Here's an interesting announcement for a new book about the history of Chinese on Prince Edward Island - Todd


September 7, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chinese Islanders

Making a Home in the New World

by Hung-Min Chiang

Charlottetown.  Chinese Islanders: Making a Home in the New World tells the story of some of Prince Edward Island's first Chinese settlers who came to the Island as early as 1850.  They were subjected to the  infamous “head tax,” as well as the more severe Chinese Immigration Act (also known as the Chinese Expulsion Act). But through it all, they and their descendants have largely

adapted to and succeeded in mainstream Island society, and are proud today to be recognized as true Islanders.

Catherine G. Hennessey writes:

“From tenuous beginnings in the closing days of the 19th century to the blossoming of a

vibrant new Chinese community in the 21st century, Chinese Islanders: Making a Home in the New World  tells the story of one of Prince Edward Island ’s smallest immigrant communities.”

From the book’s foreword by John Cousins:

“Hung-Min Chiang set out to write this history of the Chinese Canadian community in Prince Edward Island because, as he was told, “no one else would do it.” What a daunting task it must have been. No group of Islanders would be harder to document than these few Chinese settlers, who, for obvious reasons, preferred to remain anonymous, and to live below the social horizon, leading “quiet inconspicuous lives.” There were few records, fewer accurate ones, no personal biographies for guidance, negligible letters, and  no survivors from the early days. Added to that was a “discontinuing of  generations,” a period of decline between the 1940s and 1960s when the community came close to disappearing. Nevertheless, Chiang has accomplished a series of minor miracles. These were the realities of the Chinese community and the author does not avoid them.”

“Rather, he recounts them with a serenity that carries with it the sublime  sadness of the human plight. And this, in my opinion, is the work’s great  strength.”

About the Author:

Dr. Hung-Min Chiang, originally from Taiwan , came to Prince Edward Island with his family in 1967. A student of Abraham Maslow, he taught psychology at Prince of Wales College and the University of Prince Edward Island until his retirement in 1991. He is fondly remembered as a favourite professor by many. A lover of nature, all his hobbies bring him closer to the earth.

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For media interviews, please contact Dr.Hung-Min Chiang, at (902) 569-3959 or by email at mchiang@eastlink.ca.