A Home for Our Stories

The Chinatown Storytelling Centre is a space for our community to take part in the ongoing story of Vancouver’s Chinatown.

Our Mission

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.

Our Purpose

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.

Father & daughter - From the Archive

What we do

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.

Advisory Board

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.

Janet Austin

The Honourable Janet Austin, OBC Lieutenant Governor

Honorary Patron

Ron Burnett

Ron Burnett

Henry Fung

Henry Fung

Photo of Anne Giardini

Anne Giardini

William Hung

William Hung

Evaleen Jaager-Roy

Evaleen Jaager-Roy

Howard Jang

Howard Jang

Karen Lam

Karen Lam

Carol Lee

Carol Lee

Bill Tam

Bill Tam

Marg Vanderberg

Marg Vandenberg

John Yee

John Yee

Wendy Yip

Wendy Yip

Revitalizing Chinatown

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.

Vancouver Chinatown Foundation Logo

Press

We are very grateful for the support and discussions surrounding what we do.
Below are articles that mention the Chinatown Storytelling Centre.

June 29, 2022
Wings Over Canada event
OMNI TV

Apr 14, 2022
Travel News; going down in history
Toronto Star

Jan 21, 2022
Stories of Early Chinese Immigrants
Magazine 26, Fairchild TV

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 5, 2021
Grand Opening Ceremony
Global TV

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

Asian Heritage Month 2022 Press

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.

Interested in Volunteering?

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.

Help us revitalize Chinatown

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