What's New

News Release

What's New

Unique Website allows Chinese-Canadians to Explore their Roots

Ottawa, May 31, 2006 -- Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is pleased to announce a new partnership initiative that allows Canadians of Chinese origin to explore their roots. Vancouver Public Library's new Chinese-Canadian Genealogy Web site (http://www.vpl.ca/ccg/) sponsored in part by Library and Archives Canada, offers a variety of practical tools and resources to support all stages of genealogical research, from basic techniques commonly used by genealogists, to more advanced guidance. Tips for searching indexes and records are featured in an easy-to-read format.

The site explores complex subjects, such as how to locate information about individuals and families given that the traditional Chinese characters of names were transformed after arrival in Canada. The website features milestones in Chinese-Canadian history, links to stories of Chinese-Canadian pioneers, and touches on patterns of migration and settlement.

"Library and Archives Canada is pleased to wrap up the celebration of Asian Heritage Month with the announcement of this exceptional genealogical resource," stated Ian E. Wilson, Librarian and Archivist of Canada. "In supporting the Chinese-Canadian Genealogy website, Library and Archives Canada demonstrates its commitment to both Canadian cultural communities and its national network of library and archival partner institutions."

Although aimed at genealogical research using Canadian-based, English-language sources, references to Chinese-language materials and resources available in China are also included.

While Chinese-Canadians are well-established in Canada with a history dating back to the 19th century, to date there have been few targeted resources to assist those who wish to discover their personal connection to Canadian history. The Chinese-Canadian Genealogy website acknowledges this gap and offers another means for exploring the story of our nation.

- 30 -

Information:
Pauline M. Portelance
Media Relations Officer, Library and Archives Canada
Telephone: 613-996-6128 - 613-293-4298;
Email: media@lac-bac.gc.ca

For historical information visit: Archived What's New