The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act

An exhibition that commemorates 100 years since the passing of the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923, known also as the Chinese Exclusion Act in Canada.

The exhibition features hundreds of certificates of identity documents (C.I. certificates) used to track Chinese Canadians during the Chinese Immigration Act – the most ever publicly displayed in an exhibition. The papers also were a constant reminder of a second-class status in Canada.

In partnership with the Chinese Canadian Military Museum and curated by Catherine Clement, this community-sourced exhibition, with a national focus, probes the nature of paperwork and documentation over the contested terrain of history, with a diverse array of families of Chinese descent, from across Canada contributing to the exhibition.

Curator: Catherine Clement

Digital Archive: Paper Trail Collection at UBC Library, Rare Books and Special Collections

Research Room

Looking to find your family’s own paper trail? The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act’s curatorial assistant, Naomi Louie, will be providing research assistance through the Research Room.

Location: Paper Trail - Second Gallery [by the desk]
General hours: Wednesdays, 1:00 - 4:00 P.M.

*Starting Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, the Research Room will also be open on Saturdays from 1:00 - 4:00 P.M.

*The Research Room will be closed on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024

Assistance includes:

• Help find and interpret Chinese Immigration (C.I.) Certificates

• Explore digital archival materials

• Assist in researching Chinese Canadian history

The Research Room has been relocated from the first floor. There is no fee associated with this support.

To schedule a Wednesday appointment or contact for service outside of office hours, email naomi.louie@chinesecanadianmuseum.ca.

To schedule a Saturday appointment, email huabin.zhou@chinesecanadianmuseum.ca

Exhibition Supporters