CANADA, the chosen land, has been enriched by one of the most diverse cultures in the world brought to Canada by Chinese immigrants. Although the Chinese came to the shore of North America long before 1858, this year is generally considered to mark the beginning of Chinese community in Canada. In historical terms, the chronicles of the Chinese in Canada is only a moment in time but one of epic proportions reflecting the sacrifices and hardships that led to the birth of vibrant communities. Collectively, the pioneers of Gam San ("Gold Mountain") as they called this country, are unforgettable and they have left us their legacy on which future generations have benefited.

The history of Chinese Canadians began with hard work, commitment and perseverance of the early settlers most of whom originated from Guangdong and Fujian, two coastal provinces of China. The majority of the early settlers were uneducated, unskilled and unmarried men (farmers and laborers). Women did not emigrate at first mostly due to historical tradition and social norms that expected women to be the caretakers of family and ancestral roots.

Although Canada was a prosperous country, the attractiveness of the new opportunities was not the only reason for the Chinese to immigrate. Between 1787 and 1850, China’s Population increased from 16 to 28 million. Food production, however, could not keep up and famine became widespread. Break down of law and order, and political instability led to the death of millions. Farmland was scarce and farmers saw their land shrink further with the growing population. Guangdong during this time faced many natural disasters, successively leading to bad harvests. Most farmers as a result could not feed their families. It is estimated that between 1852 and 1908, the Pearl River Delta in the province of Guandong had 14 floods, 7 typhoons, 4 earthquakes, 2 droughts, 4 plagues and 5 famines. The loss of the Opium War in 1842 led to more problems, and the forced opening of five new international trading ports led to a decrease of trade in China’s major southern port. In short, major political, social and economical changes occurring in China during this period were all contributing factors to the immigration of Chinese to Canada.

The original landing of Chinese in Canada is unclear, although history indicates that a group of Buddhist monks arrived in North America as early as 458 AD. In 1788, Captain John Meare, according to his diary, took fifty Chinese artisans to help him build vessels for fur trade along the Northwest Canadian coast (British Columbia). In September of the same year, Captain Meare and his crew set sail and their whereabouts became unknown.

The first Chinese settlers in North America came in 1848 for the California gold rush. As news of the Fraser River discovery spread the first group of Chinese arrived in Canada on July 28, 1858, in Victoria, British Columbia. Most of these first arrivals were called "sojourners" (temporary workers) rather than settlers. They came from California, where an anti-Chinese feeling was then growing. Their historical arrival marked the establishment of a continuous Chinese community in Canada. In 1863, the Hong Sun Tang, the first Chinese community organization was formed.

Between 1860 and 1870, besides mining, early Chinese pioneer also worked on many public projects in British Columbia and Vancouver island. Some of the jobs included the erection of telegraph poles, the construction of the 607-kilometers Caribou Wagon Road and the digging of canals and reclaiming of wastelands. The Chinese Pioneers were major contributors to the development of Canadian society, but were never recognized as such.

Even while facing many daily hardships, they did not forget their families in China and continued to send money back faithfully. Across the Pacific Ocean, the hearts at home also shared the same dreams as those in Canada. Like most new immigrants, many Chinese also dreamed of some day returning to their native land for retirement.

They dreamed of somehow being reunited with their families. Others dreamed that one-day they would call Canada their home. They dreamed that their children and grandchildren would never have to experience the suffering they had been through. Although the days were long and hard, and the nights were cold and lonely, they continued to hope that their dreams would come true.