Unveiling the Untold Stories of Chinese Canadian Soldiers in a New Exhibition

Strategic Insights -

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the Chinese Canadian Museum, in collaboration with the Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society, has unveiled a new military exhibition, "Through the Looking Screen." This powerful exhibition shares the heartfelt and often overlooked stories of Chinese Canadian soldiers who risked their lives to serve a country that regarded them as "second-class" citizens. The exhibition, open to the public on May 14, 2025, is located on the newly expanded and renovated third floor of the Chinese Canadian Museum.

Key Takeaways:

  • The exhibition, "Through the Looking Screen," highlights the powerful stories of Chinese Canadian men and women who served in every branch of the armed forces, despite being denied full citizenship.
  • The exhibition features rare photos, immersive design, and a groundbreaking 3D holobox that lets visitors hear directly from Chinese Canadian actors retelling the powerful experiences of wartime soldiers.
  • The exhibition includes stories of resilience and heroism, such as Albert Mah, a fighter pilot who survived hundreds of perilous missions, and George Chow, who narrowly escaped death during the D-Day invasion.
  • The exhibition is housed in the Chinese Canadian Museum's newly expanded third-floor permanent exhibition space, dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Chinese Canadian war veterans.
  • The exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the Jack and Sylvia Gin Foundation, the Government of Canada, and the Province of British Columbia.
  • The exhibition is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Chinese Canadian soldiers who fought for a country that did not yet recognize them as equals.

Statistics:

  • 80 years have passed since the end of the Second World War.
  • 1947 marked a critical step toward full citizenship and equal rights for Chinese Canadians, with the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act.
  • The exhibition is located in the historic Wing Sang Building in Vancouver Chinatown, the first Chinese museum in Canada.
  • The Chinese Canadian Museum opened to the public in 2023.
  • The exhibition is a collaboration between the Chinese Canadian Museum and the Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society.

Sources:

  • Chinese Canadian Museum
  • Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society
  • Government of Canada
  • Province of British Columbia
  • Jack and Sylvia Gin Foundation