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Chinese Monument Project
In 1919, over 500 Chinese labourers
came to Prince George, British Columbia, to build the Pacific
Trunk Railway in the region and 83 years later, the city had
a Chinese Canadian population of almost 1,000 people, according
to Statistics Canada. On 4 August 2002, a monument was dedicated
to the legacy of the Chinese forefathers and the memory of many
Chinese Canadians in this region.
"This monument stands
to remind us of our roots," said Chow. "We have an
old saying that a tree cannot live without its roots."
The Chinese Monument commemorates
the contribution of Chinese Canadians to Prince George and surrounding
areas. Early Canadians of Chinese origins provided services by
operating restaurants, laundries and grocery stores, which were
very much needed in the development of the city. They also came
to build the railroad. In later years, Chinese Canadians of different
walks of life settled in Prince George.
The erection of the Monument
was a joint venture between the City of Prince George and the
Chinese community and took a year and a half to complete. The
project was managed by the Prince George Chinese Heritage Preservation
Committee. Lily Chow chaired the Committee and its board members
included: Vicki Peng, Lily Chow, Chandra Wong, Michael Wu, Karry
Chow, Theddaus Lee, Simon Yu and Eddie Kam.
Supporters of the project included
the Chinese Freemasons, the Chinese Benevolent Association, Chee
Duck Tong, the Chinese Student and Professional Association,
Prince George Canada-China Friendship Association, multicultural
organizations, and many individuals and businesses in town.
The dedication ceremony included
greetings from the City of Prince George and from Mr. Lee Yuan
Ming, the Consul General of the People's Republic of China. Wreathes
were laid by several organizations: City of Prince George, Consul
General, Prince George Chinese Benevolent Association, Freemasons
Headquarters of Canada, Dart Coon Chek Headquarters of Canada,
Vancouver Chinese Freemasons, Edmonton Chinese Freemasons, Prince
George Chinese Freemasons, Prince Rupert Chinese Freemasons,
Prince George Chee Duck Tong, Prince George Chinese Student and
Professional Association and the Prince Rupert Chinese Association.
Lions dance troupes from Edmonton
and Vancouver participated in the dedication ceremony. In Chinese
customs and traditions, the lion dance is usually performed at
the beginning of any celebration. The lions will bring good luck
and ward off evil spirits. The lion dance usually begins with
the awakening of the lion, which can be observed with the closing
and opening of the eyes, its yawning and the stretching of limbs
followed by the cleaning of the face with its limbs. The dance
usually ends with the lion being able to capture the vegetable
or evergreen, a symbol of longevity.
The offering of incense at
the ceremony was meant to appease the spirits of the deceased
relatives and friends and offer peace and harmony. The burning
of paper money ensured the spirits have the means to live comfortably
in the other world. |
