A documentary screening this week in Minden tells the story of Canada’s early Chinese immigrants.
The Minden Hills Cultural Centre (MHCC) will host a free screening of 1997’s Under The Willow Tree this Thursday at 5:00 p.m., to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Robert Wong, Manager of the MHCC, says it details the lives of the first Chinese-Canadian women living in Canada, starting in the 1890s.
“We look at the story of these women struggling and being resilient while trying to integrate into society,” says Wong. “We look into social issues, social status, as well as what they aspire to do in the future. It’s a really educational story for those that want to learn about early Chinese-Canadian history.”
According to Wong, the screening “piggybacks” onto 2023’s 100-year anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which imposed restrictions on Chinese immigration and forced Chinese-Canadians to register themselves with the government. He says he hopes it gives people a better understanding of modern issues through the lens of the past.
“I hope that people can enjoy the film, to learn about a piece of history that is not super well-known to a lot of people,” says Wong. “Also to learn about other different cultures and traditions as well, how people were impacted by former legislation by the Canadian government, and how social values have changed over time.”
Wong says admission is free and suitable for all ages, with light refreshments provided.