Marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War — the largest conflict in human history — this exhibition highlights the experiences of Chinese Canadians on the battlefronts.
When war broke out in 1939, Chinese Canadians were denied full citizenship; with most barred from voting. Initially, the Canadian Armed Forces rejected Chinese recruits, deeming them physically inferior and fearing they would use their service as leverage to demand equal rights at home.
By 1945, Chinese Canadians had gone from being largely excluded in every branch of the Canadian armed forces and in every theatre of war. Upon returning home, they launched a successful fight for civil rights, ultimately securing equal citizenship for all Chinese Canadians.
Through this immersive exhibition, explore the extraordinary stories of the men and women who fought for freedom and justice everywhere—becoming true soldiers for all seasons.
Discover the lives of these Chinese Canadian soldiers through their stories, belongings on display, and immersive audiovisual displays. View rarely-seen photos of their fight in the war, hear personal testimonies of pilots retold by actors, and travel back in time to the 1940s with our interactive displays.
Curatorial Team:
Community Advisor: Catherine Clement | Curatorial Assistant: Naomi Louie | CEO: Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee | Exhibition and Collections Manager: Sarah Ling
Public Art:
Jeanette Lee, Through the Looking Screen (2025)
Government Partners and Presenting Partner:
This exhibition is presented in collaboration with the Chinese Canadian Military Museum.
Where is this exhibition?
Vancouver's Chinatown
51 E Pender St, Vancouver BC V6A 1S9The Chinese Canadian Museum is now permanently at home inside the Wing Sang Building. Originally a two-storey structure built in 1889 by merchant Yip Sang, the Wing Sang Building was later expanded in 1901 and 1912, and remains the oldest building in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
