Denise Fong

PhD Candidate, Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program

Denise Fong (方靜怡) is a 1.5 generation Chinese Canadian with roots in Hong Kong, Toisan China, New Zealand and San Francisco. She is a Ph.D. candidate in the Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, with a special interest in public history, digital media and Chinese Canadian history. Since 2009, Denise has coordinated a number of historical research and public history projects, including SFU’s From C to C: Chinese Canadian Stories of Migration and UBC’s Chinese Canadian Stories: Uncommon Histories from a Common Past. She recently co-curated two Chinese Canadian exhibitions locally — Burnaby Village Museum’s Across the Pacific exhibition and the Museum of Vancouver’s A Seat at the Table exhibition. As the Research Director for UBC’s INSTRCC (Initiative for Student Teaching and Research in Chinese Canadian Studies), Denise provides guidance on historical context and oversees the research team.

4 responses to “Denise Fong”

  1. Adrian Lee

    Hi Denise,

    I am a 3rd gen Toisan doi resident of UBC who graduated from the (2-year residential) Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific (past Royal Roads Uni), the U of T and UBC. Married into a founding Chinese family in Victoria.

    Thanks for ‘Challenging Racist BC’! It has been forwarded to all staff, faculty and students at http://www.PearsonCollege.Ca as part of ongoing place-based learning on anti-oppression in a BC context. This school is situated on unceeded territory and is close by Beecher Bay FN; and the college employs a staff member and has a student in attendance from that community.

    I am writing to enquire how familiar you might already be with the tale of the Chinese Labour Corps during WW1 being quarantined at William Head (80k strong), which is adjacent to Pearson College.

    Johnson’s book: Life and Death at William Head
    Film: Tricks on the Dead

    I have prepared a quick resource list pertaining to this story, which relates to disease-connected Sinophobia.

    As we look back on 150 years, it is fantastic the work that has gone into addressing social justice.

    1. Denise

      Hello Adrian, Thank you so much for sharing your background and work. I am very familiar with Jordan Paterson’s film.
      Feel free to connect by email if you would like to have further discussion.

  2. Kathryn Jung

    Dear Denise,
    I recently saw a video on Youtube of an interview you conducted with my Uncle Colonel Howe Lee about his upbringing in Armstrong, BC. I am wondering if you have the extended version of it you would be willing to share with me? I missed the exhibit noted above and am wondering if I heard that an encore presentation is in the works now at the Burnaby Village Museum or perhaps the Chinese Canadian Military Museum in Chinatown? I look forward to hearing from you. This is amazing work you have done!
    Thank you!
    Kathryn

    1. Denise

      Hello Kathryn, Thanks very much for reaching out.
      You can access the full audio interview at this link: https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/permalink/museumsoundrecording10266
      I’m happy to share that the Across the Pacific exhibition will re-open this Summer at the Burnaby Village Museum. Please stay tuned for updates on our website: https://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/

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