Author: Vaibhav Lakra
The Community
The Chinese community has played a significant role in shaping the history and cultural landscape of Kamloops. Their journey from the late 19th century to the present day reflects resilience, community building, and enduring contributions to the region.
The Chinese community in Kamloops has actively collaborated with the Kamloops Museum and Archives (KMA) to celebrate and preserve their rich cultural heritage. These partnerships have resulted in various initiatives that highlight the contributions and history of Chinese Canadians in the region.
For example, In February 2024, the KMA, in collaboration with the Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association (KCCA), hosted a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration marking the Year of the Dragon. The event featured live music, food, crafts, and activities for families. Notably, the KCCA’s performance dragon and other historical artifacts from the Chinese community were displayed, attracting over 300 visitors.
In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to acknowledge and honor the contributions of Chinese Canadians in Kamloops. In 2017, a commemorative monument was unveiled in the Kamloops Chinese Heritage Cemetery, recognizing the enduring legacy and cultural heritage of the Chinese community in British Columbia.
The event is a historical workshop at the Kamloops Museum and Archives (KMA) designed to engage locals and visitors with the rich and diverse history of Chinese community in Kamloops.
The Opportunity
This historical workshop at the Kamloops Museum and Archives (KMA) is a unique and valuable opportunity for both visitors and residents because it offers an immersive, interactive, and community-driven experience that connects people with Kamloops’ rich cultural heritage.
Unlike traditional museum tours where visitors passively observe exhibits, this workshop allows direct engagement with history through:
Archival exploration – Handling real historical documents e.g. scale.
Artifact interaction – Examining tools, clothing, and photographs from past generations.
Cultural crafts – Learning Chinese calligraphy skills.
It is a meaningful alternative to generic sightseeing tours. Also, nowadays there is a growing demand for authentic cultural experiences, travelers today seek real, immersive cultural tourism rather than just passive sightseeing. A workshop like this adds value to Kamloops as a heritage tourism destination. This event aligns with small tourism principles by focusing on local engagement, community-driven activities, and low environmental impact while boosting cultural appreciation.
The Experience
Event schedule: 📅 Date: February 10, 2026 (Lunar New year)
⏰ Time: 3 Hours (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
📍 Location: Kamloops Museum & Archives (KMA)
🎟 Entry Fee: $10 per person
👥 Capacity: 20 participants
| KMA employees wage (2 people/ $20 per person/ 2 hours) | $80 |
| Ink, brushes, calligraphy paper | $81.76 |
| Small refreshment | $38.24 |
🕐 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Welcome & Introduction
- Check-in.
- Brief introduction to Kamloops’ Chinese immigrant history.
- Overview of artifacts and archives participants will engage with.
🕜 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Archival Exploration & Storytelling
- Participants explore historical documents, maps, and old photographs.
- Story telling by Lian Zhou (club leader of Chinese student and scholars association).
- Discussion on how immigrant communities shaped Kamloops’ economy and culture.
🕑 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Artifact Handling & Interactive Demonstrations
- Participants touch and examine historical artifacts such as:
Immigrant work tools e.g. scale.
Traditional clothing from early settlers.
Handwritten family letters and business records. - Q&A session with museum staff (Julia).
🕝 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM | Hands-on Cultural Craft Workshop
Participants will engage in interactive stations:
Chinese Calligraphy – Learn to write a character in traditional ink.
- Each participant takes home their handmade craft as a souvenir.
🕒 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM | Community Discussion & Reflection
- Group discussion: Why is cultural history important in tourism?
- Participants share what they learned & how it relates to modern Kamloops.
- Networking & light refreshments (Juice/coffee).
🕞 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Photo Session
- Wrap-up, group photos & participant feedback collection.
- Information on future workshops & ways to stay involved.
- How It Supports Sustainable Tourism:
Operates on a low-cost, high-engagement model, making it affordable and sustainable.
Encourages repeat participation by creating a rotating series of themes for future workshops (Lunar New Year).
The Small Tourism Effect
This historical workshop at Kamloops Museum & Archives (KMA) is an example of small tourism that prioritizes cultural sustainability, local engagement, and meaningful experiences over large-scale commercial tourism. The event will have a significant impact on visitors and residents, creating a deeper appreciation for heritage, fostering local connections, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
We will be enhancing Cultural Sustainability through engagement and by preserving & sharing Immigrant histories by focusing on Chinese immigrant contributions, this event helps preserve and sustain local cultural heritage. Storytelling, archival exploration, and traditional crafts ensure that historical knowledge is passed down to future generations.
The event promotes intercultural dialogue by bringing together different community groups for shared learning. The event is designed to be low impact, using existing museum spaces and materials responsibly. Visitors leave with handmade crafts instead of mass-produced souvenirs, promoting eco-conscious travel. The more people engage with local history through small tourism experiences, the stronger Kamloops’ reputation becomes as a center for cultural sustainability and immersive travel.
While I may not be a direct member of the Chinese community, my interest and connection come from a deep appreciation of cultural history, heritage tourism, and community engagement. My role is to act as a bridge between communities, helping to highlight the important contributions of Chinese immigrants in Kamloops while ensuring their stories are told in an authentic, respectful, and engaging way.
FINAL THOUGHT: This small tourism initiative does more than educate—it actively engages, sustains cultural heritage, and strengthens community identity.
Cultural Sustainability: Keeps historical narratives alive through direct community involvement.
Small Tourism: Prioritizes personal connections over mass tourism crowds.
Engagement: Encourages hands-on participation and intergenerational learning.
Effect: Leaves a lasting impact on visitors and residents, deepening their appreciation for Kamloops’ cultural richness.
This event is not just about history—it’s about ensuring that history continues to shape and inspire the future of Kamloops through sustainable, meaningful small tourism experiences.
https://www.timhortons.ca/menu/picker-picker_7530
https://www.kamloopsmuseum.ca/
