Kalia W.

Lethbridge, Alberta

Southern Alberta Regional Heritage Fair

Chinese Immigration to Canada

My project is about the history of Chinese immigration to Canada and their importance to the Canadian economy, including the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

 

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

I found it interesting that as a way to cope with the difficult working conditions, discrimination, and racism, the Chinese sought support from one another by forming communities known as "Chinatowns". Many of these communities still exist today.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I learned that people should be treated with respect, dignity, fairness, and equally.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Compared to the Chinese Immigrants of the 1800's, my life is significantly easier mentally and physically. Specifically, I don't suffer from the discrimination and racism that they did, I don't live in poverty, and I'm protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.