vancouver! Fighting over real estate is nothing new.
Dating, circa 1885-1947
An funny look at dating under not-so-funny conditions
Putting the “British” in British Columbia, or I get the funny feeling you’re trying to tell me something
BC looks at its racist past and decides to say sorry. Vancouver does too.