education kits

From Far and Wide: The Richmond Mosaic

Discover the cultural diversity in Richmond by comparing how people from different cultures eat and celebrate, play and dress.

Big Ideas:

• Our communities are diverse.
• People from diverse cultures and societies share some common experiences and aspects of life.

Sockeye Special Stories

Glimpses into Richmond’s transportation history to discover what ways the Interurban Trams built “community” for people and their families.

Big Ideas:

• Our communities are diverse and made of individuals who have a lot in common.
• People create art to express who they are as individuals and in the community.

Steveston Stories: How One Person Can Make a Difference

Explore the history of the citizens in Steveston who contributed to their community. Through the examples of Dr. Richard Whitefield Large (1874–1920), Tomekichi Homma (1865–1945) and Hide Hyodo Shimizu (1908–1999) this kit explores the various ways they shaped the history of Richmond and of Canada.

Big Ideas:

• Local actions have global consequences, and global actions have local consequences. Individuals have rights and responsibilities as global citizens.

Mudflatters: Richmond’s Pioneer History

Trace the stories of Richmond’s past through the lives of six pioneers: Hugh McRoberts, Joseph Steves, Charles London, Otokichi Murakami, Asayo Imamoto and Chung Ling Lam.

Big Ideas:

• People from diverse cultures and societies share some common experiences and aspects of life.
• British Columbia followed a unique path in becoming a part of Canada.
• Immigration and multiculturalism continue to shape Canadian society and identity.

Musqueam – People of the River Grass in Richmond

Fully booked until June 2024

Understand the significance of fishing for the Musqueam First Nation in the past, present and future.

Big Ideas:

• Indigenous societies throughout the world value the well-being of the self, the land, spirits, and ancestors.
• The pursuit of valuable natural resources has played a key role in changing the land, people, and communities of Canada.

Knocking on Rich Man’s Gate: Chinese Immigration in Richmond

Play the frustrating yet rewarding game of immigration and discover first-hand the trials and tribulations of early Chinese immigrants to Canada.

Big Ideas:

• The pursuit of valuable natural resources has played a key role in changing the land, people, and communities of Canada.
• Immigration and multiculturalism continue to shape Canadian society and identity.
• Canada’s policies and treatment of minority peoples have negative and positive legacies.

Japan Through the Senses

Explore the stories of joy and hardship that reflect the history of the Japanese community in Richmond and what it truly means to be Canadian.

Big Ideas:

• Immigration and multiculturalism continue to shape Canadian society and identity.

The Internment Years: The Japanese Canadians during World War II

Encourage a more meaningful and comprehensive understanding of the forced removal of Japanese Canadians from Richmond while developing critical thinking skills.

Big Ideas:

• Canada’s policies and treatment of minority peoples have negative and positive legacies.

Immigration: The Canadian Experience

Discover the process of transitioning from “immigrant” to “Canadian”, including all the hardship and joy that comes from moving from one country to another.

Big Ideas:

• Immigration and multiculturalism continue to shape Canadian society and identity.

Our Journeys Here

Use historical inquiry skills to analyze the oral histories of six Richmond newcomers to determine how their stories shape Richmond’s story.

Big Ideas:

• Immigration and multiculturalism continue to shape Canadian society and identity.

The Cutting Edge: Communications Technology in Richmond and Beyond

Explore the evolution of communications technology and its impact on our everyday lives. Find out which “artefacts” are actually not as old as they seem!

Big Ideas:

• Media sources can both positively and negatively affect our understanding of important events and issues.