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Filmmaker and philanthropist Jack Gin shares how he traced the life of WWI Private Frederick Lee for his film One of Ours: The Story of Private Fred Lee. Born in Kamloops, died during the Battle of Hill 70, Private Lee was one of the first Canadians of Chinese descent to enlist for a country that did not see him as an equal.
Watch the full video here.
The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) is delighted to invite the public to its annual Oshōgatsu: Japanese New Year Celebration on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission to the festive community event is free, offering families and friends an authentic opportunity to experience the rich cultural traditions of the Japanese New Year.
Oshōgatsu is one of the most significant holidays in Japan. The day is packed with traditional, free activities for all ages:
Kakizome (New Year Calligraphy): Attendees are invited to participate in the traditional first writing of the year, setting their aspirations and resolutions with brush and ink.
Shishimai (Lion Dance): A highlight of the celebration, the thrilling and auspicious performance by Rakuichi is believed to bring good luck for the new year.
Classic Japanese Games: Visitors can challenge themselves with traditional board and card games, including Shogi, Igo, Karuta, and Hanafuda.
Amazake (sweet sake) Making Demonstration & Tasting: Sen Sakamoto of Kintoki Sweets will conduct hourly amazake-making demos including a free tasting.
Traditional Kadomatsu (pine and bamboo) decorations, symbolizing longevity and prosperity, will be on display.
The event will also feature various food and drink vendors, including the Onigiri & Miso Soup Cafe, Yama Cafe (offering Oden and Manju), Tatchan Noodle (Okinawan noodles), and Japadog, providing warm and delicious refreshments.
The Oshōgatsu event is presented in partnership with community organizations, including Gladstone Japanese Language School, Igo Club, Rakuichi Mikoshi Canada, Tonari Gumi, Vancouver Japanese Gardeners' Association, Vancouver Shogi Club, and Wailele Wai Wai.
Event Details:
What: Oshōgatsu: Japanese New Year Celebration
When: Saturday, January 3, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
Coming to an inbox or mailbox near you, the winter edition of British Columbia History magazine features a theme of true crime.
If you are not yet a subscriber, you can purchase single issues from our online store or sign up to receive digital copies of the magazine through ZINIO.
The winter 2025 issue includes:
The issue features guest editor Eve Lazarus, plus we have regular contributions from Front Words columnist Mark Forsythe and books editor Dalys Barney, and Snuneymuxw Titumels William A. White shares teachings on the strength, cleansing, and healing associated with Xpey.
The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) invites the public to celebrate a beloved Japanese year-end tradition at Nikkei Mochitsuki 2025 on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Admission is free.
The annual event, presented in collaboration with the Vancouver Japanese Gardeners Association and the NNMCC Auxiliary, offers a delightful cultural experience for all ages.
Event Highlights Include:
Mochi Pounding Demonstration & Public Experience: Watch the traditional process of transforming steamed glutinous rice into soft mochi using an usu (mortar) and kine (mallets), followed by a chance for the public to try pounding their own mochi. The demonstration by the Vancouver Japanese Gardeners Association begins around 11:15 am.
Fresh and Frozen Mochi Sales: The NNMCC Auxiliary will be selling fresh, handmade mochi available to eat on-site with traditional sweet and savory condiments, as well as frozen mochi to take home.
Stage Performances: Enjoy performances throughout the day, including:
11:00 am: Chibi Taiko
12:30 pm: Satsuki-Kai Dance
2:00 pm: Vancouver Okinawa Taiko
Food and Drink Vendors: A wide selection of popular local vendors will be on-site from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, including MÜKASI COFFEE & CO., JAPADOG, Tatchan Noodle, Japanese Crepe SASUKE, and several Japanese bakeries and food stands.
When: Monday, December 29, 2025, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC (walk or bus from Edmonds Sky Train station)
Admission: Free
A man who was on the board of the Nelson Museum for more than 50 years has been posthumously awarded the city's heritage award. Alan Ramsden, who died in 2021, was recognized for exemplifying "leadership, passion and long-term vision."
Read more at mynelsonnow.com.
On November 15, 2025, the Mayor and Council issued an official apology for Burnaby’s historic discrimination against people of Chinese descent.
For more than 50 years, from 1892 to 1947, the District Municipality of Burnaby enforced policies and practices that discriminated against people of Chinese descent living, working, and operating businesses in the community. The Municipality also advocated for senior levels of government to introduce regulations targeting this group.
This formal apology reflects the City’s commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming Burnaby for everyone. Alongside the apology, the City is taking meaningful steps to address the legacies of this historic discrimination.
Read the full apology here.
Heritage BC's 2025 Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) intake closed on August 15, 2025 and received 92 complete applications totalling $1.8 million in funding requests. The applications showcased the incredible breadth of heritage work happening across the province. Applicants submitted 39 Heritage Conservation proposals, 9 Heritage Planning initiatives, 27 Heritage Awareness projects, and 17 Indigenous Partnership projects.
Following adjudication by volunteer panels of heritage professionals, 30 outstanding projects were recommended for support. Heritage BC is proud to award an all-time high of $494,475, supporting 11 Heritage Conservation projects, 4 Heritage Planning initiatives, 10 Heritage Awareness projects, and 5 Indigenous Partnership projects.
See the full list of recipients here.
Listen to a special Remembrance Day interview on CBC On The Coast with Gloria Macarenko.
Gloria interviews BCHF President Sarah Ling and BCHF Director/Larry Kwong's Biographer Chad Soon about the contributions of Chinese Canadians in the Second World War.
Listen here.
"Stewards of Our Stories" opens November 12 at the Amelia Douglas Institute! This original exhibition explores Métis-led cultural stewardship and celebrates historical Métis material arts.
Stewards of Our Stories features items on loan from Heritage Services, City of Surrey, presented alongside objects from the Amelia Douglas Institute’s own collection. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore beautifully decorated bags and pouches, intricately beaded housewares, vibrantly embroidered moccasins, and other items that reflect the knowledge, skill, and resilience of the Métis people who made them.
This exhibition celebrates the chance to share these items in a Métis-led space. Their presence at the Amelia Douglas Institute means they can be seen, valued, and understood in the context of Métis ways of knowing. Stewards of Our Stories traces the different journeys Métis objects have taken and highlights how Métis people are reconnecting with their heritage through community-led care of heritage objects.
As the centre for Métis culture and language resources in BC, the Amelia Douglas Institute proudly features rotating exhibitions and a permanent display of Métis art in their Surrey showroom.
Exhibition Dates: November 12, 2025 – May 1, 2026 Admission: $5, free for Indigenous guests Book your visit today: ameliadouglasinstitute.ca
The Oliver & District Heritage Society will host a special Remembrance Tour at the Oliver Cemetery on November 8th at 11 am to honour and pay tribute to Oliver's veterans.
Pre-registration is required, please contact curator@oliverheritage.ca to sign up. This program is FREE to attend.
British Columbia Historical FederationPO Box 448, Fort Langley, BC, Canada, V1M 2R7Information: info@bchistory.ca
With gratitude, the BCHF acknowledges that it carries out its work on the traditional territories of Indigenous nations throughout British Columbia.
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