We acknowledge that we are situated on unceded territories and that Chinatown was built in the context of Indigenous land colonization. In our actions and intentions, we are committed to contributing to the struggle for decolonization and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

The creation of Chinatowns is a consequence of the structures of racism, discrimination, and segregation of Asian communities. The neighbourhood and the communities within it are survivors of attempts at erasure and marginalization. Today, the movement to save Chinatowns across North America is rooted in a recognition of the context of anti-Asian racism.

The intersectional approach considers the historical, social, and political context and acknowledges the unique lived experience resulting from the intersection of all relevant factors. It allows us to recognize the particular experience of discrimination that arises from the convergence of these factors and to address it effectively.

Clan associations and family associations are an integral part of the foundation of Montreal’s Chinatown. Throughout their existence to this day, they have been hubs for the community, allowing us to receive news from our homeland, celebrate traditions, and also help and welcome newcomers. They embody a rich collective history in cultural, economic, and social life, and are essential to the development of Chinatown.

The modern wave of the movement to build community power in Chinatowns is often led by young people, many of whom are in search of their identity, including through building intergenerational and intercultural solidarities. Rooted in a culture of questioning, they operate based on values of equality, shared power, decentralization, and a cross-sectional analysis of systems of oppression.

The Roundtable strives for equitable representation of genders (women, men, non-binary and more individuals). The Roundtable’s goal is for the board of directors and its working teams to be representative of at least 50% of members are women and non-binary individuals. At least 30% are individuals from ethnocultural, 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, and disability backgrounds.

This committee conducts annual staff evaluations, drafted a first employment contract for management and created a contract template for contractors. The members of this committee are: Pak Kei Wong, Walter Tom, and Sissi Lou.

Governance: This committee drafted recruitment and onboarding information for new board members. The members of this committee include: Leslie Cheung and Sandy Yep.

Engagement: This committee is also responsible for organizing the second edition of Chinatown Day. The members of this committee include: Jason Lee, Jimmy Chan, Sissi Lou, Victor Hum, Amy Ma, and Samuel Vanzin.

This committee organizes workshops and resources for residents of Chinatown. The board of directors created a Housing Rights Action Committee to respond to the widespread need in the community to protect their rights. Members of this committee include the Ville-Marie Housing Committee, Wawa Li, Maka Ta, and Shi Tao Zhang.