Canada turned 140

Turning 140 is an awesome anniversary.  In 2007, we have so far seen saw the following anniversaries:

1947, May 14th – 60th Anniversary of repeal of Chinese Immigration (Exclusion) Act, which had replaced the Head Tax.

1957, June 10th – 50th Anniversary of election of Douglas Jung, first Chinese-Canadian member of parliament

2006, June 22nd, 1st Anniversary of Parliamentary Apology and Redress for Chinese Head Tax.

still coming up is:

1907, Sep 7th – 100th Anniversary of the Anti-Asiatic League riots in Chinatown and Japantown

It's been an incredible year for Chinese Canadians, and hopefully it will continue.  My grandmother is still to receive her ex-gratia payment for being the living spouse of a head tax descendant.

How did I celebrate Canada Day?

We had a dragon boat practice for the Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team, and as our tradition on Jazz Festival weekend, we paddled by David Lam Park to listen to the free music concerts.  Afterwards some of us walked up to 3rd Avenue, where a block party was held between Main St. and Quebec St.  There was lots of multicultural food and entertainment – particularly Latino.

Then… some of us drove out to Surrey BC, to the Cloverdale Fairgrounds to see Ian Tyson on stage for the Canada Day celebrations there.  Wide Mouth Mason and Kim Mitchell also played.

Back to downtown Vancouver to watch the return of Canada Place fireworks.  We walked out to the Harry Jerome Statue in Stanley Park for a good view.  Wow… pretty busy.