The Sidney Museum and Archives is set to unveil a new exhibit later this month.
A Seat at the Table: Chinese Immigration and British Columbia explores Chinese immigration to BC as a story that is local and global, historical and contemporary.
Using food and restaurant culture as an entry point, the exhibit features stories that show the diversity of immigrant experiences and of the communities that immigrants help grow.
Developed by the Chinese Canadian Museum in partnership with the Museum of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia, the exhibit will be on display from April 24th to November 15th.
A Seat at the Table highlights stories of separation, loss and alienation, but also of solidarity, tenacity and success.
The exhibit will include animated maps, short films and art installations which show Chinese immigrants forging social connections with other migrant and Indigenous communities in British Columbia, all while maintaining ties with relatives in China.
The stories call attention to the extent of systemic racism and its enduring impact on Chinese Canadians, while also highlighting their ability to resist, organize and thrive.
One of the goals of the exhibition is to diversify the representations of Canada and make them more inclusive. It will seek to transform the public’s understanding of Canada’s successive waves of Chinese migration, while giving fresh perspectives on migration, Chinese diaspora and cultural representation.
The exhibit will encourage museum guests to rethink what it means to be British Columbian.
To accompany the exhibit, the Sidney Museum will be presenting several displays that highlight Chinese Canadian history in Sidney, North Saanich and the surrounding islands.
From the long history of restaurants owned and operated by Chinese Canadian Sidney residents to the Chinatowns in Sidney and James Island dating back to the early 20th century, there will be plenty to learn for those interested in local Chinese Canadian history.
The exhibit is one of the largest museum projects on Chinese Canadian history in Canada to date.
There will be an opening reception on Thursday, April 30th, at 5 p.m. for those who wish to celebrate the exhibit’s launch.
A Seat at the Table: Chinese Immigration and British Columbia
Where: The Sidney Museum, 2423 Beacon Avenue
When: April 24th to November 15th
