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Roy Mah memorial service – A Celebration of a life well lived for both country and community

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Roy Mah memorial service
– A Celebration of a life well lived for both country and community


Roy Quock Quon Mah
1918 – July 22, 2007

A bagpiper led the procession of war veterans into the David Lam Hall at Vancouver's Chinese Cultural Centre.  They were all friends and fellow veterans of Sgt. Roy Mah O.B.C., WW2 veteran, founder of Chinatown News, and a strong community leader throughout his life.  During the memorial service, we would be reminded of the many contributions he made to not only Canada, but also his community in Vancouver.

Gary Mar presided over the ceremonies with Fred Mah translating into Chinese.  Gary's father and Roy Mah were cousins.  Gary is now MLA in Alberta.  Fred Mah is a long-time friend of Roy Mah (no relation), and now serves as chair of the Chinatown Re-vitalization Committee's Arts sub-committee.

Wesley Lowe, padre for Chinese Canadian Veterans Pacific Unit 280, helped to begin the program by leading the singing of O Canada.  He then followed with stories about visiting Roy in his apartment over the last few months, and helping Roy to prepare for the transition to the next life that he knew was coming.  Wesley shared with the audience that Roy Mah, found peace with Christianity and was baptized in the days preceding his death.

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) was introduced, and while Kenney admitted that he never met Roy personally, he knew him by reputation.  Kenney then spoke about Roy's amazing contributions to Canada, emphasizing that as a young man, Roy led Chinese-Canadians to enlist to fight for Canada as the arguement that eventually they would prove themselves for deserving the francise to vote in the land they were born in.

BC Premier Gordon Campbell was unable to attend, but Richard Lee MLA, took to the stage to speak about Roy's importance to the community. Lee emphasized how Roy Mah helped to pave the way for Canada's multiculturalism that we take for granted today.

There were no City of Vancouver representitves from council as it was an in-council day for them.  But earlier this week, they had proclaimed July 12th to be “Roy Mah Day” in the City of Vancouver.  The proclamation was read to the audience.

Three years ago, Roy Mah's niece Ramona Mar interviewed him for a video project for Canadian Veterans Affairs, which resulted in the video and website titled Heroes Remember. The Roy Mah interview is titled Roy Mah – pillar of the community.  For the memorial service a special 12 minute “director's cut” was prepared by the video produce Claudia Ferris.

My architect cousin Joe Wai, next takes the stage and talks about how Roy was instrumental in forming the vision for building the Chinese Cultural Centre as a social organization, and also for the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens.  Roy was founding directors for both organizations.

Dr. Wallace Chung, was chair of the Chinese Cultural Centre, when the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens and the CCC David Lam Hall both opened in 1986.  Dr. Chung talked about growing up in Victoria where Roy Mah was always a leader in any group he was in – even in elementary and high school.

Col. Howe Lee told how Sgt. Roy Mah was in charge of soldiers during WW2.  Chinese weren't allowed to be officers back then. An officer with the same responsibilities that Sgt. Roy Mah had would have been a Captain or a Major.  As a military send-off, Col. Lee promoted Roy Mah from sergeant to major, and told him that his orders were to report to the Angel Guard, where he would receive his new equipment of one harp, and two wings – one left, one right.  It was a touching moment, and there were tears in many people's eyes.

To close the service, a trumpet player played Reville.  Padre Wesley Lowe led the singing of God Save the Queen. And the bag piper played a lament as the members and friends of Pacific Unit 280 walked out of the hall, in tribute to their dear friend and comrade – Roy Mah.

It was an amazing service.  And in recalling the events, there are still tears in my eyes.  They are happy tears.  My own contacts with Roy were late in his life, really beginning after as part of Asian Canadian Writer's Workshop, we honoured Roy with the inaugural ACWW Community Builder's Award.  After this whenever he would walk into the Vancouver Public Library and see me at the information desk, he would also come over for a short chat.  As a child I remember looking through issues of Chinatown News and being excited at recognizing anybody I knew in the stories or pictures – never thinking that I would one day be on the cover in 1993, after I received the SFU Terry Fox Gold Medal. Prior to that I had written some theatre reviews about Rosie's Cafe and Cats for Chinatown News during the 1980's. Now I am going to have to find that issue and scan it into this website.

During the following reception it was great to talk with so many people who all were touched by Roy's legacy.  It both warms me deeply and inspires me, to know that so many of these people are my friends and family.  From the moment I walked into the David Lam Hall today, it felt good to say hello to so many people and friends I respect and admire, such as Professor Edgar Wickberg, my cousins Joe and Hayne Wai, former city councillors Ellen Woodsworth and Tung Chan, Larry Wong, Wesley Lowe, Bev Nann, Gordy Mark, Faye Leung… so many people.

My grand-uncle Victor Wong and his fellow veterans had travelled from Victoria to attend the service.  Immediately they started talking about the GENERATIONS: The Chan Legacy tv documentary that had featured Uncle Victor and myself as descendants of Rev. Chan Yu Tan.  It felt good to know that his friends and family really enjoyed the documentary.  And it also felt good to know that in the documentary Uncle Victor had acknowledged the work of Roy Mah for lobbying politicians to give the franchise vote to Canadians of Chinese descent.

We even had 3 present paddlers from the Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team at the memorial service: myself, Art Calderwood and Steven Wong.  Former paddler Elwin Xie was there, and former 2005 honourary drummer Ellen Woodsworth and former 2002 honourary steersperson Joe Wai. Art and I had a good chat about the Chinatown News issues that featured our photos on the cover.  Art appeared on the cover after he had won a national junior tennis tournament at age 16. He soon started receiving invitations to compete in Chinese community tennis tournaments in California, New York and elsewhere.  Such was the wide spread influence of Roy Mah's Chinatown News Magazine.

Now in Roy Mah's Chinatown News tradition, I present pictures from the event.  The social highlight of the week!


Todd Wong with uncles James Wong, Gilbert Wong and father Bill Wong – photo cousin Hayne Wai/Todd's camera.  My Uncle James is also a WW2  veteran, but he didn't serve with Roy Mah in Unit 136 for Operation Oblivion, as my grand-uncle Victor Wong did in Burma.  Uncle James and his group were sent to Australia, to work their way up the Australiasian archipelago.  He lives in Edmonton, and just happened to come into town this week, and was able to attend Roy's memorial service.


Lt. Cmdr. King Wan, Gary Mar, Fred Mah, Col. Howe Lee – photo Todd Wong
I took a picture of Col. King Wan, Gary Mar, Fred Mah and Col.
Howe Lee – making carefully sure that the OBC picture of Roy Mah was
right in the middle with them….



Lt.Cmdr. King Wan, Todd Wong, Wendy Yuan, Gary Mar, Fred Mah, Col. Howe Lee, Daniel Lee, Ed Lee – photo Claudia Ferris on Todd's camera. After I took the first picture,  other people liked the idea of having their picture taken in front of  Roy's picture.  Oh, wait… I invited them all to be in this picture with me!  My grand-uncle Dan, and Ed Lee were good friends of Roy Mah.  I wanted to make sure they were in this picture.


Todd Wong with father Bill Wong, Lim Lee and daughter Carol Lee @ Roy Mah memorial service
Todd
and Carol both volunteered on the Saltwater City Planning committee
with Ramona Mar.  On opening night Bill Wong introduced his son Todd to
Lim Lee, saying they were related somewhere back in China (Auntie Rose
says that Lim's grandfather and Bill's grandfather were cousins).  Todd
took a picture from Saltwater City opening night with Bill Wong and Lim
Wong leaning on an old car.  That was 21 years ago.


Tung Chan, Colleen Leung, Todd Wong – photo Todd Wong collection
Tung came over to say hi to Todd,
and then discovered his old friend Colleen.  Tung said he really liked the
GENERATIONS: The Chan Legacy tv documentary.  Colleen is also a film-maker and free-lance journalist, but while she had heard about the show, she hadn't seen it yet.  We had a good chat about the importance of encouraging Chinatown pioneer families to share their stories and photographs, using our mutual friend Shirley Chan and the program Mother Tongue as an example.  Colleen wrote the story about Roy Mah's “90th Birthday” celebration for the Globe & Mail.


Tung Chan, Sid Tan, Richard Lee @ Roy Mah memorial service – photo Todd Wong
All of these three men were featured along with Roy Mah as part of the Vancouver Sun's Oct 22,2006 list of 100 most influential Chinese Canadians.  Each was there to acknowledge the life and achievements of Roy Mah.


Chinese Canadian veterans came from Victoria for Roy Mah memorial
service. Todd Wong (far right) stands beside his grand-uncle Victor
Wong.  Both Todd and Uncle Victor were featured in the CBC Newsworld documentary “Generations: The Chan Legacy”

 
Arthur Calderwood (son of Douglas Jung) meets Wayne Mah (son of Roy Mah) introduced by Wesley Lowe – photo Todd Wong. Wes introduced Art and Wayne to each other saying that they both had
famous fathers.  Art is Douglas Jung's son, while
Wayne is Roy Mah's son.  They are standing in front of a display
celebrating the 50th anniversary of Douglas Jung's 1957 election to
Canadian Parliament, at the Chinese Canadian Military Museum – where
everybody was invited following the Roy Mah memorial service, which
Wesley presided over as pastor.


Roy Mah display at Chinese Canadian Military Museum – photo Todd Wong

Today is Roy Mah Day… memorial service is 2pm at Chinese Cultural Centre

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Today is Roy Mah Day… 
memorial service is 2pm at Chinese Cultural Centre

Roy Mah on May 12th, at the 60th Anniversary Dinner for Canadian Citizenship, organized by Pacific Unit 280 – the Chinese Canadian veterans.  I am standing with my friends Gloria Leung, Claudia Ferris and Ramona Mar who all worked on the Chinese Canadian Military Museum dvd “Heroes Remembered.”  Ramona is Roy's niece, and we are joined by Roy's wife Lynne. – photo Todd Wong Colleciton

It's great that Roy has been receiving so much attention in this last
year of his life. Stories in the G&M, Vancouver Sun and Georgia
Straight.

In 2002, we had a great story in the Vancouver Sun when the Asian
Canadian writer's Workshop awarded Roy the inaugural ACWW Community
Builder's Award. The following year Roy received the Order of BC.

Roy is truly a Canadian hero… no longer just a “Chinese-Canadian hero.”  In the CBC documentary, GENERATIONS: The Chan Legacy, my grand-uncle Victor Wong, acknowledged the importance of Roy's lobbying efforts to help gain the franchise for voting rights and citizenship for Canadian born of Chinese ancestry in Canada.

Chinese-Canadian history is finally being intergrated with Canadian
history – no longer separated as “ethnic media.” And Roy had a lot to
do with this… as a founding member of the BC Ethnic Press.

Roy Mah Day proclamation

At July 10th's Vancouver City Council meeting, Mayor Sam Sullivan declared July 12, 2007 as “Roy Mah Day” in the City of Vancouver. The following is a copy of the Proclamation:

“ROY MAH DAY”

WHEREAS
Mr. Roy Quock Quon Mah, born on March 29, 1919, received the Order of
British Columbia in 2003, passed away gently in Vancouver, BC on June
22, 2007; and

AND WHEREAS Mr. Roy Mah urged fellow Chinese Canadians
to join him in volunteering for service in WWII with the hopes of
winning a vote for his community and was awarded the 1939-45 Star, the
War Medal, the Burma Star and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal; and

AND
WHEREAS Mr. Roy Mah was instrumental in lobbying Ottawa to grant the
vote to all Chinese Canadians and triumphantly voted for the first time
when he was 30 years old; and

AND WHEREAS Mr. Roy Mah founded
and published for 42 years the Chinatown News which became the most
influential English language magazine on the life of Chinese in North
America; and

AND WHEREAS A celebration of Mr. Roy Mah’s
remarkable life and contributions that helped transform Canada into a
multilingual and multicultural society will be held at the Chinese
Cultural Centre on July 12, 2007:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Samuel Sullivan, Mayor of the City of Vancouver, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM Thursday, July 12th, 2007 as

“ROY MAH DAY”

in the City of Vancouver.

Samuel C. Sullivan,

MAYOR

Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas “Haida Manga Guy” opens show at Museum of Anthropology

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Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas “Haida Manga Guy” opens show at Museum of Anthropology

Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas

Multi-site installation, July 10 – December 31, 2007

July 10, 2007 – December 31, 2007.
Opening Reception Tuesday, July 10, 2007,
7:00 pm (free; everyone welcome).

Every Tuesday the Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team turns into the Gung Haggis Social and Foodie Club.  This Tuesday I have suggested we go to the Museum of Anthropology for a truly unique event.

I saw a post card for the event: titled Meddling in the Museum, and right away I
zoom in on the words “Live music and refreshments to follow, “tailgate
style.”  I said to myself, “Gotta go!”

I first met Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas when I introduced him at the Word On the Street Festival a few years ago at Library Square.  He was reading from his Haida Manga book.  and I held the book up and turned the pages so the audience could see the incredible drawings.  Michael was touched by this gesture, and warmly signed my copy of his book.

This new show features installations at the Museum of Anthropology. Michael has collected argillite
dust from all his fellow carvers and used it to create an “argillite
paint” which was used to cover a Pontiac Firefly car (“Pedal to the Meddle”), upon which more
uniquely Yahgulanaas artwork was painted.  It sounds inspirationally
crazy – just like Michael.

There is also a pop-culture take on First Nations style copper shields – but realized from the car hoods (“Coppers from the Hood”),.  

The July 10 opening will take place on the Museum
grounds, with a picnic and music by THREE local bands: The Byrd Sisters; Jamie Thomson and the Culturally Modified; and Sister Says.

The Bryd Sisters are three Haida women who have joined
together as sisters and, like their bird-relatives, share a love of
singing and drumming. The Bryd Sisters are Itlqujatqut’aas,
Lori Davis (Dadens Ravens, yahgu janaas), Guulangwas, Jacqueline Hans
(Skidegate Eagles, Gidins, Naa-Ewans Xyadaga), and Gid7ahl-gudsllay,
Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson (Skedans Ravens, gak’yaals kiigawaay).

Check out the story in the Georgia Straight: 
Re Collecting The Coast

Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, shown with one of his new auto-part-based sculptures, fuses pop and Haida cultures. Alex Waterhouse-Hayward photo.

Michael
Nicoll Yahgulanaas, shown with one of his new auto-part-based
sculptures, fuses pop and Haida cultures. Alex Waterhouse-Hayward photo.
Famed for his Haida manga, artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas reframes the Museum of Anthropology’s view of First Nations.
The
man who invented Haida manga is standing in an improvised studio at the
UBC Museum of Anthropology. Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas is positioned
between his sculptural works in progress–two large, copper-coated
“shields”, which he will install outside MOA's front doors–talking
about meeting places, middle places, and margins. “I'm trying to play
the edge between the neighbourhoods,” he says, indicating the way the
interface between First Nations and colonial culture has shaped his
current project–and his life. “I grew up that way. I was the only
pale-looking Haida in the whole village…the only green-eyed,
light-haired kid.” Born in Prince Rupert and raised in Del­katla, on
Haida Gwaii (he added the Haida name of his mother's family to his
Anglo surname), he has witnessed and experienced social inequities
based solely on appearance. “I'm always very conscious of the edge,” he
says.

His dual careers reflect that consciousness. After briefly studying art
in Vancouver in the mid-1970s, Yahgulanaas returned to Haida Gwaii (he added the Haida name of his mother's family to his Anglo
surname), he has witnessed and experienced social inequities based
solely on appearance. “I'm always very conscious of the edge,” he says.

His
dual careers reflect that consciousness. After briefly studying art in
Vancouver in the mid-1970s, Yahgulanaas returned to Haida Gwaii to
assist acclaimed painter, carver, and printmaker Robert Davidson on a
significant totem-pole commission. While occasionally participating in
other such projects, he spent much of the 1980s and '90s dedicated to
public service and political activism. For a period, he was an elected
chief councillor for the Haida, and he also sat on numerous committees,
negotiating jurisdictional disputes between the Haida and various
levels of government. “I was working with other people in the community
on issues related to the land, social justice, offshore oil, and gas
transport, these sorts of things,” he says. By 2000, however, he felt
he could return full-time to his art-making. “What's really good about
it is that the art is informed by that experience,” he says. “The
exploration of the edge.”

Yahgulanaas began creating pop-graphic
narratives, riffing on traditional Haida stories and painting
techniques, and quickly developed the distinctive art form for which he
is most widely known. “I started off trying to do comic books because
comic books are about accessibility,” he says. Karen Duffek, MOA's
curator of contemporary visual arts, adds, “Michael brings together his
own version of the language and imagery of Haida painting with the
mass-circulation and graphic aspects of Japanese manga.” A
tricksterlike sense of humour contributes to his work's appeal, Duffek
observes. Yahgulanaas's books include A Tale of Two Shamans , The Last Voyage of the Black Ship , and Hachidori , a bestseller in Japan.

check out the rest of this Georgia Straight story:
http://www.straight.com/article-98050/re-collecting-the-coast

Generations on CBC Newsworld. The Chan Legacy plays 5 times

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Generations on CBC Newsworld. 
The Chan Legacy plays 5 times

The Chan Legacy is the lead episode in the new documentary series Generations on CBC Newsworld.  It has played a total of 5 times.  But only the 1st and 2nd times were listed correctly on the www.cbc.ca/documentaries/generations website.  I had trouble finding listings on the www.cbc.ca/newsworld program listings.

Feedback has been very positive.  Family members are very proud.  Friends are very supportive.  Historians are enthusiastic. Strangers are thrilled.

The series is supposed to repeat on July 29th and is listed on the Generations website – but not the CBC Newsworld program listings.  Let's keep our fingers crossed.

I am looking forward to seeing the other Generations stories. 
The Blairs of Quebec begins on Wednesday July 11th.
The McCurdy Birthright begins on Wednesday July 18th
The Crowfoot Dynasty begins on Wednesday July 25th

July 4th Wednesday

  7:00 p.m. Generations: The Chan Legacy
– Missionaries from China come to the West Coast help Westernize Chinese immigrant workers in the late 1800's.		 Generations: The Chan Legacy

July 4th Wednesday

  10:00 p.m. Generations: The Chan Legacy
– Missionaries from China come to the West Coast help Westernize Chinese immigrant workers in the late 1800's.		 Generations: The Chan Legacy

July 6th Friday

  1:00 a.m. Generations: The Chan Legacy
– Missionaries from China come to the West Coast help Westernize Chinese immigrant workers in the late 1800's.		 Generations: The Chan Legacy

July 8th Sunday

  7:00 a.m. Generations: The Chan Legacy
– Missionaries from China come to the West Coast help Westernize Chinese immigrant workers in the late 1800's.		 Generations: The Chan Legacy

July 9th, Monday

  12:00 a.m. Generations: The Chan Legacy
– Missionaries from China come to the West Coast help Westernize Chinese immigrant workers in the late 1800's.		 Generations: The Chan Legacy

Other upcoming Generations episodes
July 11th, Wednesday

7:00 p.m. Generations: The Blairs of Quebec
– An Anglophone family with 250 years of history in Quebec City struggles to maintain it's heritage.		 Generations: The Blairs of Quebec

July 18th, Wednesday

7:00 p.m. Generations: The McCurdy Birthright
– From the Underground Railroad to the House of Commons, one of the oldest Black families built a civil rights legacy.		 Generations: The McCurdy Birthright

July 25th, Wednesday

7:00 p.m. Generations: 100 Years in Crowfoot
– The Crowfoot Dynasty: The descendants of a great Chief continue a
legacy of Native leadership through seven generations.		 Generations: 100 Years in Crowfoot

Where was GENERATIONS: The Chan Legacy on CBC Newsworld at 10am PST

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Where was GENERATIONS: The Chan Legacy on CBC Newsworld at 10am PST

I received a number of e-mails this morning asking this very question?

The http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/generations/ website listed 10am EST/PST but evidently only broadcast at 10am EST (7am PST)

I have sent notice to the Generations executive producer.
looks like different branches of CBC (Newsworld and documentaries aren't talking to each other).

I have both video and dvd – and will try to arrange for a public /family viewing at a restaurant if possible.

In the meantime – please check http://www.cbc.ca/programguide

The Chan Legacy is next set to air on July 29th, Sunday, 7pm EST (which means 4pm PST).

Happy Birthday James Erlandsen! – leukemia patient turns 24 – still looking for bone marrow match

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Happy Birthday James Erlandsen!
Leukemia patient turns 24 – still looking for bone marrow match


James Erlandsen wears a brand new panama hat given to him by the Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team.  His girlfriend Leah smiles with him.  photo – Bev Wong

James Erlandsen turned 24 years old today – July 7, 2007.

We were honoured to attend a birthday dinner dinner on Friday Night for James.  In February James was diagnosed with accute lymphocytic leukemia, a rare type of leukemia where the outcome is often death in weeks or months.  James was all smiles and good spirits at the dinner which was arranged on about 24 hours notice.  It is difficult to plan things in advance because of the fatigue, and depression which takes its toll on Jaime, from both the disease and the chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

On Sunday, Jaime is returning to the hospital for outpatient chemotherapy.  Earlier this year we named James our honourary drummer for Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team.  He tells me he is looking forward to coming out to paddle on the dragon boat team later this summer. Earlier in June, the dragon boat team bought a panama hat for him to help protect his head – now bald from the chemotherapy treatments that kill off all fast growing cells.  When I had cancer in 1989 – my favorite hat was a panama, so I wanted to make sure that James had a real cool hat!

I first became aware of Jamie's health challenge when his cousin Aynsley Meldrum contacted me asking for help and searching for Eurasian donors as a Bone Marrow transplant is needed for James Lee Erlandsen.  James' accute lymphocytic leukemia is rare, and he has no siblings.  The best chance of a match would be from somebody of mixed Eurasian ethnicity. 

I was amazed to discover that James' story was very close to my own cancer story.  We both had gone to Carson Graham Secondary School in North Vancouver.  We were both students at Simon Fraser University when our cancer and leukemia was discovered.  Our cancer and leukemia types were rare.

August 25th is set for a blood donor drive for James.  Please come and donate your blood.  Hopefully Eurasian donors can be identified for a possible match for a bone marrow donor. 

Saturday, August 25th
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Oak
Street Clinic in Vancouver
4750 Oak St, between 31st and 32nd.
 
It only takes about ten minutes to donate blood,
but the entire process (administration, etc.) will take about an hour. 
We'll have food, so people can stick around afterward and make a bit of a party
out of it.
 
If you or anyone you know would like to sign up,
please contact James's aunt, Bev, at bev_wong@shaw.ca or
604-921-9618.
 
Those interested in signing up will need to provide
their:
Name
Email Address
Phone Number
Date of Birth
Donor Number (for those who are
already registered with Canadian Blood Services)
Preferrred Half-Hour Increment Time
Slot (e.g. 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm)
 
In order to donate, individuals must be between
ages 17-71 (17-61 for first-time donors), and weigh at least 110 lbs.  They
must be free of any illness, and not have had dental work for 3 days prior to
donation, or any tattoos or piercings in the 6 months prior to
donation.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions. 
(There is additional information available on Canadian Blood Services' website:
www.blood.ca)


More information to follow up soon.  check out related stories and news articles below.

www.gunghaggisfatchoy.com: James Erlandsen: 2007 honourary drummer for Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team

www.gunghaggisfatchoy.com: Bone Marrow transplant needed for James Lee Erlandsen… searching for Eurasian donors

Check out the Vancouver Sun article by Pamela Fayerman:
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=290ad3fb-ca5b-47df-adfb-d124170772c4&k=7392

Check out stories in Georgia Straight New Blog:
http://www.straight.com/article-91085/young-eurasian-man-urgently-needs-bone-marrow-donor

Simon Fraser University “The Peak” student newspaper:
http://www.peak.sfu.ca/the-peak/2007-2/issue5/Peak2007-2_5.pdf

Check out stories in Ming Pao

http://www.mingpaovan.com/htm/News/20070508/vae1h.htm

VACT's “Cowboy Versus Samaurai” is their new theatre production – now moved to Firehall Arts Centre

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VACT's “Cowboy Versus Samaurai” is their new theatre production – now moved to Firehall Arts Centre

Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre has been creating exciting Asian-Canadian Theatre with both original works such as the annual Sketch-Off / Asian Comedy Night productions, and also adapted works such as the theatrical serial productions “Sex In Vancouver.”  They are now gearing up for “Cowbody Versus Samaurai” which promises to play on iconic cultural  stereotypes, as well as racial stereotypes.

This looks like another fun and culturally stimulating VACT production.  Cowboy Versus Samaurai is a multicultural re-telling of the Cyrano de Bergerac story, that was retold and reset in Nelson BC, in the Steve Martin movie “Roxanne.”  This time prepare for a Western setting of Wyoming – complete with cowboys and samaurais. I will be writing a review from the opening night performance.  Check out the following press releases, and check out the website www.vact.ca
– Todd

VANCOUVER,
BC (June 6, 2007) – Vancouver Asian Canadian
Theatre (VACT) now in its eigth season
continues its run as Western Canada’s only theatre group devoted solely to
staging cultural stories focusing on the modern Asian experience in North
America with its new production of L.A. playwright Michael Golamco’s award-winning play, COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI . Named as one of the best plays of
2006 by new playwrights, this savagely funny play has been a hit with all
audiences in New York, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Paul, and now for its
Canadian premiere, Vancouver. Tickets
are on sale now through the VACT.CA website and all performances are held at the
Firehall Arts Centre from

COWBOY
VERSUS SAMURAI is a humourous and often-moving retelling of Edmond Rostand’s CYRANO DE BERGERAC set in a dusty town in Wyoming. Travis
is of Korean-heritage and the high school’s English teacher. He falls
immediately for the new biology teacher, the gorgeous Veronica
who also happens to be the only Asian woman in town. While Cyrano’s nose is the
source of his self-doubt towards romance, Travis’ self-doubt comes from his
being Asian and is further compounded by Veronica’s preference for “white guys”
– in particular, Travis’ friend, Del ,
the handsome but dim-witted phys ed teacher. However, Travis’ admiration for the
white Del is tested by Chester ,
a crazy militant Asian who forces him to consider his Asian roots. Travis’
conflicts with his own identity collide as he tries to choose – between being
the cowboy or the samurai.

COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI is directed by Josette Jorge , as she becomes the first female
director in VACT’s history. “She directed a
staging of David Henry Hwang’s BONDAGE earlier in the year, and I thought it was
far and away the best version of that play that I’d ever seen,” says Joyce Lam, VACT President and Founder.
“Josette is a young, exciting director and
we think she’s extremely talented. We’re very thrilled to be working with her.” And in VACT’s continuing role as a
developer of new and emerging talent, COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI will introduce
newcomers to the VACT universe: Marc
Arboleda (Travis), Lissa Neptuno (Veronica), Ryan Swanson (Del) and Minh Ly
(Chester). Also, Susan Miyagishima returns to VACT as stage
manager and Joyce Lam produces.

For more information
please visit http://www.vact.ca .

MEDIA RELEASE – For Immediate Release


VACT moves COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI play to Firehall Theatre to avoid possible civic strike
*Cowboy Versus Samurai July 20 – August 3, 2007

VANCOUVER, BC (July 4, 2007) – Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre (VACT) has decided to move its upcoming new production of
COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI to the Firehall Arts Centre to avoid any possible cancellations due to a pending civic strike
by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 391. The play had been originally booked into the city-run Roundhouse Performance Centre beginning July
10. “We've been hearing about a possible July 9th strike-date, and if that happens, we would be shut out of our theatre,” says VACT president and founder, Joyce Lam.
“We're so glad that the Firehall have come to our rescue to allow this production to continue.” With the change of venues, the new performance dates are now set for July 20 through August 3.
“We're
now rushing to inform all of our advanced ticket buyers and the general
public of these changes. Please check our website, www.vact.ca,” says Lam. [more…]
—————————————–—————————————–

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Due
to the impending city-wide Vancouver civic workers strike looming,
Cowboy Versus Samurai's location and show dates have changed. Please
make note on your calendars and feel free to contact VACT if you have
any questions.

UPDATED SHOW DATES: July 20 – August 3, 2007
NEW LOCATION:
Firehall Arts Centre, 280 East Cordova Street

*All
tickets previously purchased for Cowboy Versus Samurai at the
Roundhouse will be fully refunded or exchanged. Our apologies for any
inconvenience.

More comments about GENERATIONS: The Chan Legacy

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More comments about GENERATIONS: The Chan Legacy

Generations is a 6 part series and the lead installment is The Chan Legacy –
which is about my great-great-grandfather Rev. Chan Yu Tan, and our
family descendants who are committed to community service – like me! 
The episodes of the series are:

100 Years in Saskatchewan

 Watch The Chan Legacy on CBC Newsworld


July 8, 7 am PT, 10 am PST
July 29, 4 pm PST

  Generations: The Chan Legacy
– Missionaries from China come to the West Coast help Westernize Chinese immigrant workers in the late 1800's.		 Generations: The Chan Legacy


What a great family history you have!
I remember you telling me, quite a few years ago, that you started
researching and writing your family history. To see it on TV so very
well documented and told was a real pleasure – and of course, seeing
you so prominently represented in its telling was as well. I had heard
you on CBC radio earlier on and would have watched it even without your
e-mail.
Congratulations,
– Heidi Andre – gerontologist


Very fine! That Generations item on CBC-TV is
another indication that the history of the Chinese in Vancouver is rich and
interesting and human. And, besides, we got to see Todd Wong in a kilt!
It inspired me to think, and I'm being serious here, that my history web site www.vancouverhistory.ca should be
offered in Chinese. We just need to find someone to share that
dream.

– Chuck Davis – Vancouver historian

Very good documentary.  Glad you shared that with us.

Being the son of head tax payers and a founding member of the Head Tax Families Society of Canada,
I watched your documentary with a great deal of interest and a touch
of sadness; I am happy that you told the story of the Chinese pioneers
in Canada with such clarity, but saddened by the memory of the racism
all Chinese had to endure.

My older brothers are Canadian born. When Canada
entered WWII, my three oldest brothers signed up with the Canadian
infantry to fight in the war.  Ironically, while my brothers were
fighting for Canada, I was excluded from entering Canada by the Chinese
Exclusion Act.
Your documentary will no doubt remind our government that the
redress for head tax and Chinese Exclusion Act is incomplete.  Thank
you.

Harvey Lee – Head Tax advocate

Hi Guys,

What a great job Halya!! Kudos to you!

Todd you are the MAN!

– Gary Lee – featured interview in The Chan Legacy, Rev. Chan's great-grandson

The documentary was wonderful!   
Having known Todd Wong for all these years as well as his wonderful mother 
and adorable grandmother, this documentary was a real revelation.  It
excellently documents the history of Todd's family and we can now see 
where his energy, his passionate spirit, dedication and drive come from 
- Rev.Chan has certainly done a superb job of passing on his generous spirit 
and resiliency to so many of his descendants and Canada & Canadians are
richer for it!
- Yukiko Tosa, librarian


I wanted you to know that we really enjoyed it and discussed
different cultural communities and the war.  The documentary also
reminded us that the First Nations did not get the vote until 1960.  
Your Canadian history has revised Canadian history for me.

Alex Youngberg - President, CUPE 391


Congratulations Todd!!
It was a great program.  My mom, Jessie, and I all watched it, and we thought you did a fantastic job. Paddles up!
– Mei-fah Leonard, family friend and fellow dragon boat paddler


Seven Generations!  What a
rich heritage, and what energy and creativity you have, which you share!Prayers and best wishes on all your endeavors!
– Rev. Timothy M. Nakayama, Seattle WA (Joy Kogaw's brother)

I watched Generations last night.  It was excellent, very well done,
and you looked and sounded great.  Your extended family must be pleased and
honoured to be the subject of it.
- Susan Bridgman, Librarian

The first Generations documentary on your family was really great and 
you were the thoughtful and sympathetic star of the show along with
GungHaggisFatChoy. The segment with Joy and the Save Kogawa House Campaign 
was also good. Best Wishes.
- Anton Wagner, filmaker, Save Kogawa House Committee




Mayor Sullivan to Mark July 12 as “Roy Mah Day” in Vancouver

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Mayor Sullivan to Mark
July 12 as “Roy Mah Day” in Vancouver

Roy Mah's story is something that is a real Canadian story about overcoming challenges, and helping to make Canada a better place.  Mayor Sam Sullivan was a city councillor when he attended the 2002 Asian Canadian Writer's Workshop Community dinner when we presented Roy Mah with the inauguaral ACWW Community Builder's Award.

This announcement was sent to me by Begum Vergee.

Vancouver (July 5, 2007) – Mayor Sam Sullivan today announced that he will mark
next Thursday, July 12, 2007 as a special day of recognition in the City of
Vancouver to honour Mr. Roy Mah.    Mayor Sullivan and
Councillor BC Lee will introduce a special proclamation at this Tuesday’s City
Council meeting.

Roy Quock Quon Mah was born in Edmonton in 1918
and received the Order of British Columbia in 2003.  Among other things,
he urged fellow Chinese Canadians to volunteer for service in World War II
with the hopes of eventually winning the right to vote.   Mr. Mah
passed away on June 22, 2007. 

“Roy Mah represented the best of Canada,” said
Mayor Sullivan.  “His remarkable life and contributions have helped
transform our country into a diverse and inclusive multicultural society that
is the envy of the world.  On behalf of the City of Vancouver, I want to
extend our sincere best wishes and prayers to his family and friends during
this difficult time.”   

For his service, Mr. Mah was also awarded the
Burma Star, the War Medal, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the
1939-45 Star.  Following the war he continued his effort on behalf of
Chinese Canadians and proudly voted for the first time when he was 30 years
old.

Mr. Mah also founded and published The
Chinatown News for 42 years – one of the most influential English language
magazines on the life of Chinese in North America.

“Among his many accomplishments, Roy was known as
a gentle and dedicated role model in the Chinese community,” said Councillor
Lee.  “While he will be missed, his life is certainly one to be
celebrated.  I will be proud to join with Mayor Sullivan and my
colleagues to mark July 12 as Roy Mah Day in the City of
Vancouver.”

A special memorial service to commemorate the
life of Roy Quock Quon Mah will be held next Thursday at Vancouver’s Chinese
Cultural Centre. 

– 30 –

Media Inquiries:
B.C. Lee, Councillor
604.617.5801

David Hurford, Director of Communications

City of Vancouver – Office of the Mayor

604.873.7410 or 604.561.3970

Watching “GENERATIONS: The Chan Legacy” with my parents and my Mom’s sister’s family

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Watching “GENERATIONS: The Chan Legacy” with my grandmother and family

it was great to watch with family members who hadn’t seen the documentary yet.  My cousins Diane, Chris, Auntie Sylvia and Uncle Ian were all so pleased at how well done the show was. 

They kept talking over the narration whenever they recognized somebody in the pictures or the home movies that were shown.

Below are e-mails and messages that I have received from friends and family:

Todd - YOU have made us all very proud of our ancestors.
YOU did a great job to make this happen
MANY thanks
- David Young (Toronto cousin)

 

Dear Todd-really touched by your family, thought it was beautifully told – you look like your aunt Helen Lee
but in a handsome, manly way. What a treasure to have this documentary of this incredible
clan-well done, thanks for sharing
– Jane Duford – artist and Gung Haggis paddler


SO Canadian. Great documentary, and I’m glad that I caught it. Well, I only received half a dozen messages about it. 😉 The other segments look really good, too.
– Hillary Wong

I really enjoyed the program although I missed the first 10 minutes of the hour long program.  Now I know more about the story of your life than before.  I was touched not only by the story of Reverend Chan, the struggles of the early Chinese immigrants and “Canadian” Citizens but also your own survival and how overcame your health challenges and your Gung Haggis Fat Choy initiatives. A documentation well done.

– Kelly Ip (community organizer, Canadian Club advisor)

 
 

Karen and I enjoyed it. We watched the whole thing.
– Richard Mah (Vancouver International Dragon Boat Race – race director)

Congratulations, Todd!  I actually read a story last year about your family in the North Shore News — how proud you must feel!!!!  & how proud I am to know you!!! 
–Terrie Hamazaki (writer)

Todd! Generations was excellent! I loved it!  You were so great in it!!
Great job on all of your hard work in putting this together, it was really interesting.
Talk to you soon
Katie (Toronto cousin)

Yay for you, Todd, and all your family – mine are relative newcomers, just
here since 1948, when we were refugees after ww2 -cheers!
– Ieva Wool – choir conductor of High Spirits


EXCELLENT PROGRAM TODD!!
Congratulations!  I am proud of you and your accomplishments!!
You are a blessing to our world.
Rev. Angelica (minister of Celebration of Life Centre)

 

The Show was excellent. It is a piece of history that needs to be taught in school.
Raphael Fang – Kilts Night co-ordinator

 

Thanks for letting me know about the documentary.  I
manage to see it last night.  It was well done and you interviewed well and
looked great!   A lot of hard work but well worth it.

– Gordy (genealogist organizer and head tax advocate)

 

Just finished watching “Generations” and just want to say THANK YOU!  for a great documentary on our family history.   You did a great job working with Halya!

Love, Auntie Roberta (grand-daughter of Rev. Chan Yu Tan, Victor Wong’s sister)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sharing,-jane