"Chinatowns of Canada" with Dr. David Chuenyan Lai

Sunday, April 30, 2017 5:45 PM

Golden City Restaurant

721 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC

On Fisgard Street between Blanshard and Douglas

Did you know that Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada (& the 2nd oldest in North America)? A vibrant part of our downtown, Chinatown is rich in historic, social and cultural value. At one time, however, it was considered for demolition!

In 1979, Dr. David Chuenyan Lai, a believer in the importance of recognizing Canada’s Chinese heritage, wrote a report for the City of Victoria. Thankfully, the city agreed with him: Chinatown should be restored, not destroyed! It’s been said that: “If a single individual should get credited for saving Chinatown, it's Dr. Lai."

On Sunday, April 30th, it is our great honour to have the distinguished Dr. David Chuenyan Lai speak, not only on our own Chinatown here in Victoria, but also on the Chinatowns of Canada. We hope you will join us.

Dr. Lai was an active member of our Association (the Victoria Canada-China Friendship Association) in the 1970s. He taught geography at the University of Victoria for 35 years before retiring in 2003 as Professor Emeritus. He has received upwards of 50 awards and honours for teaching excellence, scholarship and community service. Included are the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 (at Government House in Victoria, pictured above), the Gabrielle Legar Award of the Heritage Canada Foundation and the Heritage Award of the British Columbia government. In addition, Dr. Lai is an honorary citizen of the City of Victoria and a Member of the Order of Canada.

EVENT PARTICULARS:

Visitors, members and new members are always welcome at our dinners.

Cost for the dinner:

Members: $22; Non-Members: $25; Full-time Students: $15

Cash or cheque only, please.

RSVP

Please Email Carol to charlebois721@gmail.com by Thurs, April 27 at latest, if possible.

Membership in the VCCFA:

For those interested in membership in the VCCFA (Victoria Canada-China Friendship Association), the fee for an individual is $15/year, or for a family $20/year.

Typically we meet on the last Sunday evening of the month from January-June, then from September-November. Our members range from about 12 years of age to 90.