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Introduction
The Chinese community in Canada has a long history dating back to the 19th century. The first Canadian-born baby of Chinese origin, Won Alexander Cumyow, was born in Port Douglas, B.C. in 1861. There are many resources available to Canadians of Chinese origin who would like to explore their personal connection to Chinese-Canadian history. The purpose of this website is to provide tools and information to support such research.
The initial phase of this project emphasized Chinese pioneers and records in B.C. For decades B.C. was the province of residence for a majority of Chinese immigrants, and many of the records created as Chinese settlement expanded to other parts of the country during later decades are still subject to privacy regulations. However, additional funding from Library and Archives Canada has made it possible to extend the scope of the website to include more information relating to other provinces.
Because there was a considerable amount of Chinese transmigration between the U.S. and Canada, some researchers may also be interested in exploring Chinese-American connections and roots. For more information, see Chinese-American Genealogy.
Resources available at the Vancouver Public Library are highlighted throughout. Non-Vancouver residents will find many of these resources available elsewhere in Canada, either directly at their local library or through inter-library loan. For more information, see Non-Vancouver Residents.
The language of the site is English, but references to Chinese-language documents, records and websites are included. For more information see Chinese-Language Materials. Unless otherwise indicated, romanizations of Chinese characters throughout this site are based on the Pinyin system.
Overview
The site is divided into 6 major sections:
Basics
Presents principles and strategies commonly used by genealogists, and explains how to use standard genealogy charts. Printable charts are included.
Chinese Names
Introduces a challenging, complex subject that may have a significant impact on your research prospects.
History and Pioneers
Reviews milestones in Chinese-Canadian history and briefly looks at Migration and Settlement. Also links to stories of Chinese-Canadian pioneers and provides information on current heritage projects.
Family Sources
Discusses interview strategies and suggests possible questions. Looks at family heirlooms and clan and district associations.
Documents and Records
Introduces various sources in which information about individuals and families may be found, including immigration records, civil registration, newspaper announcements, directories, military records, cemetery records, and other sources. Examples are provided, together with information on how to access the actual records themselves.
Back to China
Explores research possibilities in China itself.
Acknowledgements
The Vancouver Public Library acknowledges the participation of the Chinese-Canadian Historical Society of B.C. and members of Vancouver's Chinese-Canadian community. Many individuals have contributed time, knowledge and ideas. We particularly thank Loretta Chow, Ray Chow, Gordon Mark, Trev Sue-a-Quan, Ed Wickberg, Larry Wong, May Yan-Mountain, Gail Yip, and Eleanor Yuen for their enthusiasm and support.
The Vancouver Public Library Trust was generous in providing the financial support necessary to develop and launch the initial phase of this website.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of Library and Archives Canada, whose contribution has allowed us to expand and develop the content of the Chinese-Canadian Genealogy Website.