The Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver has gifted the City of New Westminster with a mosaic commemorating early Chinese immigrants. At a ceremony on Aug. 11, representatives from the association and the city turned out for the unveiling of the mosaic, installed on the southwest corner of Columbia and McKenzie streets.
The title mosaic is of a crane on a pine tree depicted in the ancient Chinese folk art of paper cutting - an art form deemed an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
The crane on the pine tree is a symbol for prosperity, health and longevity, while the pine tree is "known for its unyielding strength, proudly standing amidst the harsh winter snow," according to a media release.
"This spirit of determination parallels those of the early Chinese immigrants who persevered and endured inequalities and other struggles throughout their settlement," stated the release.
The mosaic also features six Chinese characters, which translate to "Cherish the memory of (tribute to) the overseas Chinese pioneers."
The first wave of Chinese immigrants arrived in B.C. in the 1850s, with many settling in New Westminster.
In 1915, the New Westminster Chinese Benevolent Society was established. The society held regular meetings until 1969.
"On September 20, 2010, the City of New Westminster became the first municipality
in Canada to issue a formal apology to the Chinese community for past practices, which contributed to discrimination and exclusion," stated the release.
Larry Wright, The Record / Cherish the memory: The Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver gifted the City of New Westminster with a tile mosaic to commemorate early Chinese immigrants to Canada. The mosaic was unveiled at a ceremony on Sunday at Columbia and McKenzie streets.;
