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Won Alexander Cumyow casting his first vote, 1949. (UBC Library Rare Books and Special Collections, RBSC-ARC-1153-BC-1848-9)
Won Alexander Cumyow: First Chinese Canadian & Rights Advocate
Won Alexander Cumyow (溫金有), born around 1861-02-14 in Port Douglas, BC, was the first known person of Chinese descent born in Canada. A pivotal community leader and interpreter, he fought for rights amid severe discrimination. Despite being Canadian-born, Cumyow faced racism that barred him from voting and the legal profession for decades. He actively campaigned against discriminatory policies, including school racial segregation in Victoria. He cast his first vote in 1949 at the age of 88, just after Chinese Canadians regained suffrage. Won Alexander Cumyow was designated a National Historic Person of Canada in 2024 for his significant contributions and his role as a bridge between cultures.