Canadian Genealogy · Canadian laws · Chinese Culture · Chinese Genealogy · Stories of WWII

An uncertain homecoming, Part II: Fight the enemy overseas, then fight the government at home – 1945-47

Chinese Canadians enlist in WWII, hoping to prove themselves worthy of civil rights, but find not much has changed after the war. This is Part II of An uncertain homecoming.

Canadian Genealogy · Canadian laws · Chinese Culture · Chinese Genealogy · Stories of WWII

An uncertain homecoming, Part I: WWII, the Chinese, and the fight for civil rights 1939-1967

Introduction Like all (Chinese) Canadians, I have been given a gift of priceless value: the gift of civil rights. I have not worked for this gift. I doubt I’ve earned it. Worst of all, I haven’t known who to thank for it, nor how much it cost. I’ve just taken it all for granted – […]

Family history stories · Stories of WWII · Womens History

The hairdresser spy: Andrée Virot

Andrée Virot This is a story about Andrée Virot, a woman in the French Resistance. She was personally responsible for saving the lives of over 100 Allied airmen who were shot down over Europe. She was the tail end of several escape lines through Europe, and for 3 years, she operated under the nose of the Gestapo.… Continue reading The hairdresser spy: Andrée Virot

Canadian Genealogy · Canadian laws · Chinese Culture · Chinese Genealogy · Family history stories · Stories of WWII

The right to be a Canadian: Irving Himel, K. Dock Yip, and The Committee for the Repeal of the Chinese Immigration Act

Voting. It's complicated. Canada has been reluctant to share her treasures, at least to its non-male, non-white peoples. Nearly 70 years ago, Canada's Chinese, Japanese, and South Asian people won the right to vote in Canada. It had been a long time coming. You may know the story of the Famous Five*, who fought for and won women's voting… Continue reading The right to be a Canadian: Irving Himel, K. Dock Yip, and The Committee for the Repeal of the Chinese Immigration Act