The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act was a landmark public history project that commemorated the 100^th anniversary of this tragic yet largely forgotten period in Canadian history. 

BOOK ARRIVING JUNE 24, 2025

This is the first book to explore the “broad range of human experiences of exclusion” as revealed through the stories of the lives it touched. The pages reveal haunting tales of tragedy, loss and despair as well as powerful examples of courage, perseverance, and resilience. They chronicle the lives of ordinary people caught in extraordinary times. Crowdsourced from the fragments of memories of hundreds of Chinese Canadian families across Canada, as well as extensive and painstaking research, many stories and images are being shared publicly for the very first time.

A book that should be part of every Chinese Canadian family’s archive … and an heirloom to be passed down from one generation to the next.

CANADIAN BOOK TOUR

Take advantage of this rare opportunity. Hear award-winning community historian and author Catherine Clement share the findings of this landmark public history project which excavated stories of what really happened during this dark yet long-ignored period of Canadian history. Admission is free but you will need to register to reserve your seats.