The Sien Lok Society of Calgary Celebrates 40th Anniversary
[2009-06-23] article by Mr Tang (Sing Tao Reporter).

The Sien Lok Society of Calgary celebrated its 40th Anniversary and conducted Volunteer Appreciation/Social Gathering event a few days ago at the Regency Palace Restaurant. There were over 200 guests in attendance including former Premier Ralph Klein, Judge Ray Lee, 21 original 1969 members and presidents of many other organizations. Emcee for the celebration was Dale Lee Kwong, a local poet /playwright and performer, emphasized that the theme for the event is : Remember – the past 40 years, Reunite – original, past, and current members and to Rejoice – celebrate accomplishments of the past 40 years.

Founding member and first president of the Society, Judge Ray Lee presented the history of the Sien Lok Society of Calgary. He mentioned that Sien Lok Society was established in 1968 with an aim to preserve and develop Calgary's Chinatown. The name “sien lok” was taken from the Chinese proverb “wai sien gee lok”. In that time, the City of Calgary neglected Chinatown and under the guise of urban renewal, they intended to demolish or relocate it. Because of the unceasing effort of the Sien Lok Society, it called on all the Tong associations of Chinatown and political groups to save China Town. The Sien Lok Society also took the initiative to invite Chinese communities, urban experts and representatives of every level of government to convene in Calgary in an attempt to unite Canada Chinese citizens.

During April 5-9, 1969 Sien Lok hosted the National Conference of Urban Renewal as it affects China town. The delegates, representing over 100,000 Chinese Canadians from all parts of the country, joined with experts in every Chinatowns, and to discuss the psychological, sociological and economic factors that govern the degree of Chinese integration and participation in the dominant Caucasian culture. The end results of the groundbreaking conference went far beyond the scope of the original conference objective. Indeed, it has guaranteed that Chinese communities and the Chinese culture would always be a part of the fabric of Canadian life. Sien Lok succeeded dramatically in its original goal to preserve Calgary's Chinatown and as a result, Calgary is the only city in Canada with a Chinatown identified in its bylaws. Now Calgary has become one of the cleanest and safest cities in North America.

Following that is the welcome speech by current president, Robert Jim. He welcomed all guests and extended his sincere thanks to all volunteers for supporting the activities organized by Sien Lok. Mr Jim emphasized that the mission of Sien Lok is “through a legacy of cooperation, advancing and preserving Chinese Canadian heritage by creating bridges between generations and cultures”. He also mentioned the recent achievements of the Society, which includes the development of the beautiful Sien Lok Park in Chinatown, participation in the Alberta Centennial Photo Exhibit, Photo Exhibit of Canadian-Chinese women and the history about Canadian Chinese in Southern Alberta,

The event's entertainment included: Lion Dance by World Pak Mei Hup Gong Do Martial Arts group, Chinese music on long-zither and flute by sisters Linshia and Kailie Luan, plus English pop songs by Amy Lieu and Anna Pham.

The Grey Cup Festival office brought the cup to the event for all guests to take photos with the Grey Cup. Delicious lunch buffet was served and there was also a lucky draw.