In the 1800s the Canadian government enlisted the help of Chinese migrants to complete the Canadian Pacific Railway. 17,000 Chinese pioneers arrived to do this dangerous work. My great great grand uncle was one of these men. He came from ToiSan.
Read MoreIn a historic turn of events, Toronto has elected Olivia Chow as its mayor in the 2023 election. Since former Mayor John Tory was forced to step down due to his affair, the city has seen over a hundred candidates come forward vying for the position to lead the city. Chow ran against Tory back in 2014 and came in third. This time, Chow's victory not only marks a significant milestone for Asian representation in politics but also demonstrates the power and resilience of women leaders and immigrants like her who arrived when she was 13 in search for a brighter future with her family.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe we are in the third calendar year of COVID-19. It’s also hard to believe that the Asian community across North America continues to experience racist, xenophobic hatred because of the continued perception that the pandemic was born in China. But we do.
Read MoreLast week, Mejuri, the category-defining fine jewelry brand, marked a significant milestone by celebrating the opening of its flagship store on 64 Ossington Avenue. The event brought together local entrepreneurs, community members, and VIPs, creating a sense of excitement as Mejuri expands its retail presence.
Read MoreArt reflects our ever-changing culture and has the ability to shift society's values and views. Racism and injustice have been huge topics during the pandemic, especially in the Asian community, where the anti-Asian racism, discrimination and violence in North America became a harsh reminder that we must stand up against hate.
Read More“Help! Someone get some help!”
It was the early days of COVID-19 in Toronto. While much of the city was safely isolating at home and learning to bake sourdough, many people who were homeless and poor were not afforded these same basic luxuries. With nowhere to live, no public spaces open for respite, my colleagues and I worked overtime to provide food, water, bathrooms, and social connection to many. It was in the middle of a community meal when someone found Colin* in his tent… …
Read MoreFete Chinoise had the pleasure of hosting renown lyricist Wing-Him Chan for our Signature Gala and Showcase on Saturday, January 28th along with Yoyo Sham, who was our featured artist and special guest from Hong Kong.
Read MoreOn Saturday, November 26th, 2022, the Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) Foundation hosted its inaugural the Fortune Ball Gala at the Hilton Hotel in Markham. The MSH Foundation aims to promote community pride within the local Chinese-Canadian population and inspire Chinese business and philanthropic leaders to help bring abundant blessings to MSH through their generous contributions, and $550,000 was raised for the Gala!
Read MoreWhen the movie Turning Red came out on Disney+ a few weeks ago, my family was eager to watch it together. First, for obvious family-movie reasons: (1) Pixar, (2) Pandas, and (3) Canada. But superseding those - there was another, deeper motivation. For the first time that I can remember, a major motion picture featured an Asian lead in a family movie. Representation has been a topic that has garnered a lot of chatter in recent years. Recent films like Crazy Rich Asians and Shang-Chi have done a lot to move the awareness of Asian talent — that has always existed — into the mainstream.
Read MoreCanada's largest Asian film festival will take place from November 9th to 20th, 2022, both virtually and in-person. The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival will feature contemporary Asian cinema and work from the Asian diaspora. The festival provides a public forum for media artists of Asian heritage and fuels the growing appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada.
Read MoreToronto, ON. The distinct design language transforms into a second oasis in the urban core of downtown Toronto. Modern Chinese art commands the chi of the University Avenue intersection with The Rising, a large and illustrious sculpture by artist Zhang Huan. At once a dragon and a tree, it extends all the way to the 3rd floor with birds flying into the ceiling of the lobby, extending the outdoor art piece indoors.
Read MoreVancouver, BC. In the drawer of the wooden nightstand, you will find a small blue coloured hardcover book titled The Lost Horizon by James Hilton. The story of the Shangri-La brand is inspired by the one in the book, a mythical utopian lamasery located high in the mountains of Tibet where people do not age and are detached from any woes or worries. In a dream world of beauty, rivers, streams, abundant fruits and thriving nature, there are breathtaking landscapes — beyond the book, this is certainly a fitting description for beautiful and lush Vancouver, where the Shangri-La hotel is nestled.
Read More
