Ethnic Groups

The story we are about to tell is disturbing on many fronts. It happened only one hundred years ago, and it happened in the Kootenay region of British Columbia. This was a land of promise, plenty and prejudice. The major immigrant players in this story (Chinese, Italians and British Remittance Men) have moved on to be part of mainstream Canadian society. We feel that by looking at these subjects through the lens of a hundred years we can shed light on these important topics in the modern day and take a step toward effective change. One of the most disturbing facts about these materials is that, although a hundred years may have passed, the basis of prejudice and intolerance has not changed. The hatred for races different from the norm has simply shifted to a new set of immigrants. With this site we hope to facilitate change in the basic attitudes Canadians hold toward those different from themselves and to build bridges to a more positive future for all.

Such intolerance toward ethnic groups during the period under study, while shocking, was not unique to the Kootenays. Prejudice and discrimination were common to the majority of members of Victorian society. While the Kootenays were neither worse nor better than any other region in B.C., we hope that by looking at the stories and pictures featured here, you might take a look at wherever you live with a more critical eye.

Stories of racism and bigotry seem to be disheartening and shocking, but we at Fort Steele Heritage Town believe we must move past this. Stories of intolerance can serve a constructive purpose, if we choose to use them correctly. History is meant to educate and inform, not just entertain, and this was the reason we began this project.

It is not enough to be shocked or appalled at these incidents from our collective past. It is only when we take these lessons from the past and use them to inform our everyday lives and those of the people around us, that we take a step in correcting the wrongs done so long ago. So please come with us to study the past and build a bridge to a more tolerant and accepting future.