The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act is now at the printers and will be officially released June 24, 2025.

This limited-edition, hardcover book is a standalone publication that goes broader and deeper into the story of the Exclusion Act period (1923-1947) and its aftermath (post 1947) than was possible to do in the landmark Vancouver exhibition. 

The pages explore the broad range of human experiences of exclusion as revealed through the many stories of the lives it touched. The stories in this book reveal haunting tales of tragedy, loss and despair as well as powerful examples of courage, perseverance, and resilience. They chronicle the lives of ordinary people caught in extraordinary times. Many stories and images are being shared publicly for the very first time.

Secure a copy for your family’s library. Consider this book to be both a present and future family heirloom: a gift to be passed on to ensure that generations of Chinese Canadians to come will deeply understand and appreciate the history and experiences of their ancestors. Consider getting an extra copy for friends, a teacher in your life, or others in your family.