The Sidney Museum and Archives is excited to announce the opening of its 2026 featured exhibit, A Seat at the Table: Chinese Immigration and British Columbia. Developed by the Chinese Canadian Museum in partnership with the Museum of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia, this exhibit will be on display from April 24-November 15, 2026.

A Seat at the Table examines Chinese immigration to this province as a story that is local and global, historical and contemporary. Using food and restaurant culture as an entry point, the exhibit features stories that point to the great diversity of immigrant experiences and of the communities that immigrants develop.

A Seat at the Table sets the stage for moving stories of separation, loss and alienation but also of solidarity, tenacity and success. Animated maps, short films, and art installations show Chinese immigrants forging social connections with other migrant and Indigenous communities in British Columbia while maintaining ties with their relatives in China. These stories underscore the extent of systemic racism and its enduring impact on Chinese Canadians while highlighting their ability to resist, organize, seek justice and thrive.

A Seat at the Table is one of the largest museum projects on Chinese Canadian history and culture in Canada to date. The research component includes an extensive and ongoing oral history project. The exhibition seeks to diversify representations of Canada and make them more inclusive. It also seeks to transform public understanding of Canada’s long engagement with the Pacific and successive waves of Chinese migration. Fresh perspectives on migration, diaspora, cultural representation and agency encourage the public to rethink what it means to be British Columbian.

To accompany this exhibit, the Sidney Museum will be presenting displays representing aspects of Chinese Canadian history in Sidney, North Saanich, and the surrounding islands. Through recent research and oral history sessions, the Sidney Museum has new perspectives and increased understandings to share about the substantial Chinese

Canadian history in the region. From the long history of restaurants owned and operated by Chinese Canadian Sidney residents to the Chinatowns of Sidney and James Island in the early 20th century, there will be much for those interested in local Chinese Canadian history to discover.

The Sidney Museum is located at 2423 Beacon Avenue, in the lower level of the Old Post Office building. The museum is open everyday from 10:00am-4:00pm. Admission is by donation. Please visit sidneymuseum.ca for more details.