Entrenched in Kamloops, the Chinese Cemetery is a respectful testament to a time characterized by adversity, strength, and cultural heritage. The cemetery holds the memories of Chinese immigrants who helped build Canada but were denied existence and even mortality.
The History Behind the Cemetery
Established in the late 19th century, this cemetery was the final resting place for Chinese immigrants who traveled to Canada during the Gold Rush and subsequently worked on railways, mines, and farms. They were discriminated against and excluded from burial in ordinary cemeteries, and thus were established by the local Chinese community.
Traditionally, Chinese burial tradition respected the dying wish to lie at home. But with insufficient funds or absence of family members to transport dead bodies back home, most such immigrants ended up being buried here for eternity. The cemetery serves as a monument to their resolve and their roles in Canadian expansion.
Honoring Traditions
Perhaps the most poignant practice within the cemetery is that of offering. The initial image shows a terracotta bowl filled with sand, trinkets, and candles. Offerings, which may be as mundane as food or as ethereal as incense or symbolic objects, are presented in an effort to appease ancestors and pacify their spirits. Such practices access deep-seated beliefs in ancestor reverence and the web of the living and dead.
A Legacy in Stone
Gravestones carry tales. There is a time immemorial grave stone with inscriptions marking the lineage and rank of the individual. The small plaques with “Descendant of Emperors” and “Descendant of Kings & Queens” show that individuals buried here were of historical importance, or their families wished to preserve their dignity in the face of challenges. There are a number of headstones in the cemetery bearing Chinese names, worn in spots by the test of time but still bearing the names and tributes of those who have gone on.
A Place of Reflection
The cemetery, with lines of headstones that contain Chinese lettering. Eternal peace and remembrance are wished for on the headstones. Time and urbanization in the nearby neighborhood have not erased the cemetery as a quiet oasis of dignity and history.
It is essential to learn about the Chinese Cemetery to appreciate Kamloops’ multicultural heritage and the struggles that the early immigrants had. For students in the TRU community, learning about this history encourages the appreciation of past injustices and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. It reminds us of the perseverance of the people who came before us and challenges us to continue working to recognize their achievements.
By continuing to research and share their stories, we are reminded of them so history is not lost but learned and remembered.
References
Heritage BC. (n.d.). Kamloops Chinese Cemetery. Heritage BC. https://heritagebc.ca/chinese-canadian-location/kamloops-chinese-cemetery/
Heroes of Confederation. (n.d.). Kamloops Chinese Heritage Site. Heroes of Confederation. http://heroesofconfederation.com/heros-confederation/kamloops-chinese-heritage-site/
Info News. (n.d.). Chinese cemetery remains a cornerstone of Kamloops history. Info News. https://infotel.ca/newsitem/chinese-cemetery-remains-a-cornerstone-of-kamloops-history/it28921