Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Interview with Toki Miyashita by Rod Fowler February 27, 1990 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory522

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1930-1990

Length: 00:13:56

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Toki Miyashita’s memories of the internment, separation of her father from the family to work on road camps, where she was born in Richmond at the Nelson Brothers “fishery”, confiscation of home in 1942, eventual Redress, and lingering feelings of fear and dis…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Toki Miyashita’s memories of the internment, separation of her father from the family to work on road camps, where she was born in Richmond at the Nelson Brothers “fishery”, confiscation of home in 1942, eventual Redress, and lingering feelings of fear and distrust in her family. She also talks about visiting Hiroshima on her trip to Japan in 1980

Date Range: 1930-1990

Length: 00:13:56

Subjects: Wars - World War, 1939-1945; Persons - Japanese Canadians

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 27, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Toki Miyashita, conducted by Rod Fowler. Toki Miyashita was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is about Toki Miyashita’s family’s internment during WWII, her awakening interest in Japanese culture after the war, her subsequent interest in teaching others about Japanese crafts and arts, and becoming a helpful intermediary between Burnaby and visitors from Japan. The interview explores her interest in the Ainu of Japan and their possible link to the aboriginals of BC, her impressions of the Ainu carver Nuburi Toko, and her involvement in the events surrounding the creation of the sculpture “Playground of the Gods” for Burnaby Mountain. The interview also contains interesting details about the art of Japanese flower-arranging. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Toki Miyashita was born in Richmond B.C., ca. 1935, at the Nelson Brothers “fishery”, a second generation Canadian descended from the Oikawa family who settled on Don and Lion Islands (Oikawa-shima). In 1942 the Japanese Canadians in BC were forcibly moved from the coast and their belongings confiscated. Toki Miyashita, her parents, two brothers, and grandparents were first taken to Hastings Park where her father was separated from the family to work in road camps, and the rest of the family were interned in New Denver. Her resourceful grandmother moved the family to land outside the internment camp, growing a large garden from seeds brought with her. In 1946 the family moved to Kamloops and in 1958, after finishing high school, Toki Miyashita moved to Montreal to be with relatives and a small Japanese community. At this time she became interested in Japanese culture and took a Japanese language course at age 22. She learned about Japanese flower-arranging (Ikebana), paper folding (Origami), silk doll making (from a Russian Jew), and how to wear a kimono. She began demonstrating these arts in schools and to other groups, which she continued doing when she, her husband and two young children moved to Burnaby in 1969. Toki Miyashita has been called an unpaid “ambassador” of Japanese culture to the Lower Mainland. She has acted as liaison between Burnaby and her sister city Kushiro in Japan, which involved her in the creation of the Ainu sculpture “Playground of the Gods” on Burnaby Mountain for Burnaby’s Centennial. Toki Miyashita is a recognized Master in Ikebana Sogetsu, a school of flower-arranging, and has served on the board of the Vancouver Ikebana Association. She also served on Burnaby’s Family Court in the 1980s.

Total Tracks: 11

Total Length: 01:34:10

Interviewee Name: Miyashita, Toki

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Audio Tracks

Track seven of interview with Toki Miyashita

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-017/MSS187-017_Track_7.mp3

Reiko Moizumi’s wedding

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4321

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 27 Sep. 1975 (date of original), copied 2016

Collection/Fonds: Tokio and Yoshino Yamamoto family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Scope and Content: Photograph of three women and one man posing at a wedding. Bride, Reiko Moizumi is standing on far left with bridesmaid Akemi Yamamoto Jordan to her right and then her parents Yoshino Yamamoto and Tokio Yamamoto. Group is standing in front of a gold curtain.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Tokio and Yoshino Yamamoto family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Scope and Content: Photograph of three women and one man posing at a wedding. Bride, Reiko Moizumi is standing on far left with bridesmaid Akemi Yamamoto Jordan to her right and then her parents Yoshino Yamamoto and Tokio Yamamoto. Group is standing in front of a gold curtain.

Subjects: Ceremonies - Weddings; Persons - Japanese Canadians

Names: Yamamoto, Yoshino Tamura; Moizumi, Reiko Yamamoto; Jordan, Akemi Yamamoto; Yamamoto, Tokio

Accession Code: BV016.11.5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Date: 27 Sep. 1975 (date of original), copied 2016

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 4/24/2016

Scale: 100

Images

Reiko Moizumi’s wedding

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4322

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 27 Sep. 1975 (date of original), copied 2016

Collection/Fonds: Tokio and Yoshino Yamamoto family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Scope and Content: Photograph of at the wedding of Reiko Moizumi (nee Yamamoto). From L-R: Reiko Moizumi, Kao Kakiuchi (flowergirl), Akemi Jordan (nee Yamamoto), Christine Matwick (nee Toda). Group is standing oustside, in front of a house.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Tokio and Yoshino Yamamoto family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Scope and Content: Photograph of at the wedding of Reiko Moizumi (nee Yamamoto). From L-R: Reiko Moizumi, Kao Kakiuchi (flowergirl), Akemi Jordan (nee Yamamoto), Christine Matwick (nee Toda). Group is standing oustside, in front of a house.

Subjects: Ceremonies - Weddings; Persons - Japanese Canadians

Names: Moizumi, Reiko Yamamoto; Kakiuchi, Kao; Jordan, Akemi Yamamoto; Matwick, Christine Toda

Accession Code: BV016.11.6

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Date: 27 Sep. 1975 (date of original), copied 2016

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 4/24/2016

Scale: 100

Images

Reiko Moizumi’s wedding

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4323

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 27 Sep. 1975 (date of original), copied 2016

Collection/Fonds: Tokio and Yoshino Yamamoto family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Scope and Content: Photograph of at the wedding of Reiko Moizumi (nee Yamamoto). From L-R: Reiko Moizumi, Kao Kakiuchi (flowergirl), Akemi Jordan (nee Yamamoto), Christine Matwick (nee Toda), Yoshino Yamamoto. Group is standing oustside, in front of a house.Group is standing in front of a gold curtain.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Tokio and Yoshino Yamamoto family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Scope and Content: Photograph of at the wedding of Reiko Moizumi (nee Yamamoto). From L-R: Reiko Moizumi, Kao Kakiuchi (flowergirl), Akemi Jordan (nee Yamamoto), Christine Matwick (nee Toda), Yoshino Yamamoto. Group is standing oustside, in front of a house.Group is standing in front of a gold curtain.

Subjects: Ceremonies - Weddings; Persons - Japanese Canadians

Names: Jordan, Akemi Yamamoto; Kakiuchi, Kao; Matwick, Christine Toda; Moizumi, Reiko Yamamoto; Yamamoto, Yoshino Tamura

Accession Code: BV016.11.7

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Date: 27 Sep. 1975 (date of original), copied 2016

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 4/24/2016

Scale: 100

Images

Reiko Moizumi’s wedding

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4324

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 27 Sep. 1975 (date of original), copied 2016

Collection/Fonds: Tokio and Yoshino Yamamoto family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Scope and Content: Photograph of group portrait at the wedding of Reiko Moizumi and Masashi Moizumo. From Left to Right: Jun Hayashida, Mr. Sugita, Masashi Moizumo, Reiko Moizumi (nee Yamamoto), Akemi Jordan (nee Yakamoto), Yoshino Yamamoto (nee Tamura), Tokio Yamamoto, Christine Matwick (nee Toda). Flowergirl in fro…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Tokio and Yoshino Yamamoto family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Scope and Content: Photograph of group portrait at the wedding of Reiko Moizumi and Masashi Moizumo. From Left to Right: Jun Hayashida, Mr. Sugita, Masashi Moizumo, Reiko Moizumi (nee Yamamoto), Akemi Jordan (nee Yakamoto), Yoshino Yamamoto (nee Tamura), Tokio Yamamoto, Christine Matwick (nee Toda). Flowergirl in front is Kayo Kaiuchi. Group is standing outside in front of trees.

Subjects: Ceremonies - Weddings; Persons - Japanese Canadians

Names: Hayashida, Jun; Jordan, Akemi Yamamoto; Kakiuchi, Kao; Matwick, Christine Toda; Moizumi, Masashi; Moizumi, Reiko Yamamoto; Sugita, Mr.; Yamamoto, Tokio; Yamamoto, Yoshino Tamura

Accession Code: BV016.11.8

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Date: 27 Sep. 1975 (date of original), copied 2016

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 4/24/2016

Scale: 100

Images

Business course graduates at Bayshore Inn

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19197

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1971

Collection/Fonds: Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Class photograph of students who finished a business course at the Sales Training Institute in Vancouver. The photo is taken at the Bayshore Inn by Hannay's Portrait Studio. Jimmy Chow is identified standing on the far left in the second row. Six students in the front row are holding trophies.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds

Series: Jimmy Chow family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Class photograph of students who finished a business course at the Sales Training Institute in Vancouver. The photo is taken at the Bayshore Inn by Hannay's Portrait Studio. Jimmy Chow is identified standing on the far left in the second row. Six students in the front row are holding trophies.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Persons - Children

Names: Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"

Accession Code: BV022.21.57

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1971

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-03-03

Photographer: Hannay, John Henry

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "Photo Taken "P19356-3" (in ink) / HANNAY'S PORTRAIT STUDIO / 2287 W. Broadway, Vancouver B.C."; Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.

Images

Business course graduates at Bayshore Inn, 1971 thumbnail

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19602

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pe…

1 image 1 document 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewees: Ellen and Bill Schwartz Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 15, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:08:52 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Bill and Ellen Schwartz.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pennsylvania the 1970s. Bill and Ellen explain how in the 1970s, they were discouraged about the current politics in the United States under the Nixon administration and how they were inspired by the “back to the land” ideals, rejecting materialism and wanting an alternative lifestyle. With these ideals in mind, they recall how in 1972 they and a few other friends decided to leave the United States, move to British Columbia with the goal of buying land in the Okanagan or Kootenay region and starting a new lifestyle for themselves. Bill and Ellen recollect how they purchased 20 acres of land in Galena Bay in the Kootenays and how they lived in the area off and on until the early 1980s. They describe how they cleared three acres of land, built a cabin, put in a garden, chicken coop and honey bees. With the challenges of the isolated location and no access to electricity they explain how they decided that they had to live elsewhere in order to make a living. Ellen talks about working as a special education teacher in Revelstoke and Slocan and how Bill obtained his teaching certificate while they lived in Nelson. Bill and Ellen describe themselves as environmentalists and of how they both became active Provincial environmentalists during the construction of the Revelstoke Dam. Bill talks about getting work with the “Energy Van” program talking about energy conservation, renewable energy and recycling. They explain how after their first child was born in 1980, they returned to Galena Bay for about a year and a half until Bill was offered a job with the Department of Energy Conservation which lead them to move to Vancouver. 16:48 – 22:46 Bill and Ellen describe their first few years of living in Vancouver and at University of British Columbia while Ellen completed her master’s degree in creative writing. During this time, they had their second child. They recall how in 1988 how they purchased a house in Burnaby, selecting to live in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. They talk about the benefits of the neighbourhood including; a French immersion school for their children, proximity to the trails around Deer Lake and having transit close by. 22:47 – 33:55 Bill and Ellen talk about their consulting business “Polestar Communications”. A Burnaby based communications consulting firm composed of three people, Ellen and Bill and colleague Richard Banner. They describe how their business got started and some of the projects that they’ve worked on including; BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program, financial literacy curriculum that was introduced in B.C. schools and reports for the Province of British Columbia. Ellen and Bill convey how Bill has been a very active member with the City of Burnaby Environment Committee, the Steering Committee to develop a sustainable environmental strategy for Burnaby, how he’s been awarded for his contributions in coaching youth sports and other areas in which they have both volunteered. 33:56 – 43:07 Ellen describes how she got started in writing educational resources about the environment and how since she completed grad school in 1984, she’s published nineteen books. Ellen conveys how her first book was published and sold to the Province of British Columbia as part of the B.C. educational curriculum on the environment. Ellen talks about some of the children’s books that she’s written and published with themes including; social justice, the labour movement and racism in sports. Ellen describes some of her books and the research that she’s done. 43:08 – 51:04 Ellen and Bill Schwartz reflect on what they like about living in Burnaby. They talk about the benefits of their neighbourhood including; performances at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, the Burnaby Art Gallery and Deer Lake as well as having access to parks and community centres in Burnaby. 51:05-56:36 Bill and Ellen reflect on their involvement in the Jewish community, considering themselves non-secular Jews. Ellen talks about how they were involved with “Burquest” a Jewish Community Association and how they often observe some of the Jewish holidays including Hanukah and traditions including the Jewish coming of age ritual, bar mitzvah (masc.) and bat mistvah (fem.). Ellen mentions her involvement with the “Jone Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s book Award” where she acts a judge and her involvement with the Jewish Book festival and that she is a recipient of the Jewish Book award. 56:37 – 1:08:53 Bill and Ellen reflect on their 35 years living in Burnaby and how they’ve seen it change. They talk about the increased development and density in the city, how they are troubled by a lack of low income housing, the benefits and importance of public transportation and preservation of green space including Burnaby parks.

History: Interviewees' biographies: Ellen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, (1950) but grew up in New Jersey. She attended the Universities of Chicago and Wisconsin before moving to a farm in Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband Bill Schwartz. Bill Schwartz grew up in and around Philadelphia (b. 1947), and attended Pennsylvania State University. After travelling, and discouraged with life in eastern America, he and Ellen decided that British Columbia held better prospects. Bill and Ellen quit their jobs in 1972 and moved to the Kootenay region where they adopted a “back to the land” lifestyle, a very new experience for both of them. After eight years of modest success, and occasional work in nearby towns, they opted to return to Vancouver where Bill had work and where they could raise a family more easily. They rented in Vancouver for a few years before moving to family housing at UBC, while Ellen studied creative writing. Bill founded a communications and writing company, and in 1988 they purchased a home in Burnaby. Ellen launched a new career as a writer, mainly for children young adults. Both were active in their careers, raising a family, and participating in local social and political activities. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Education; Environmental Issues; Environmental Issues - Environmental Protection; Geographic Features; Geographic Features - Parks; Housing; Occupations; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Occupations - Writers; Persons - Volunteers; Persons - Jewish Canadians; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Religions; Religions - Judaism

Names: Schwartz, William "Bill"; Schwartz, Ellen; City of Burnaby; Polestar Communications; British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority

Responsibility: Damer, Eric

Accession Code: BV023.16.6

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Lake Area

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby

Images

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023 thumbnail

Documents

2023_0016_0006_004

Audio Tracks

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_003.mp3

Interview with Ken Yip May 9, 2005 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4533

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1950s & 1960s (interview content), interviewed May 9, 2005

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (0:06:07 min)

Scope and Content: Track 3: This portion of the recording continues with Ken’s band activities, and then pertains to the games Ken played with his brother and friends. Ken discusses how the school band’s repertoire and performances were designed to complement the school’s events throughout the year. He describes the …

1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Growing Up in Burnaby subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (0:06:07 min)

Material Details: Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Ken Yip Date of interview: May 9, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 5 Total length of all Tracks: 0:62:00

Scope and Content: Track 3: This portion of the recording continues with Ken’s band activities, and then pertains to the games Ken played with his brother and friends. Ken discusses how the school band’s repertoire and performances were designed to complement the school’s events throughout the year. He describes the concert the band was invited to play on the lawn of Ceperley House on their return from Expo 67. Ken recalls the games he and his brother played, and the two neighbor boys they played with. He describes playing on the North American Peat property adjacent to theirs, in the peat trenches and in the bush. He talks of roaming as far as New Westminster and the Fraser River.

History: Recording of an interview with Ken Yip recording by Tom Gooden on May 9, 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1950s and 60s.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Persons - Children; Education; Organizations - Bands

Names: Yip, Ken

Accession Code: BV017.45.5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1950s & 1960s (interview content), interviewed May 9, 2005

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Interview with Ken Yip May 9, 2005 - Track 3, 1950s & 1960s (interview content), interviewed May 9, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0005_003.mp3

Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19610

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 4 sound recordings (wav) (186 min., 1 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (186 min., 2 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa and Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview was conducted on January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023. 00:00 – 08:52 First part of interview…

1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 4 sound recordings (wav) (186 min., 1 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (186 min., 2 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewers: Kate Petrusa and James Binks Interviewees: Rajinder and Raj Pandher Location of Interview: Love farmhouse, Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 4 Total Length of all Tracks: (3:06:01 min) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto four separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa and Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview was conducted on January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023. 00:00 – 08:52 First part of interview begins on January 10. Rajinder Pander provides information on where he was born and where he grew up and shares details regarding his family and his childhood including; his elementary and high school education and experiences and his involvement and interest in the sport of field hockey. 08:53 – 23:24 Raj Pander provides information on where she was born and shares details regarding her family and education. Raj recalls details of her family life in India including her family farm, her father’s service in the Indian National Army and other ancestor’s involvement in the military. Rajinder assists with the details regarding Raj’s father’s military service and explains how he was highly decelerated for his heroic actions. Rajinder conveys further information in reference to the Sikh Empire. 23:25 – 35:53 Rajinder and Raj share information on their formal education. Raj explains how she learned English and talks about the other spoken languages that her family used while she was growing up. Rajinder and Raj recall how they first met which lead them to marry in 1971. Rajinder provides information about his older brothers who left India before him. He explains how his elder brother, Kirpal Singh Pandher immigrated to Canada in 1970 and provides details on his other brother who lived in Malaysia and England before coming to Canada in 1975. Rajinder conveys how after his brother, Kirpal Singh Pandher arrived in Canada, he lived in Campbell River and worked at the saw mill there. 35:54 – 1:01:38 Rajinder and Raj share their immigration stories including details of; what lead them to immigrate, their immigration route, what they brought with them and where they lived and worked. Rajinder and Raj tell of how they both faced discrimination in finding work that they were qualified for and describe some of the jobs that they worked at before obtaining their Real Estate licences. 1:01:39 – 1:13:09 Rajinder and Raj share information on where they’ve purchase traditional food supplies in Burnaby and Rajinder provides further details on his employment and recalls how they were able to purchase their first home in Burnaby. 1:13:10 - 1:19:33 Rajinder describes how he began writing for the Sikh newsletter “The Western Sikh Samachar”. Rajinder shares how he first started printing small pamphlets of Sikh Cultural history in 1975 and how he’s been volunteering with the National Democratic Party (NDP) since 1973. 1:19:34 - 1:38:24 Second part of interview continues on January 24, 2023. Rajinder provides further information about the Sikh newsletter “The Western Sikh Samachar”, provides an historical summary of the Sikh Empire and the Sikh religion and describes a book that’s he’s written about his culture and the village he lived in India. 1:38:25 - 1:52:24 Raj describes some of the traditional textiles that she’s created including a dury, embroidered cloth (pakha and pakhi) and clothing. Raj shares a story of a train derailment in India in which her father survived. 1:52:25 - 2:14:53 Raj Pandher talks about her father’s letters and diaries, Rajinder talks about receiving a Diamond Jubilee Medal for his community service and they both talk about their daughter Amanjit’s education and career accomplishments. Raj describes her involvement in the community council of her children’s school and both Raj and Rajinder describe their involvement in multicultural education and events that they were involved with in Burnaby and New Westminster. Interviewer lists Rajinder Pandher’s many volunteer awards and accomplishments. 2:14:54 - 2:39:53 Raj and Rajinder describe some of their family photographs as well as personal items from India including decorative arts and textiles. They talk about celebrating their 30 year wedding anniversary and the origin of their Sikh names. Rajinder describes a visit to Paldi in 1977 when the whole family was baptized at the Sikh temple and provides informaton about Hardial Singh Atwal, the first Sikh child born in Canada. Rajinder discusses what he thinks a cookhouse looked like, his friendship with former Mayor William J. Copeland and wages of South Asians working in sawmills. 2:39:54 - 3:06:01 Raj and Rajinder talk about food including where they’ve purchased traditional South Asian foods and what they grow in their home garden. Rajinder provides details about the Burnaby Multicultural Society, talks about South Asian work ethics and housing and shares some of the cultural and religious traditions of Sikhs and celebrations that take place in Vancouver and Burnaby.

History: Interviewees biographies: Rajinder Pandher was born five years prior to the Partition of India in the Village of Jhamat, Ludhiana District, Punjab. Raj Pandher was born in 1948 in the Village of Chapar, Ludhiana District, Punjab. Rajinder played field hockey while living in India and is passionate about the sport. Both Rajinder and Raj Pahndher attended college in India and were married in India in 1971. Rajinder Pandher immigrated to Canada in 1972 and his wife, Raj Pandher joined him in 1973. After arriving in Canada, Rajinder Pandher started working at a sawmill in Campbell River but didn't like the work and moved to Vancouver to find better employment opportunties. In 1976, the couple moved to Burnaby and rented until they could buy a home a year later. They raised two children who attended Second Street Elementary School and Cariboo Hill Secondary School in Burnaby. Rajinder and Raj Pandher were both very involved with multicultural efforts at their childlren's schools including turban tying and sari demonstrations and Rajinder was a founding member of the Burnaby Multicultural Society. Interviewers biographies: Kate Petrusa is the Assistant Curator at the Burnaby Village Museum. In her role, she manages all aspects of the collection – including caring for physical artifacts and making their digital counterpart accessible. Before coming to Burnaby Village Museum in 2019, Kate has worked at several Museums around the Lower Mainland as a Curator and contractor since 2013. James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Education; Housing; Employment; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Persons - Volunteers; Religions - Sikhism; Migration; Organizations; Organizations - Societies and Clubs; Social Issues - Racism; Social Issues; Celebrations; Sports - Field Hockey

Names: Pandher, Raj; Pandher, Rajinder; Copeland, William J.; Pandher, Harman; Pandher, Amanjit; Burnaby Multicultural Society; The Western Sikh Samachar

Responsibility: Petrusa, Kate; Binks, James

Accession Code: BV023.1.2

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcripts available upon request

Audio Tracks

Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher, [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0001_0002_003.mp3

Yuen Sun Toy with grandaughters

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20351

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [197-]

Collection/Fonds: Harry Toy fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 12.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Yuen Sun Toy standing together with her grandaughters, Melinda, Beverley and Christina Toy outside of the Canada Way Food Market located at 4694 Canada Way, Burnaby. Sign for International Meat Market is visible in the background.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Harry Toy fonds

Series: Harry Toy photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 12.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Yuen Sun Toy standing together with her grandaughters, Melinda, Beverley and Christina Toy outside of the Canada Way Food Market located at 4694 Canada Way, Burnaby. Sign for International Meat Market is visible in the background.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Persons - Children; Buildings - Commercial - Stores

Names: Canada Way Food Market; Babey, Beverley; Toy, Christina; Toy, Yuen Sun

Geographic Access: Canada Way

Street Address: 4694 Canada Way

Accession Code: BV023.25.12

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [197-]

Media Type: Photograph

Related Material: See also BV023.16.19 - Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy; For associated artifacts from Canada Way Food Market see Accession BV023.17

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-12-01

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Yuen Sun Toy with grandaughters, [197-] thumbnail

Acceptance of invitation to Chinese Export Commodities Fair

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14800

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1979

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a one page form titled "Acceptance of Invitation" from Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1979 Kwangchow.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Cecil Lee business records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Material Details: Text in both English and Chinese

Scope and Content: Item consists of a one page form titled "Acceptance of Invitation" from Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1979 Kwangchow.

Creator: Chinese Export Commodities Fair

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Exhibitions - Fairs

Accession Code: BV019.6.20

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1979

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: January 20, 2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on content of item; Item is part of a scrapbook album created by Cecil Lee

Images

Acceptance of invitation to Chinese Export Commodities Fair, 1979 thumbnail

Chan Kow Hong harvesting cauliflower at Hop-On Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4262

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1975 and 1979] (date of original), copied 2017

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : colour : copy scan

Scope and Content: Photograph of Chan Kow Hong standing in a field, harvesting cauliflower at Hop-On Farm. Chan Kow Hong is wearing a beige cap and a white T-shirt. White greenhouse and trees in background.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : colour : copy scan

Scope and Content: Photograph of Chan Kow Hong standing in a field, harvesting cauliflower at Hop-On Farm. Chan Kow Hong is wearing a beige cap and a white T-shirt. White greenhouse and trees in background.

History: Josephine Hong was born to Sui Ha Hong and Chan Kow Hong. The Hong Family had seven children, oldest to youngest: Pauline, Josephine, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene, and Marlene. The family runs Hop-On Farm on Marine Drive in Burnaby. Many Hong family members worked on the farm including Josephine Hong's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong, and uncles. Her great-grandfather was Sui Wing Hong

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Hop On Farms; Hong, Chan Kow

Geographic Access: Byrne Road

Accession Code: BV017.36.13

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [between 1975 and 1979] (date of original), copied 2017

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Related Material: See Oral History Interview-BV020.6.1

Scan Resolution: 800

Scan Date: 12/3/2017

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph.

Images

Chan Kow Hong harvesting cauliflower at Hop-On Farm, [between 1975 and 1979] (date of original), copied 2017 thumbnail

Chinese Export Commodities Fair identification tag

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14794

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1978

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 identification tag

Scope and Content: Item consists of a circular cardboard "CECF" tag that was used by "Western Commodities Ltd." as part of an identification tag to attend the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, jointly sponsored by The National Foreign Trade Corporations of China, to be held April 15 to May 15, 1978.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Cecil Lee business records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 identification tag

Material Details: Text in both English and Chinese

Scope and Content: Item consists of a circular cardboard "CECF" tag that was used by "Western Commodities Ltd." as part of an identification tag to attend the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, jointly sponsored by The National Foreign Trade Corporations of China, to be held April 15 to May 15, 1978.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Documentary Artifacts - Identification Tags; Personal Symbols - Ribbons

Names: Western Commodities Limited

Accession Code: BV019.6.8

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1978

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 29-Sept-2020

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on content of item; Badge includes a silk ribbon (BV019.6.7) that was pinned to the top of the tag as an identifier for the Chinese Export Commodities Fair; Item is part of a scrapbook album created by Cecil Lee

Images

Chinese Export Commodities Fair identification tag, 1978 thumbnail

Chinese Export Commodities Fair ribbon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14793

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1978

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 ribbon

Scope and Content: Item consists of a pink silk ribbon that was used by "Western Commodities Ltd." as part of an identification tag to attend the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, jointly sponsored by The National Foreign Trade Corporations of China, to be held April 15 to May 15, 1978.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Cecil Lee business records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 ribbon

Material Details: Text in both English and Chinese

Scope and Content: Item consists of a pink silk ribbon that was used by "Western Commodities Ltd." as part of an identification tag to attend the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, jointly sponsored by The National Foreign Trade Corporations of China, to be held April 15 to May 15, 1978.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Documentary Artifacts - Identification Tags; Personal Symbols - Ribbons

Names: Western Commodities Limited

Accession Code: BV019.6.7

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1978

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 29-Sept-2020

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on content of item; Ribbon includes a "CECF" tag (BV019.6.8) that was pinned to the top of the ribbon as an identifier for the Chinese Export Commodities Fair; Item is part of a scrapbook album created by Cecil Lee

Images

Chinese Export Commodities Fair ribbon, 1978 thumbnail

Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14792

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1978

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of an invitation for "Western Commodities Ltd." to attend the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, jointly sponsored by The National Foreign Trade Corporations of China, to be held April 15 to May 15, 1978.

2 images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Cecil Lee business records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (folded)

Material Details: Text in both English and Chinese

Scope and Content: Item consists of an invitation for "Western Commodities Ltd." to attend the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, jointly sponsored by The National Foreign Trade Corporations of China, to be held April 15 to May 15, 1978.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Documentary Artifacts - Invitations

Names: Western Commodities Limited

Accession Code: BV019.6.6

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1978

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 29-Sept-2020

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on content of item; Item is part of a scrapbook album created by Cecil Lee

Images

Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, 1978 thumbnail

Darlene Hong and Marlene Hong on Hop-On Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4264

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1975 and 1979] (date of original), copied 2017

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : colour : copy scan

Scope and Content: Photograph of Darlene Hong (L) and Marlene Hong (R) standing in field with rakes on Hop-On Farm.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : colour : copy scan

Scope and Content: Photograph of Darlene Hong (L) and Marlene Hong (R) standing in field with rakes on Hop-On Farm.

History: Josephine Hong was born to Sui Ha Hong and Chan Kow Hong. The Hong Family had seven children, oldest to youngest: Pauline, Josephine, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene, and Marlene. The family runs Hop-On Farm on Marine Drive in Burnaby. Many Hong family members worked on the farm including Josephine Hong's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong, and uncles. Her great-grandfather was Sui Wing Hong

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Hop On Farms; Hong, Darlene; Hong, Marlene

Geographic Access: Byrne Road

Accession Code: BV017.36.15

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [between 1975 and 1979] (date of original), copied 2017

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Related Material: See Oral History Interview-BV020.6.1

Scan Resolution: 800

Scan Date: 12/3/2017

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph.

Images

Darlene Hong and Marlene Hong on Hop-On Farm, [between 1975 and 1979] (date of original), copied 2017 thumbnail

Entry - Exit card

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14791

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [197-]

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a blank Entry/Exit Card.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Cecil Lee business records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Material Details: Text in both English and Chinese

Scope and Content: Item consists of a blank Entry/Exit Card.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Documentary Artifacts - Forms

Accession Code: BV019.6.5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [197-]

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 29-Sept-2020

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on content of item; Item is part of a scrapbook album created by Cecil Lee

Images

Harry Toy at cash register inside Canada Way Food Market

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20353

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [May 1972]

Collection/Fonds: Harry Toy fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harry Toy standing at cash register inside Canada Way Food Market located at 4694 Canada Way, Burnaby. Store products are visible behind him and hanging over his head.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Harry Toy fonds

Series: Harry Toy photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harry Toy standing at cash register inside Canada Way Food Market located at 4694 Canada Way, Burnaby. Store products are visible behind him and hanging over his head.

Subjects: Buildings - Commercial - Stores; Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Canada Way Food Market; Toy, Harry Wee Koon "Harry"

Geographic Access: Canada Way

Street Address: 4694 Canada Way

Accession Code: BV023.25.14

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [May 1972]

Media Type: Photograph

Related Material: See also BV023.16.19 - Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy; For associated artifacts from Canada Way Food Market see Accession BV023.17

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-12-01

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Harry Toy at cash register inside Canada Way Food Market, [May 1972] thumbnail

Harry Toy in front of Canada Way Food Market

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20352

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [197-]

Collection/Fonds: Harry Toy fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harry Toy standing next to display of fresh flowers outside in front of the Canada Way Food Market located at 4694 Canada Way, Burnaby.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Harry Toy fonds

Series: Harry Toy photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harry Toy standing next to display of fresh flowers outside in front of the Canada Way Food Market located at 4694 Canada Way, Burnaby.

Subjects: Buildings - Commercial - Stores; Persons - Chinese Canadians; Plants; Plants - Flowers

Names: Canada Way Food Market; Toy, Harry Wee Koon "Harry"

Geographic Access: Canada Way

Street Address: 4694 Canada Way

Accession Code: BV023.25.13

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [197-]

Media Type: Photograph

Related Material: See also BV023.16.19 - Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy; For associated artifacts from Canada Way Food Market see Accession BV023.17