"Double Happiness": How the Discovery of a Head Tax Certificate Unlocked Two Families’ Stories

Chinatowns across North America are fighting for their survival. Long before the pandemic hit, Vancouver’s Chinatown was desperately trying to stave off gentrification. It seemed like there was no end to the condo developments and hipster bars that were slowly pushing longtime residents out, and erasing the rich cultural history of the area. When singer songwriters Robyn Jacob and Nancy Tam created Double Happiness: Detour This Way, a live music and theatre show that retraces the legacy of the Chinese diaspora in Vancouver, it only made sense to premiere it in the heart of Chinatown. But too quickly, the pandemic ordered the show to close early, and along with it, all of Chinatown’s businesses. It was a devastating blow.

Personal Stories, Community & PeopleFête ChinoiseApril 14, 2021Entertainment, ArtComment

Identity in Uncertain Times

I think at some point, every 2nd Generation immigrant is questioned about their identity. No better example comes from the cliché, “Where do you come from?”. We are asked this from childhood and are often confused by the follow-up question, “No, where are you REALLY from?”. As we grew older, it became a complex emotional response that I, at least, almost never vocalized. This year, by some unintentional force of nature, is our moment where we embrace who we are.

Statement on Our Collective Action Against Anti-Asian Racism

This week, the Asian community in North America is in shock, as the heightened xenophobic hate crimes driven by racism and hatred has torn into our hearts. The damage these acts cause is immeasurable. Racism against any group hurts the community, causing wounds and trauma that impact the entire generation and the next. We all need to stand up, speak up, get involved, and represent our culture such that it is strengthened by our individual voices and actions.

Current Affairs, Community & People, Long ReadsFête ChinoiseMarch 20, 2021Statement, Anti-RacismComment

Awarded "Best Cultural Event" at the BizBash 2020 Event Style Awards

We are so honoured to be recently awarded "Best Cultural Event" by the authority on events in North America, BizBash! This is the 2nd Bizbash Event Style Award for Fête Chinoise, and the 6th time we have been nominated as a finalist in our categories. Our 2020 gala, Dreams Take Flight, was widely covered across different Canadian media outlets. We'll see you all at our signature event in 2022!