Cultural Representations In Vancouver History

One of the main things I noticed while reading the texts or this course was that Vancouver was multicultural from its beginnings. The authors of these works offer insights into both the cultural heritage of of the city itself, and into the various groups residing in it.
Pauline Johnson seeks to portray the native Canadian communities in the Vancouver area as distinct from its European inhabitants, but also to affirm their value which had perhaps been overlooked by the European settlers in Vancouver. In “The two Sisters”, Pauline Johnsongives an insight into the culture of the Capilano Indian tribe by highlighting the differences in the Capilano Indian Tribe’s relationship with Vancouver’s natural surroundings. Johnson presents a people with a longstanding presence in the region, she points to the Tribe’s own religious beliefs- such as the Sagalie Tyee, the creator of the earth in their tradition. She also describes the coming of age ceremonies for women that were unique to their culture, and the history of war with other tribes in the area. But perhaps most significant, She states that the Chief was not even aware of name of “the Lions” that the British had ascribed to the twin peaks on the North Shore Mountains. It is evident that each culture’s relationship with the surroundings of Vancouver was based on their historical experience. The British ascribed the name of “the Lions” to then mountains, because of their resemblance to a monument in Britain. To the British the mountains were simply a landmark, however the Indians legend behind the mountains goes further back into their history, to the creation of the world itself, and is an integral part of their history, their beliefs, and their culture.
Wayson Choy gives us an insight into the Chinese Canadian culture in Vancouver. Wayson Choy’s account of a young boy who learns to appreciate his Chinese heritage offers us examples of elements that compose this culture, such as the grandmother’s medical concoctions, and the wind chimes that she constructed from scraps she collected in the city, and also from her stories of her childhood in “Southern Canton”. But this story moves beyond the traditions and examines those of a chinese Canadian-culture. It examines the struggle to retain one’s cultural heritage, and the challenge of balancing integration into a Vancouver lifestyle with this struggle. These issues form part of an experience and culture distinct from both China and the other inhabitants of Vancouver.
Lastly, Ethel Wilson’s the Innocent Traveller, portrays Vancouver from a protestant, European perspective, specifically British. She talks of her activities in the church, and the incident at the Minerva Club regarding Mrs Coffin and her contact with Joe Fortes seems to gives evidence of racism; a legacy of the British slave trade. Topaz’s descriptions of their “chinaman” servant is also reminiscent of that of an alien, suggesting that she had not had much exposure to non Europeans before. However, she distinguishes Vancouver from Britain in many regards, stating that one person’s house was “red, and fresh from Bricky England.” She also describes Vancouver as having it’s own face and person.
All of these authors offer different perspectives into the culture in Vancouver, however it is clear that culture even then, was one of multiculturalism.