Barkerville Historic Town & Park is pleased to present Odysseys and Migration, a travelling exhibition produced by the Chinese Canadian Museum, opening June 20, 2026.
Spanning the 18th century to the present day, Odysseys and Migration traces the global journeys of Chinese migrants, from Hong Kong to Vancouver and across the wider diaspora, and exploring the experiences that have shaped Chinese Canadian identities over time. Through artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, the exhibition examines themes of movement, belonging, resilience, and cultural connection. These narratives reflect both individual journeys and collective histories, highlighting the enduring strength and contributions of Chinese Canadian communities.
“Barkerville is uniquely positioned to host this exhibition,” says Al Richmond, Chair of the Barkerville Heritage Trust. “Chinese migrants were central to the history of this place, from the gold rush era onward. The exhibition helps connect those local histories to broader global stories, deepening our understanding of the people and communities who helped shape Barkerville and British Columbia.”
Curated by Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee, CEO of the Chinese Canadian Museum, the exhibition was originally developed for the opening of the Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver in 2023 and marks another stop in its ongoing tour across the province.
“Odysseys and Migration traces the journey of Chinese settlers who arrived in Canada from across Asia and established deep roots on this land,” says Lee. “The Chinese Canadian story begins earlier than many realize, dating back to the late 1700s, well before the gold rush, and includes early relationships with Indigenous communities. These beginnings laid the foundation for a rich and enduring cultural legacy, shaping generations of Chinese immigrants and leaving a lasting imprint on Canada’s history.”
Installed in Barkerville’s Welcome Centre, the exhibition complements the site’s preserved Chinatown and long-standing interpretation of Chinese Canadian life during the Cariboo Gold Rush, offering visitors an expanded perspective that links local experience to global migration histories.
A formal grand opening event will take place on June 20, with details to be announced. Following its opening, the exhibition will be included with admission and can be viewed during the Welcome Centre’s regular operating hours throughout the season.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and the David and Dorothy Lam Foundation, Community Legacy and Learning Initiative Partner, for making this exhibition possible.
About Barkerville Historic Town & Park
Barkerville Historic Town & Park is a Provincial Heritage Property and one of British Columbia’s most significant historic sites. Located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Lhtako Dene Nation, shared with the Secwépemc Peoples, Barkerville preserves and presents the history of the Cariboo Gold Rush through immersive experiences, historic buildings, and museum exhibitions. The site welcomes visitors from around the world to explore the stories of the diverse communities who lived and worked here.
About the Chinese Canadian Museum
The Chinese Canadian Museum Society of British Columbia is an independent, non-profit organization established in March 2020 to create a museum honouring and sharing Chinese Canadian history, contributions, and living heritage. Guided by its mission statement “Connecting to the Chinese Canadian story – addressing inclusion for all”, the Chinese Canadian Museum aspires to provide an invigorating and transformative experience for present and future generations through its exhibitions and educational programming throughout B.C. and Canada.
The first of its kind in Canada, the Chinese Canadian Museum opened to the public in 2023 and is located in the historic Wing Sang Building in Vancouver Chinatown.