The neighbourhood of Strathcona is one of Vancouver’s earliest residential districts, and a place of great importance for many of the city’s communities. Over the years, the Jewish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Ukrainian, First Nations and Black communities have all made a home here, setting up shops, community halls, and houses of worship – all the infrastructure of a tightly knit community.
Developed in collaboration between a dozen organizations representing the many communities of Strathcona, this tour will celebrate the contributions of these communities and explore the ways in which their histories overlap and interact. These tours will be offered throughout the month of May, officially recognized as both Vancouver Asian Heritage Month and Canadian Jewish Heritage Month.
The Cross Cultural Strathcona Walking Tour project is a coordinated effort by the following participating organizations: Association of United Ukrainian Canadians; Benny Foods Italian Market; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden; Musqueam Elder Larry Grant (Hon. Advisor to PCHC-MoM & VAHMS); Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens Association; Heritage Vancouver Society; Hogan's Alley Society; Jewish Independent; Jewish Museum & Archives of BC; Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre; Pacific Canada Heritage Centre Museum of Migration; Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society’s explorASIAN; Vancouver Heritage Foundation; Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall; Vancouver School Board; Vancouver School Board Archives and Heritage Committee; Wongs’ Benevolent Association and Youth Collaborative for Chinatown.