Jeunes Citoyens / Young Citizens

Dylan Vancouver, British Columbia

Fair address: Vancouver Heritage Fair

Project: The Chinese Head Tax, My Family's Struggle in Gold Mountain

My project is a poster that tells you everything you need to know about the Chinese Head Tax and has a few images. I've also written stories of how my family got here to Canada and a section on what I've learned. I also have a video which is a small version of my poster presentation

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing I have learned from this project was that my relatives Came to Canada with nothing but still worked hard. For example, my great grandfather came here with nothing but didn't give up and ends up owning a house in Shaughnessey. Also, my Grandfather on my mom's side of the family had lost everything but still managed to buy a house and raise a family of five.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

After researching this topic I have learned many things. I've learned to appreciate things more after hearing family stories and interviewing relatives. I've also learned from my ancestors that if you work hard enough you can achieve anything. That is what I want Canadians to know.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

My life is way better than my ancestors because now people are no longer racist. Also my Great Grandparents made many sacrifices for me to have a good life. I have many things that they didn't have like more variety of foods and being able to buy things without worrying that you will go bankrupt.

  • Roy Mah

    Great video, Dylan. Your great great grandfather's spirit lives on. Thanks for sharing your family history.
    01-07-2014 10:16:30 AM

  • esther chan

    Good job, Dylan
    01-07-2014 2:34:13 AM

  • Debbie Mariani

    OMG.......That was an amazing presentation! We were very impressed. Great Job Dylan!
    01-07-2014 2:04:40 AM

  • Ed Ho

    It's very rare to find someone as young as you who cares how they gained their rights and privileges. We all live off the backs of those who come before us. You have made your predecessors proud. Good on you, Dylan. Looking forward to watch your progress. Keep up the good work. Ed Ho
    30-06-2014 8:07:36 PM

  • Michelle Jaye

    Super work, Dylan. This is a very articulate and thought-provoking video! You have done an excellent job of capturing your family's experience as new immigrants and have paid tribute to their courage and perseverance. Thank you for sharing your story!
    30-06-2014 3:31:42 PM

  • Gary Regan

    WOW! Thank you for the information Dylan. You gave me a good lesson on the history of the Chinese in Canada. I am proud of what you have done.
    30-06-2014 2:42:31 PM

  • June Tsuyuki

    An excellent video. You are amazing!! I am so impressed with your project.
    30-06-2014 2:23:15 PM

  • Aurora Lee

    Very impressive presentation!
    29-06-2014 7:29:28 PM

  • Anne Dong

    Hi Dylan,

    Thank you for your articulation of what one can achieve when one is an immigrant. You have told the story well.

    My parents came from Canton, China in the 1920's with practically nothing. My mother, who never made more than $4.50 am hour, put all of us through school. My brother went to a private college and went on to dental school. He retired as a dentist at the age of 70 Because she was frugal, courageous and determined, she bought a house and a condo. The last of which she paid cash.

    Keep up the good work of telling the story of the immigrant experience.


    27-06-2014 4:05:50 PM

  • Daphne Kao

    Nice! Keep up the great work.
    26-06-2014 10:56:48 AM

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Project partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage.
  • Canadian Heritage / Patrimoine Canadien
  • Government of Canada
  • HBC: Hudson's Bay Company
  • ecentricarts inc.