Chinese Cultural Centre

Location: 555 Columbia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 4H5

The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver (大温哥华中华文化中心) is a multi-faceted facility dedicated to maintaining the livelihood of Chinese culture in Vancouver, BC. Founded in 1973 by the support of the government and 53 community organizations, the CCC was the fruitful effort of a pledge made by three levels of government to support a Chinatown community centre. By April 1974, the centre was officially deemed by the government as a nonprofit, charitable organization. In addition to the development of the Dr. David Lam Multipurpose Hall and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the CCC made an excellent addition to the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown. Visually, the centre boasts of a beautifully carved stone gate and stone lions perched on top. Behind the gate lies the CCC facility with its iconic traditional Chinese fencing. Up until recently, there were multiple resources available to the public, such as a CCC Chinese School, day camps, and numerous community events and volunteer activities. In addition, there is also a CCC Museum & Archives which contain numerous art exhibits and monuments that depict Chinese history and culture. However, all these services and facilities in the CCC have been closed since March 26th, 2020 due to Covid-19.

Provided below are the CCC’s mission statements (taken directly from their website) which indicate the type of cultural and linguistic impact they wish to make:

1. To promote understanding and friendship between the Chinese community and other cultural groups in Canada.

2. To interpret and communicate Chinese culture and to facilitate exchange with other cultural groups and with the community at large

3. To promote and foster Chinese culture and art within the Chinese community and with other cultural groups.​

4. To help Chinese immigrants adjust to the culture, heritage, and lifestyle in Canada.

5. To build and maintain cultural facilities for the purpose of achieving these aims and objectives.

Despite the warm mission statements proposed, the recent emerging pandemic has greatly affected the livelihood of the CCC. In May 2020, the centre fell victim to a hateful graffiti crime - this is only one case, a fraction in the rise of anti-Chinese hate-motivated incidents. As you observe the centre virtually, please take a moment and think about the mission statements provided by the CCC. It is important that everyone regardless of race, culture, and background can apply these statements to their own understanding. The discrimination, racism, and ignorance that has arisen due to the pandemic are extremely disheartening especially for Chinatown and the people who thrive within it. Despite its temporary closure, the centre serves as a constant reminder that there is still lots to be done to improve Vancouver’s level of cultural diversity and inclusivity.

References

HOME 主頁. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cccvan.com/

Vancouver's Chinese Cultural Centre defaced with 'hateful' graffiti: Police | CBC News. (2020, May 01). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-chinese-cultural-centre-defaced-hateful-graffiti-police-1.5552340