Remember. Honour. Educate. November 7 marks the contributions of Chinese Railroad Workers, the nation builders of Canada.

Our Mission The Foundation to Commemorate the Chinese Railroad Workers in Canada is a registered charitable organization with a mission to honor and remember the Chinese Railroad Workers who played a vital role in building the first transcontinental railway (the CPR) that connected Canada geographically and politically. Our goals include:

1. Promoting understanding and awareness of the significant contributions made by Chinese Railroad Workers to Canada’s history.

2. Raising awareness about the unjust Immigration Acts imposed on Chinese pioneers and their families.

3. Establishing scholarships.

4. Supporting other Canadian charitable organizations that promote Chinese Canadian History.

We are dedicated to preserving the legacy of Chinese Railroad Workers and fostering a better understanding of their contributions to Canada’s rich cultural heritage.

Highlights of Our Work

Last Spike Tribute Dinner (November 7) Hosted the first annual Last Spike Tribute Dinner, marking the beginning of a new annual tradition to honour Chinese Railroad Workers. Sadly, on November 7, 1885, during the hammering of the last spike, Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) company director Donald Smith was surrounded by dignitaries and railroad workers, yet not one Chinese face appeared in the iconic Canadian picture.

Chinese Railroad Workers Memorial Day (November 7) Advocated for November 7 to be recognized as Chinese Railroad Workers Memorial Day. Many cities and provinces, including Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto, and British Columbia, have already made proclamations. Visit our website to see the full list. We will continue to ask local cities, provinces, and territories to proclaim November 7 until it becomes a National Day of Remembrance.

Remembering the Sacrifice Approximately 17,000 Chinese men were recruited to build Canada’s transcontinental railway, with 4,000 losing their lives. They endured the most treacherous labour, particularly through the Rocky Mountains, facing explosives, landslides, and harsh conditions. Your support helps us remember, honour, and educate about their legacy.

Scholarships, Wreath-Laying, and Annual Book Expanded student scholarships, continued the annual July 1 wreath-laying ceremony, and published the annual Last Spike Tribute Book, preserving stories from railroad and Head Tax descendants.

Museum Exhibits Initiated efforts to establish a permanent museum exhibit at the Jiangmen Wuyi Overseas Chinese Museum, with plans to expand to additional exhibits in China.

Your Donation Helps Us

1. Host annual July 1 and November 7 commemorations

2. Increase scholarships for students

3. Establish museum exhibit(s) in China, starting with one and planning for more

4. Publish the annual Last Spike Tribute Book

5. Maintain the Foundation’s website to share stories, proclamations, and educational resources

Consider a Legacy Donation

If you are a member of the Chinese community, a Head Tax payer, or a descendant of Chinese Railroad Workers or Head Tax families, we invite you to consider a legacy donation. By leaving a gift in your will, you ensure that the sacrifices and contributions of these individuals are honoured and remembered for generations to come.

Donate today to preserve their stories and keep their legacy alive.