Third book by de facto expert on Chinese Immigration to BC reveals
never-before-told stories relevant to food, politics and national
heritage.
In this long awaited third book, author Lily Chow further explores
Chinese settlement in BC. In the nineteenth century, thousands of
Chinese immigrants arrived in British Columbia to work as labourers.
After the Fraser Gold Rush and the construction of the Canadian Pacific
Railway ended, many Chinese could not afford to return to their home in
China. Blossoms in the Gold Mountains is the story of those that
stayed in BC and settled in the Fraser Canyon, Okanagan and the
Spallumcheen Valley.
The interior of BC was a logical place for many Chinese to settle. There
they could work for farmers, orchardists and ranchers helping to
cultivate and deliver crops to market. Many others set up small
businesses servicing the communities that were developing all over the
province. And as these Chinese communities, known as Chinatowns, became
established more Chinese made the journey to Canada to join their family
members. The immigrants faced racial prejudice and discriminatory
immigration policies. The government restrictions in immigration were
lifted in 1947 but the widespread racism continued for decades.
Despite the challenges and obstacles, the Chinese settlers were
determined to succeed in their new country. Blossoms in the Gold
Mountains is a collection of intriguing personal stories that portray
the experiences and challenges of both the early Chinese settlers and
their descendants. This is a book of human endeavor, not just a record
of history.
