William Ping | The Newfoundland Paper Trail: Tracing Heritage Through Food and Writing

02/16/24 • 18 min

What do a photo album restaurant directory, steamed broccoli, and an autofiction novel have in common? All three were used by William Ping in reconnecting with his late grandfather, William Ping Sr, who was one of about 300 Chinese men to settle in Newfoundland when the Newfoundland Chinese head tax was in effect. On this month’s episode, William Ping, CBC journalist and author of Hollow Bamboo, talks tracing family history and the St. John’s culinary scene with host Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee.

Curious to find out more Newfoundland Chinese stories? Visit The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act, on view at the Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver Chinatown. To learn more about the Chinese Canadian Museum and book tickets, visit https://www.chinesecanadianmuseum.ca/

Previous Episode

Julie Eng | Magical Legacies: The Life of Tony Eng

Chinese Canadian magician Tony Eng (1946-2008) was a beloved fixture in the Victoria, B.C. bar, restaurant, and entertainment scene for more than thirty years. His long list of accomplishments include running his own magic shop that was frequented by locals and tourists alike, establishing his unique magic show that drew inspiration from his Chinese heritage, and mentoring successive generations of up-and-coming magicians. On this episode, host Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee sits down with one of Tony’s mentees – Julie Eng, daughter of Tony and professional magician herself – to discuss the life and legacy of the man behind the magic.

The Magic of Tony Eng is on view now at the Chinese Canadian Museum’s Fan Tan Alley location in Victoria, B.C. To learn more about the Chinese Canadian Museum and book tickets, visit https://www.chinesecanadianmuseum.ca/

Next Episode

Arlene Chan | Generational Activism: Documenting Chinese Canadian Belonging

What does it mean to serve your community? On this International Women’s Day special episode, host Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee sits down with Arlene Chan, author, historian, activist, and daughter of Jean Lumb – the first Chinese Canadian woman to be inducted into the Order of Canada for her own community activism. Tune in to learn about the work these two generations of women have undertaken for the Chinese Canadian community at large, the evolution of Toronto’s Chinatowns, and what it was like to serve as a cultural consultant for the Disney-Pixar movie, Turning Red.

Interested in learning more about stories of Chinese Canadian women who lived during the Exclusion Era, like Arlene’s mother, Jean Lumb? Visit The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act, on view at the Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver Chinatown. To learn more about the Chinese Canadian Museum and book tickets, visit https://www.chinesecanadianmuseum.ca/