Union Zindabad! — South Asian Canadian Labour History in British Columbia

organized labour, politicians and
forty kilometres to the south in
other community leaders. At its
Washington State, rounded up “East
founding meeting representatives of
Indian” sawmill workers and ordered
similar organizations in Washington
them out of town.
State were in attendance. Meetings
The Vancouver Daily World
were held at the Labor Hall and the
claimed the traumatized refugees
first executive was dominated by
were seeking asylum in Canada,
union members.
though their welcome was likely
“The object of this organization is
just as unfriendly as it was south of
to work for the exclusion from the
the border. “Somewhere between
Dominion of Canada, its territory
Bellingham and the British
and its possessions, all Asiatics,”
Columbia line are 150 natives of
The Province, August 10, 1907, 9.
said a story in the Vancouver Daily
India, beaten, hungry, naked or
World on August 10, 1907. “The list of signatures half-clothed, making their way along the Great
was headed by Mayor Bethune, and includes several
members of the legal legislature and a member and the protection of the British flag.” 9
Northern railway, bound for Canadian territory
of the Dominion parliament.” 7
Just as Bellingham refugees were arriving at
At its first meeting, the AEL decided to hold a Vancouver, local organizers forged ahead with
rally at City Hall and a parade through the streets their September 7 parade, carrying signs and flags
of Vancouver on September 7, 1907. They invited calling for “A White Canada”. While a huge crowd
trade unionists from BC and Washington State, listened to speeches outside City Hall on East
ex-servicemen and fraternal organizations to this Hastings Street, thousands split off as a violent
widely advertised spectacle.
mob.
“Thousands will Line Up in Parade” blared the Thousands rioted, marching into nearby
Vancouver Daily World. “The trade unionists and Chinatown destroying homes and businesses.
various fraternal societies…will also aid in the Windows were smashed, stores looted, and many
demonstration.” 8
Chinese people were beaten. After venting their
Two days before the Vancouver parade was to fury on Chinatown, the crowd headed to Powell
take place, gangs of White thugs in Bellingham, Street to attack the Japanese community.
7 “Asiatic Exclusion League”, Vancouver Daily World, August 10, 1907, 7.
8 “Thousands Will Line Up in Parade”, Vancouver Daily World, September 7, 1907. 1.
9 “Mob Drives Hindus Out of Bellingham”, Vancouver Daily World, September 5, 1907, 1.
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