Legacy in Motion: OCCA, Chinese Freemasons, and Dragon Spirit Tai Chi Convene for Historic Qingming Audit and Pioneer Tribute
KELOWNA, BC — April 26, 2026 — The Chinese Freemasons of Kelowna led a historic Qingming memorial ceremony at Kelowna Memorial Park. The event brought together approximately 40 attendees from various ethnic backgrounds and honoured the contributions and resilience of early Chinese Canadian pioneers in the Okanagan, serving as a lead-up event to Asian Heritage Month 2026.
The ceremony began at the Eternal Rest Pavilion with traditional incense offerings and ancestral remembrance rituals, followed by a commemorative gathering at the Monument for the BC Government’s Apology to Chinese Canadians. Participants paid tribute not only to the early pioneers who helped build the region, but also to the generations of community leaders who fought for dignity, recognition, and historical justice for Chinese Canadians in British Columbia.MLA Teresa Wat giving a speech regarding the BC Apology. (Photo Credit: Cathy Zhang)
Master Shui Lee standing in front of the Eternal Rest Pavilion. (Photo Credit: Jason Zhang)
Master Shui Lee, Chairman of Kelowna Chinese Freemasons, shared reflections on the struggles endured by Chinese pioneers in the Okanagan, as well as the decades-long efforts that ultimately led to the BC Government’s formal apology. His remarks emphasized the importance of continuing to preserve and pass on Chinese Canadian history, culture, and community memory to future generations.
Master Shui Lee conducting the ceremony and offer incense (Photo Credit: Jason Zhang)
MLA Teresa Wat, one of the key political leaders involved in advancing the BC apology and monument recognition efforts, attended the ceremony and presented Appreciation Certificates to several community contributors in recognition of their work preserving Asian heritage and strengthening community collaboration.
MLA Teresa Wat offer incense (Photo Credit: Jason Zhang)
The organizers emphasized that Qingming is not only a cultural tradition of remembrance, but also a continuing commitment to preserving the historical narratives, contributions, and dignity of Chinese Canadians in the Okanagan.
Photo in front of the Monument for the BC Government’s Apology to Chinese Canadians. (Photo Credit: Jason Zhang)
The Qingming memorial ceremony was made possible through support from the Chinese Freemasons of Kelowna, OCCA Communities Association (OCCA), Dragon Spirit Taichi, Dragon King Restaurant, the City of Kelowna, and the Kelowna Museums Society.
