Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the end of the First World War on November 11, 1918 on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Today we remember the sacrifices of those who fought to preserve peace in the First World War and all other armed conflicts around the world.
High flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air… Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew – And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
– Officer John G. Magee, Jr. – November, 1941
John Gillespie Magee, Jr. was born in 1922 in Shanghai, China. In October 1940, at age 18, John Magee Jr. went to Canada and enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After his flight training, he went to England as a commissioned pilot officer. In the course of his training in the Spitfire aircraft, he was assigned to make a high-altitude flight “into the stratosphere.” On landing, he went to his quarters and there wrote his now famous High Flight sonnet on the back of a letter to his mother.
Contemporary Asian Stories is a series of online events presented by the Vancouver Public Library in partnership with the University of British Columbia Department of Asian Studies. The series celebrates literature, film, and larger-than-life figures from across modern Asian popular cultures. Their next event is focusses on Eileen Chang (Zhang, Ailing 1920-1995) one of the most highly acclaimed writers of the twentieth century.
Love in A Fallen City (??????), one of her best-known stories, was published in 1943, during the Japanese occupation of Shanghai.
Why did Chang choose to write a love story in wartime Shanghai? What impact does it have on modern Chinese literature and culture? Join UBC assistant professor Renren Yang as he explores the relationship between war and romance through a reading of Love in A Fallen City and its filmic and TV adaptations.
Ro registration necessary, you can access the event here:
Our next VAHMSconnections event is happening November 26! Celebrating the linguistic diversity of the Lower Mainland, this panel presentation shares the story of four Asian languages: Farsi, Japanese, Punjabi, and Urdu. The panelists will discuss how these languages enrich our linguistic landscape, and they will focus on cultural values, language transfer, and the cultural and social roles of local media, both historically and at the present time.
This event will be moderated by VAHMSconnections Chair Shahid Abrar-ul-Hassan.
From left to right: Dr. Raminder Kang, Dr. Naghmeh Babaee and Dr. Ayaka Yoshimizu
Dr. Raminder Kang is a radio broadcaster and social service professional. He has expertise in literature, philosophy, and comparative religion, and he writes poetry in Punjabi and Urdu.
Dr. Naghmeh Babaee teaches at Yorkville University and LaSalle College in Vancouver. She also trains Farsi teachers and material developers for community language education programs.
Dr. Ayaka Yoshimizu is a researcher, educator, and an uninvited guest in the land of the Coast Salish peoples. She is an assistant professor (Asian Studies) at the University of British Columbia, and she teaches Japanese literature, films, and media.
?Join the Chinese Canadian Historical Society for a look at a part of B.C. history that is seldom seen. Through formerly hidden photos taken by Vancouver’s first and most prolific Chinese photographer – Yucho Chow – discover the lives and stories of early communities and everyday people whose photos are generally missing from public archives.
Catherine Clement, Curator and Author of Chinatown Through A Wide Lens: The Hidden Photographs of Yucho Chow will be speaking and attendees will receive a limited-time coupon code for free shipping with the purchase of Chinatown Through A Wide Lens: The Hidden Photographs of Yucho Chow. The book will also be discounted for a limited time from November 4 to 11. Orders can be placed at www.cchsbc.ca.
Summary: From 1906-1949, Chow chronicled life during a tumultuous and transformative period. His lens recorded the lives and aspirations not only of early Chinese, but of many other marginalized communities who struggled to make Canada their home: South Asians; the Black community; Indigenous families; mixed-race couples; and newly-arrived Eastern European immigrants. Today, these aging, private photographs are evidence of an incredibly rich, yet mostly hidden, piece of our province’s history.
Chinatown Walkabout with the Three Amigos
John Atkin, Bob Sung and Hayne Wai.
The Heart of the City Festival is excited to present a virtual Chinatown walkabout on Zoom with the powerhouse trio of John Atkin, Bob Sung and Hayne Wai. John is a civic historian and heritage consultant, Bob hosts cultural and culinary tours of Chinatown, and Hayne is a long time Chinatown researcher and advocate.
They are all past presidents of the Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC and collectively have over one hundred years of involvement in Chinatown. Although each have presented live walking tours, this will be their first shared virtual tour: framed around the Vancouver Heritage Foundation Chinatown Guide.
The United Nations commemorated this day in 2005, in order to “raise general awareness of the need to preserve and safeguard important audiovisual material for future generations, and for urgent measures to be taken to conserve this heritage and ensure it remains accessible to the public now, and to future generations.” This year’s theme is Your Window to the World, a theme which rings especially true during this era of social distancing as we observe events we cannot attend, we hear voices from the past who can no longer speak, and we craft stories that inform and entertain. Audiovisual content plays an increasingly vital role in our lives as we seek to understand the world and engage with our fellow beings.
Audiovisual archives tell us stories about peoples’ lives and cultures from all over the world. They represent a priceless heritage which is an affirmation of our collective memory and a valuable source of knowledge since they reflect the cultural, social and linguistic diversity of our communities. They help us grow and comprehend the world we all share. Conserving this heritage and ensuring it remains accessible to the public and future generations is a vital goal for all memory institutions, as well as the public at large.
Through A Wide Lens: The Hidden Photographs of Yucho Chow
by Catherine Clements and the Canadian Historical Society
Curator and author Catherine Clement describes her quest to discover the legacy of the Chinatown-based portrait photographer Yucho Chow, whose lens captured the racial and cultural diversity of Vancouver in the decades before 1950, and how her search for the story of one man became a portrait of the city’s minorities during a racist era.
With a studio that operated from 1908-1949, Chow was not only the main photographer for the Chinese community, he was also the photographer of choice for many other marginalized groups such as early Sikhs Canadians; Black Canadians; newly-arrived Eastern Europeans and First Nations. Unfortunately, all his negatives were destroyed when his studio was closed and Catherine spent over eight years compiling his photos held in private and family collections.
Below is another video featuring the exhibition courtesy of Vancouver filmmaker Elwin Xie.
Yucho Chow: Chinatown Photographer 1906 – 1949
I love stories, especially the stories of our forebears who worked so hard with so little in order to enable future generations such as myself to have an easier life. The least we can do is to remember their effort and lives. I am a reluctant videographer. I never planned this. If you were unable to attend an engaging presentation complete with images and video, you’d be out of luck as few community presentations were recorded.More important than the brick and mortar of a physical museum are the stories itself. If you have no stories, you have nothing.
I am most proud of my recording of the opening gala of Chinatown “Through A Wide Len: The Hidden Photographs of Yucho Chow” in 2019. This temporary exhibit was held for only a month in the summer when many were out of town which resulting in many potential viewers missing it. What I especially liked about the exhibition is that it captured the forgotten and marginalized segment of the Canadian family such as my family who were pig farmers and laundry workers. While the video was not technically perfect, I am glad I captured the mood and flavour of the event with my economy camera.
Just by showing up is half the battle.
Words and Video by Elwin Xie
The Semiahmoo Arts Society is presenting a virtual panel talk on October 27th which includes VAHMS President Leticia Sanchez, will elaborate on the meaning of cultural heritage, the importance of the preservation of both – tangible and intangible heritage and how we can ensure that we convey history through heritage in an inclusive and embracing manner.
The Heart of the City Festival is pleased to present we the same, a reading of scenes from a new play by Sangeeta Wylie, with Vietnamese danh tranh music, and guest speakers between scenes. Produced by Ruby Slippers, we the same is inspired by the true story of a mother with six young children separated from their father. Fleeing Vietnam in 1979, the mother and her children endured pirate attacks, typhoons, shipwreck, starvation and more. After over forty years of secrets, is reconciliation possible between a mother and her daughter?
It is a delicate balance between hope, humour, and tragedy, and an ultimate ode to belief in humanity. This staged reading features award-winning actors including Leo-nominated Elizabeth Thai, Grace Le, Khaira LeDeyo, Brandy Le, and Chris Lam, has a musical score by Vietnamese dan tranh virtuoso Vi An Diep, movement choreographed by Marion Landers, and interviews with Stella Nhung (Lac Viet Radio), Mohammed Alsaleh (Syrian refugee advocate), and Elizabeth Thai (actress). There will be a live q and a after with myself and the director, Diane Brown, of Ruby Slippers Theatre.
Vietnamese dan tranh virtuoso Vi An Diep
Monday November 2, 8pm Pre-recorded at the Firehall Arts Centre, presented online, followed by live Q&A with the artistic team
This month, the Vancouver Public Library is presenting two lecture and discussion events in conjunction with a virtual screening of “The World is Bright”, a documentary film that chronicles the journey of the grieving parents as they navigate a new culture and a complex web of bureaucracy to uncover the truth behind their son’s death by suicide.
Join director Ying Wang and Anthony Truong Swan, Outreach Director of Story Money Impact, as they discuss some of the themes explored in the film, such as the stigma surrounding mental illness, resources available to immigrant families, the dislocation and disconnection arising from global migration, and the importance of culture competence in mental health care.
The conversations will take place on October 22 (in English) and 29 (in Mandarin), and the film will be sent to registrants one week in advance.
Practice Social Distancing, Not Ethnic Distancing.
At a time when the physical health of our communities is at stake, there’s no need for racial discrimination to enter the conversation. Not now, not ever. With Covid-19, we are fighting a common enemy with our collective welfare at the top of our minds. That’s yours and mine.
Our families, our friends, our neighbours. Let’s heal together during this pandemic and not inflict another wound to ourselves in the process. Practice social distancing, not ethnic distancing. Because, it’s a health issue, not a race issue.
VAHMS invites you to support the #HealthNotHate campaign – and there are so many ways to show your support.
Over the past several months we all have faced extraordinary challenges in our lives and our communities. We, at VAHMS, hope that you are all continuing to prioritize your health, safety, and wellbeing.
Each year, International Day of Peace is observed around the world on the 21st of September. This day is dedicated to strengthening people’s commitment to seeking harmony and peace around the world. The theme this year, “Shaping peace together,” reminds us that as we struggle to adjust to our new normal, our voice and collective ideas should foster dialog and support for those who have faced discrimination and hatred all over the world. Additionally, and just one day after, the Earth enters the Fall Equinox which brings an equal amount of light and dark in a day. Being this a powerful change in nature, it will help us find balance and refocus our lives on our oneness and commonalities.
During the year, VAHMS has worked to improve its online presence and has been engaged in supporting important initiatives that many of our partner organizations have produced to raise a unified voice against racism and discrimination, especially during this health crises. Our website now features more events, VAHMS archives, and a special window where you can support VAHMS initiatives.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the entire VAHMS team and to you, for your continuous support as we bring VAHMS virtual projects such as VAHMSconnections, #YummiestAsianFood, Interconnected, and the 2nd National Asian Heritage Month Symposium directly to your homes. Thank you for helping us make a difference. I hope you will enjoy the Autumnal season.
Warmest regards,
Leticia Sanchez, President of the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society
Peacebuilding, Bert Monterona, 2002
The 13th century Persian philosopher Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi believed that to attain true peace, it was crucial to celebrate the diversity of different cultures and religions, and to become a person who was open to new experiences. Here is one of his quotes, especially relevant now:
The Moon Said to the Stars
The Moon said to the Stars, do not look at my dark side for it is unseen by me, and unworthy of love. And the Stars said, I see your darkness and light, and love your contrasting nature. Would it be love if I only love the half that reflected my shining? At a distance you only see my light. Come closer and know that I am you.
-Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi
From Painting Peace?: ?Art in a Time of Global Crisis?, Artist Unknown
?T?he revered modern artist and Zen teacher Kazuaki Tanahashi ?uses his prose, poetry, letters, lyrics, and art, ?to ?work for peace and justice? from his childhood in Japan to the present day.? His work ?offers an inspirational account of how his art has been the expression of a life of social activism?. He urges us to “to realize the infinite value of each moment of your own life as well as of other beings, then to continue to act accordingly.” The following poem can be found in his book Painting Peace?: ?Art in a Time of Global Crisis?.?
Circle of Peace
A circle of peace. From its brilliant green I receive a hope for the future. A circle of peace. In its ocean blue I deepen my commitment to community A circle of peace. In its sunlight orange I collect energy for healing. A circle of peace. With its Crimson red I carry passion to engage. A circle of peace. In its full rainbow we find wholeness in our work.
-Kazuaki Tanahashi
All Out Peace Not War, Bert Monterona, 2015
Bert Monterona, VAHMS Director
Bert Monterona is a Filipino-Canadian visual artist living in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Monterona is actively involved as an educator, cultural worker, and active artist working in a wide variety of practices, including design, illustration, painting, murals, sculpture and installations.
About Bert Monterona’s Tapestry Paintings:
No To War, Oil on Canvas, 152 x 174 cm, 2002. There were more than 150,000 evacuees and hundreds of lives lost when the government launched a war against the groups of Muslims and Christians who advocated armed struggle for political and social change. Both those who were victims of war, and the Mindanaoan people who wanted peace and protested the war, called for “No to War” and challenged people to participate in a series of Peace Talks. This painting shows a multi-sectoral population banding together to protest war and expound peace.
Peacebuilding, Oil on canvas, 152 x 174 cm, 2002. As an artist, Bert believes that the arts play an important role in achieving peace in Mindanao. He thinks that art is one of the most effective tools in deepening the awareness of people to the war situation. He believes that as the communities and sectors interact, participate, and consult with each other in the peace building process, they will find effective tools to achieve peace on his island and his country.
All Out Peace Not War, acrylic on canvas tapestry, 178 x 186 cm, 2015 If we are to reach real peace in this world and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with children; and if they will grow up in their natural innocence, we won’t have to struggle; we won’t have to pass fruitless idle resolutions, but we shall go from love to love and peace to peace, until at last all the corners of the world are covered with that peace and love for which the whole world is hungry of. Gandhi (1869 – 1948).
The 2nd Annual Asian Heritage Month Symposium has come to a close and we have several people we’d like to thank and recognize for supporting VAHMS’ satellite working group conversation and presentations. First we would like to thank Musqueam Elder Larry Grant for participating as our Indigenous Observer and sharing his thoughts and stories with our working group. We also had three moderators, Esaine Mo, Ariadne Sawyer, and Phyllis Tang, who did a terrific job of leading our working group conversation.
A screen capture of our Working Group Conversation courtesy of Esaine Mo.
Phyllis Tang also offered the symposium a fascinating presentation on the Interaction between Chinese Popular Music and Asian Heritage Elements in Music Production, and fellow VAHMS Director Jing Palad presented on VAHMS’ Interconnected project.
CBC Radio also did a French language piece covering the symposium, you can stream the entire piece by clicking the above image!
We will be sharing the results of the symposium as soon as they become available so stay tuned for more!
