Portrait #45 – Veronica

Veronica a.k.a. ‘Ronnie’ prefers to be ‘behind the scenes’ but somehow often ends up  in the frontlines fighting for human rights

Portrait #44 – Sue

Sue, endearingly called “PoPo” or “Grandma” Sue by those who know her, is a bright light in the community.

Portrait # 43 Elisa

Filmmaker & artist, Elisa talks about the not-so-simple process of unveiling and embracing cultural identity(ies)

Portrait #42 – Marlene

Marlene worries about the violent racism that occurs in the Rupert and Terrace region, she hopes for justice.

Portrait #41 – Joan

Joan has a very positve outlook on life – even when she discusses sexism, classism and agism.

Portrait #40 – Beatrice

As an aboriginal mother, Beatrice experienced discrimination.

Beatrice likes to speak at rallies and enjoyed telling her story as part of the DTES Power of Women Group

Portrait # 39 – Lucinda

*Lucinda was interviewed by Audrey during the MOV/Chinese Canadian Historical Society/DV&P Podcast Workshop

Portrait #38 – Patience

Patience and her family moved to Canada in the mid-90s from Taiwan with dreams of living in the western world

Portrait #37 -Roy

Roy learned about discrimination at a young age and it changed the trajectory of his life in significant and ongoing ways….

A few things of note:

The Celtic Shipyards were located at the southernmost part of Blenheim Street in Vancouver along the Fraser River.

In 1942, Hastings Park was used as a holding area for the Japanese before they were sent to internment camps in interior British Columbia. Located at Hastings and Renfrew Street it is the home of the Pacific National Exhibition and the Racetrack. In 1993 the Momiji Japanese Garden was built to commemorate the internment.

Although the houses at the internment camp in Bay Farm in Slocan BC could possibly house either one family or two – Roy stresses they were indeed VERY small.

The Naturalization Act (from 1915-1951) resulted in a formal contract between the Canadian Government and folks moving to Canada from elsewhere, guaranteeing that once these people swore allegiance to the British sovereign they would be granted the rights of someone born within the British Empire. This contract was broken during the Japanese Internment.

Tonari Gumi is Vancouver’s Japanese Community Volunteer Association

Nissei are second generation Japanese immigrants.

Portrait #36 – Elin

Elin wants to be sure everyone knows that she loves her mom and dad!

Elin’s sister is Vive.

*Elin was interviewed and edited by Celia during the MOV/Chinese Canadian Historical Society/DV&P Podcast Workshop