The Chinatown Storytelling Centre is a space for our community to take part in the ongoing story of Vancouver’s Chinatown.
The Chinatown Storytelling Centre documents and shares the cultural stories of the Chinese Canadian community as experienced and witnessed through its historic epicentre, Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Our centre celebrates Chinatown’s contributions to the development of Vancouver and highlights the roles of Chinese Canadians in the building of Canada as a nation.
We believe when we look back on stories of adversity, resilience, and triumph, we reveal our shared history. And we believe this common ground is where we can build a more inclusive society moving forward.
The Chinatown Storytelling Centre celebrates the power of stories in building community and bridging understanding.
Storytelling honours the sacrifices made by previous generations. From disenfranchisement after completing the Canadian Pacific Railway to being denied to enlist to fight for Canada in World War II because of their ethnicity, the overcoming of these hardships paved the way for the lives we live today.
It was in Chinatown where the people who connected the country and fought in war could feel a sense of belonging in a hostile environment. Their stories of joy, friendship, and family are the foundation of the Chinatown community here today.
The Chinatown Storytelling Centre is a place that honours their courage to dream of a better future and a space to encourage intergenerational dialogue that will inspire resolve in current and future challenges.
Sharing
Through storytelling, unique artifacts, recordings, and photos, we offer a new perspective on the history of Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Reflecting
Community collaboration connects a new generation to their past, and preserves the irreplaceable legacies of our elders.
Connecting
A better understanding of the Chinese Canadian experience and our shared cultural history inspires the actions of future generations.
The Chinatown Storytelling Centre would not have been possible without the ongoing support of our Advisory Board. We are very grateful for their inspiration, leadership, and valuable guidance.
The Honourable Janet Austin, OBC Lieutenant Governor
Honorary Patron
Ron Burnett
Henry Fung
Anne Giardini
William Hung
Evaleen Jaager-Roy
Howard Jang
Karen Lam
Carol Lee
Bill Tam
Marg Vandenberg
John Yee
Wendy Yip
The Chinatown Storytelling Centre is a project by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, a registered charity founded in 2011. The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation is dedicated to the physical, commercial, and cultural revitalization of the historic neighbourhood. Their projects focus on social housing, cultural preservation, and economic development.
We are very grateful for the support and discussions surrounding what we do.
Below are articles that mention the Chinatown Storytelling Centre.
January 17, 2023
Raised in Chinatown 「生於華埠·長於華埠」
Omni Cantonese
January 17, 2023
華埠掌故舉辦「生於華埠·長於華埠」展覽am1470
January 17, 2023
Vancouver's Chinatown Storytelling Centre exhibit highlights youth culture over last century
CityNews
January 15, 2023
New exhibit explores teenage lives of Chinese-Canadian teens and youth in the early 20th century.
CBC Radio on the Coast
July 3, 2022
Daisy Garden Kitchen in Vancouver re-emerges after fire
Globe & Mail
June 29, 2022
Wings Over Canada event
OMNI TV
Apr 14, 2022
Travel News; going down in history
Toronto Star
Mar 25, 2022
Brandt C. Louie: The story of Vancouver’s Chinatown is the story of Canada
Vancouver Sun
Mar 2, 2022
Behind the Stories at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre
Montecristo Magazine
Jan 21, 2022
Stories of Early Chinese Immigrants
Magazine 26, Fairchild TV
Dec 27, 2021
A Virtual Tour of the Vancouver Chinatown Storytelling Centre
BC Historical Federation
Nov 11, 2021
Interview with Carol Lee and Maggie Ip
AM1470-News Talk
Nov 10, 2021
Interview with Carol Lee; opening of CSC
Shaw Multicultural
Nov 9, 2021
Follow-up to Chinatown Storytelling Centre opening; interview with Carol Lee
CKNW with Simi Sara
Nov 7, 2021
Chinatown Storytelling Centre looks forward to fall and winter programming
CityNews
Nov 7, 2021
Vancouver Chinatown Storytelling Centre shines light on Chinese Canadian legacies
Daily Hive
Nov 5, 2021
Grand Opening Ceremony
Global TV
Nov 5, 2021
New cultural centre in Vancouver's Chinatown showcases Chinese-Canadian heritage
Yahoo! News Canada
Nov 5, 2021
New cultural centre in Vancouver's Chinatown showcases Chinese-Canadian heritage
CBC.CA News
Nov 5, 2021
Chinatown Storytelling Centre preview
CBC Radio On the Coast
Nov 4, 2021
Chinatown Storytelling Centre preview
Inside Vancouver by Destination Vancouver
Nov 4, 2021
Things to do this Weekend
Miss604
Nov 4, 2021
Radio
CKNW Radio - Simi Sara
Nov 3, 2021
Chinatown Storytelling Centre preview
Radio-Canada
Nov 1, 2021
Take a look inside Vancouver's new Chinatown Storytelling Centre (VIDEO)
Vancouver Is Awesome
Oct 31, 2021
Chinatown Storytelling Centre set to open in Vancouver
Global News
Oct 29, 2021
The brand new Chinatown Storytelling Centre opens next week after 3 years of prep
Curiocity Vancouver
May 25, 2021
Vancouver Chinatown Foundation honours BMO's Tommy Mah
Vancouver Sun
May 31, 2021
Vancouver Chinatown Foundation receives $1M for first-of-its-kind 'immersive space'
Vancouver is Awesome
Aug 28, 2019
Federal government to fund new museum in Vancouver's Chinatown
Daily Hive
We are grateful to celebrate Asian Heritage Month 2022 with our community partners and friends of Chinatown.
Below are articles that mention our May events and initiatives.
May 28, 2022
Chinatowns more vibrant after pandemic, anti-Asian violence
Associated Press
May 20, 2022
Jane Macdougall: The Bookless Club goes in search of Vanishing Vancouver
Vancouver Sun
May 19, 2022
Asian-Canadian artist shares her work for Asian Heritage Month
BCIT
May 15, 2022
Brewery launches new beer; proceeds going to the Chinatown Foundation
Sing Tao Daily
May 3, 2022
Here are 11 events celebrating Asian Heritage Month in Vancouver
Vancouver Is Awesome
May 2, 2022
Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for May
BC Living
May 2, 2022
10 Asian Heritage Month events to check out in Metro Vancouver
Daily Hive
Apr 26, 2022
Press Release
Chinatown Storytelling Centre & Foo Hung Curios
Are you passionate about Chinese Canadian history? Are you interested in helping people of all backgrounds tell their stories? Do you have skills in hospitality and service? We’d love to meet you!
The Chinatown Storytelling Centre owes its success the talent, time, and dedication of our volunteer community. Through a variety of opportunities, we are a place to make positive change and impact in one of Canada’s historic and cultural icons.
