Karin Lee
Chinese Canadian Historical Society of B.C.

"The best way…to acknowledge the riots is not only to look back at our history but also look at the immigration laws today. Those with the economic means have the advantage….Somebody who is uneducated or a farmer or who comes from a particular region in a Third World country is not going to have the same opportunity as someone who is highly educated [and] coming from a First World European country."

Stanley Fukawa
National Nikkei Museum and Heritage Centre

"In 1907, in a lot of people's minds, there was a hierarchy of races. It marked the beginning of 40 years of racism. We have to acknowledge it and say, 'Yes, these things happened.' It's sort of taking some kind of recognition of our history. We're not perfect yet, but we've come a long way."

Lorene Oikawa
B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union

"It's important for the labour movement wanting to acknowledge that past injustice. We want to look at our current relationships, celebrate the contributions and achievements of Asian Canadians, and also let people know about the good work of unions. It's really important for us to listen to the issues and concerns of Asian Canadian communities."

Harbhajan Gill
Komagata Maru Society

"It needs to be brought up to people's attention. Educating the young would be one way of doing it. We just want to make everybody aware. It was unfortunate at that time that people were thinking 'white Canada, white province'. Our forefathers suffered to make what we have today no matter where you're from."

Harley Wylie
Huu-ay-aht First Nation

"This riot took place in the territory of Musqueam, Squamish, and Burrard First Nations who were first removed and put into reservations. I think it's important to recognize…this is not the first event that led to racist legislation in Canada. The Indian Act was put in place in 1876. We must make this accurate and honest history available so we can learn from it."