CA-K222History

Won Alexander Cumyow, first known Chinese Canadian born in Canada

Won Alexander Cumyow in 1910, photographed by Yucho Chow. Won Alexander Cumyow, 1910 (cropped) · Yucho Chow · Photo source · Photo licence: Public domain. Resized for display; item previews may be cropped. The image remains under the licence shown.

Factual accuracy review: No recorded challenge

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Won Alexander Cumyow (1861–1955), born at Port Douglas in the colony of British Columbia, was the first known person of Chinese descent born in what would become Canada. Barred from voting and from the legal profession by discriminatory laws, he worked as a court interpreter and community broker, fought racist voting laws, and finally cast his vote in 1949.

Scope & context

His life and advocacy as recognized in his designation, not the full history of Chinese Canadian voting rights.

Sources behind this record

Won Alexander Cumyow (1861–1955) National Historic Person ↗

Parks Canada

Historical importance; plaque text