Cross Cultural Mountain View Cemetery Tour

Sunday, April 10, 2022 @ 10:00AM – 12:15PM PDT

Cross Cultural Walking Tours bring awareness of the contributions of Indigenous and early immigrant communities, the richly layered history of Vancouver’s downtown eastside neighbourhoods (including Jewish Strathcona, Hogan’s Alley, Downtown Eastside, Chinatown and Paueru-Gai), in celebration of Asian and Jewish Heritage Months.

Program Description: 

Representatives of the Chinatown Generations (formerly, Youth Collaborative for Chinatown) and Wongs’ Benevolent Association; Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre; and the Jewish Museum & Archives of BC provided a cross-cultural tour of historic Mountain View Cemetery.

Photo Credit: Yvonne Chew 

Yvonne Chew is a disabled multidisciplinary artist in dance, voice, writing, visual art, video and photography.  She has trained in butoh and body weather.  Her interests includes art therapy, embodiment and somatics.  She uses photography as a form of documentation and journey for areas of study with relationship to the individual and community.

Instagram @yvonnechewphotography

Image Description: A close up of a left hand holding a Mountain View Cemetery Self Guided Walking Tour Booklet. The booklet cover has a title and an image of the old Jewish Cemetery gates. The Cemetery grounds are out of focus in the background of the photo.
Image Description: A close up of a left hand holding a Mountain View Cemetery Self Guided Walking Tour Booklet. The booklet cover has a title and an image of the old Jewish Cemetery gates. The Cemetery grounds are out of focus in the background of the photo.
Image Description: Michael Schwartz welcomes a group of people to the Cross Cultural Walking Tours.The people face Michael, standing on a paved path and a grassy hill outside the Jewish Cemetery hedge line.
Image Description: Michael Schwartz welcomes a group of people to the Cross Cultural Walking Tours.The people face Michael, standing on a paved path and a grassy hill outside the Jewish Cemetery hedge line.
Image Description: The closed entrance gates to Mountain View’s Jewish Cemetery in the foreground of the photo. The top of the gates have the numbers 1892 framed by thin, curving decorative metal, noting the year the Jewish Cemetery was created.Headstones are visible through the iron bars of the gate. Cherry tree blossoms are visible above the hedgeline at the back of the photograph.
Image Description: The closed entrance gates to Mountain View’s Jewish Cemetery in the foreground of the photo. The top of the gates have the numbers 1892 framed by thin, curving decorative metal, noting the year the Jewish Cemetery was created.Headstones are visible through the iron bars of the gate. Cherry tree blossoms are visible above the hedgeline at the back of the photograph.
Image Description: Cedar hedge branches surround a close up of an information plaque at Mountain View Cemetery about the Jewish Cemetery. The information plaque is surrounded by a dark metal frame. There is a drawing of a flowering tree branch in the top right corner of the plaque. There is a ribbon of colour behind the guideline section of the plaque.The written english text reads: JEWISH CEMETERY AT MOUNTAIN VIEW GUIDELINES FOR RESPECTFUL VISITS Please visit during daylight hours only. Only walk on pathways as there are many unmarked burials. Dogs are not allowed inside the gates. Photography is welcome. Stone rubbings and private cleaning of headstones are prohibited. Jewish tradition prefers the leaving of stones to mark a visit rather than flowers. Stones are available in the pebble basin inside the gates. Plastic containers or artificial flowers are not allowed. Inappropriate adornments or other items left within this area will be removed. For details on some of the pioneers interred here, visit admiredlife.com For more information contact info@jewishmuseum.ca For information on Jewish burials or the availability of lots, contact Schara Tzedeck Cemetery Board at 604-733-2277 or info@cemeteryboard.com I In case of emergency, phone 604-325-2646 or 3-1-1
Image Description: Cedar hedge branches surround a close up of an information plaque at Mountain View Cemetery about the Jewish Cemetery. The information plaque is surrounded by a dark metal frame. There is a drawing of a flowering tree branch in the top right corner of the plaque. There is a ribbon of colour behind the guideline section of the plaque.The written english text reads: JEWISH CEMETERY AT MOUNTAIN VIEW GUIDELINES FOR RESPECTFUL VISITS Please visit during daylight hours only. Only walk on pathways as there are many unmarked burials. Dogs are not allowed inside the gates. Photography is welcome. Stone rubbings and private cleaning of headstones are prohibited. Jewish tradition prefers the leaving of stones to mark a visit rather than flowers. Stones are available in the pebble basin inside the gates. Plastic containers or artificial flowers are not allowed. Inappropriate adornments or other items left within this area will be removed. For details on some of the pioneers interred here, visit admiredlife.com For more information contact info@jewishmuseum.ca For information on Jewish burials or the availability of lots, contact Schara Tzedeck Cemetery Board at 604-733-2277 or info@cemeteryboard.com I In case of emergency, phone 604-325-2646 or 3-1-1
Image Description: Flat granite gravestone surrounded by grass. A thin border is carved around the edge of the gravestone making a frame. At the top is a six pointed star, also called a Star of David. There are two stones placed on the left side of the inscription, written in Hebrew and English. The written english text reads: In Memory of A Beloved Brother and Uncle FRANK D. HERMAN OCT.5.1914 - MAR 13.1989
Image Description: Flat granite gravestone surrounded by grass. A thin border is carved around the edge of the gravestone making a frame. At the top is a six pointed star, also called a Star of David. There are two stones placed on the left side of the inscription, written in Hebrew and English. The written english text reads: In Memory of A Beloved Brother and Uncle FRANK D. HERMAN OCT.5.1914 – MAR 13.1989
Image Description: Headstones are arranged in grass rectangles in the Jewish Cemetery grounds. All headstones have rectangular bases with rough sides and smooth tops that the headstones sit on. 3 light coloured headstones are clustered together in the left corner, furthest away from the camera. There is a mix of Hebrew and English writing on the Headstones. Cherry blossom branches are visible above the hedgeline along the back of the Jewish Cemetery border, framed by dense foliage.
Image Description: Headstones are arranged in grass rectangles in the Jewish Cemetery grounds. All headstones have rectangular bases with rough sides and smooth tops that the headstones sit on. 3 light coloured headstones are clustered together in the left corner, furthest away from the camera. There is a mix of Hebrew and English writing on the Headstones. Cherry blossom branches are visible above the hedgeline along the back of the Jewish Cemetery border, framed by dense foliage.
Image Description: Four flat oval head stones are nested in a vertical line into the grassy burial site of the Jewish Cemetery. At the top of each headstone is a six pointed star, also called the Star of David.The stone closest to the camera reads: BABY BOY WOLMAN FEBRUARY 4, 2023 The stone behind this stone in the photograph reads: BABY BOY MARSHALL JANUARY 7, 1923 2 MONTHS The next stone is oriented away from the camera in the photograph, which reads: HANNAH DRITZ MAY 26, 1919 1 MONTH The stone farthest away from the camera in the photograph reads: BABY BOY PINSLER FEBRUARY 10, 1923
Image Description: Four flat oval head stones are nested in a vertical line into the grassy burial site of the Jewish Cemetery. At the top of each headstone is a six pointed star, also called the Star of David.The stone closest to the camera reads: BABY BOY WOLMAN FEBRUARY 4, 2023 The stone behind this stone in the photograph reads: BABY BOY MARSHALL JANUARY 7, 1923 2 MONTHS The next stone is oriented away from the camera in the photograph, which reads: HANNAH DRITZ MAY 26, 1919 1 MONTH The stone farthest away from the camera in the photograph reads: BABY BOY PINSLER FEBRUARY 10, 1923
Image Description: A person wearing a heavy winter coat washes their hands in the Ritual Washing Basin. Their long dark hair falls over their left shoulder. They have on a knitted hat and a face mask. Bright neon nail polish decorates their fingers. There is a dedication plaque above the Ritual Washing Basin. The plaque inscription, written in English reads: Ritual Washing Basin Dedicated by Shirley Barnett 2015 In loving Memory of parents Esther & Ben Dayson Grandparents Toba & Abraham Nemetz And Jennia & Pesach Deezik High above the gates is a Hebrew prayer which says “Peace be upon you, holy souls” Dedicated by Anita & Arnold Silber 2015
Image Description: A person wearing a heavy winter coat washes their hands in the Ritual Washing Basin. Their long dark hair falls over their left shoulder. They have on a knitted hat and a face mask. Bright neon nail polish decorates their fingers. There is a dedication plaque above the Ritual Washing Basin. The plaque inscription, written in English reads: Ritual Washing Basin Dedicated by Shirley Barnett 2015 In loving Memory of parents Esther & Ben Dayson Grandparents Toba & Abraham Nemetz And Jennia & Pesach Deezik High above the gates is a Hebrew prayer which says “Peace be upon you, holy souls” Dedicated by Anita & Arnold Silber 2015
Image Description: Two hands with bright neon nail polish are washed with running water from the metal Ritual Basin. The stream of water is trickling out of a thin rectangular pipe with a 90 bend. A metal cup with Hebrew writing is sitting in the basin, closer to the camera than the two washing hands. The cup has a clip on the bottom attached with a thin metal safety wire.
Image Description: Two hands with bright neon nail polish are washed with running water from the metal Ritual Basin. The stream of water is trickling out of a thin rectangular pipe with a 90 bend. A metal cup with Hebrew writing is sitting in the basin, closer to the camera than the two washing hands. The cup has a clip on the bottom attached with a thin metal safety wire.
Image Description: A person in a light waterproof jacket addresses an audience in the Japanese Section of Mountain View Cemetery. The person is holding up their arms with the palms of their hands towards their face. They are holding a brochure from Mountain View Cemetery in their left hand. The audience is facing the left side of the photograph. Cherry blossom trees are in bloom surrounding the group of people.
Image Description: A person in a light waterproof jacket addresses an audience in the Japanese Section of Mountain View Cemetery. The person is holding up their arms with the palms of their hands towards their face. They are holding a brochure from Mountain View Cemetery in their left hand. The audience is facing the left side of the photograph. Cherry blossom trees are in bloom surrounding the group of people.
Image Description: A large flat square headstone features a commemorative plaque. The plaque inscription, written in English reads: Honoring the Spirit of our Ancestors In July and August, Japanese Canadian families honour their ancestors by cleaning, gravestones and placing flowers, buried here, our pioneer educators, political activist, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, who shaped the community and history since immigrating in 1877. Unable to enlist in the first world war even though trained in Vancouver, Japanese Canadian soldiers enlisted in Alberta in 1916 and with their warrior spirit helped with Vimy ridge for Canada. They are buried here lest we forget. In spite of the second world war internment and subsequent deportation and forced dispersal of the community across Canada families continue to be buried here in Mountain View.
Image Description: A large flat square headstone features a commemorative plaque. The plaque inscription, written in English reads: Honoring the Spirit of our Ancestors In July and August, Japanese Canadian families honour their ancestors by cleaning, gravestones and placing flowers, buried here, our pioneer educators, political activist, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, who shaped the community and history since immigrating in 1877. Unable to enlist in the first world war even though trained in Vancouver, Japanese Canadian soldiers enlisted in Alberta in 1916 and with their warrior spirit helped with Vimy ridge for Canada. They are buried here lest we forget. In spite of the second world war internment and subsequent deportation and forced dispersal of the community across Canada families continue to be buried here in Mountain View.
Image Description: A tall, narrow headstone is centered in the photograph. It sits on two square bases. There is an inscription, written vertically, in mixed scripts of Kanji (read nihongo) and Kana (Hiragana, Katakana). The inscription is within a smoothed area on the surface of the headstone. The inscription characters (text) are black.
Image Description: A tall, narrow headstone is centered in the photograph. It sits on two square bases. There is an inscription, written vertically, in mixed scripts of Kanji (read nihongo) and Kana (Hiragana, Katakana). The inscription is within a smoothed area on the surface of the headstone. The inscription characters (text) are black.
Image Description: Branches of a cherry blossom tree in bloom extend from the right side of the photograph to the left. Small green leaves sprout out from between the small light pink blooms with dark pink centres. Five people at the bottom of the photograph are traveling through Mountain View cemetery, walking towards the right side of the photograph. They all have their hands in their pockets. Their faces are serious and reflective.
Image Description: Branches of a cherry blossom tree in bloom extend from the right side of the photograph to the left. Small green leaves sprout out from between the small light pink blooms with dark pink centres. Five people at the bottom of the photograph are traveling through Mountain View cemetery, walking towards the right side of the photograph. They all have their hands in their pockets. Their faces are serious and reflective.
Image Description: A square flat stone frames a round circle featuring an image of an origami crane. There are cherry blossom petals on the grass that surround this small commemorative marker.The crane is designed with many small cherry blossoms patterned over its body.
Image Description: A square flat stone frames a round circle featuring an image of an origami crane. There are cherry blossom petals on the grass that surround this small commemorative marker.The crane is designed with many small cherry blossoms patterned over its body.
Image Description: A close up photo of a left hand holding a brochure. The sepia toned black and white cover image of the brochure has nine people standing in a straight line. They are wearing western style suit jackets, vests, and ties. The written English text on the cover over the legs of the standing people reads: Japanese Canadiens At Mountain View Cemetery a walking tour
Image Description: A close up photo of a left hand holding a brochure. The sepia toned black and white cover image of the brochure has nine people standing in a straight line. They are wearing western style suit jackets, vests, and ties. The written English text on the cover over the legs of the standing people reads: Japanese Canadiens At Mountain View Cemetery a walking tour
Image Description: A person with short grey hair stands in the center of a photograph reading from their notes. They are wearing a small headset microphone and a light blue jacket. They are surrounded by a group of people who are paying attention to them intently. There are blossoming cherry blossom tree branches all across the background of the photograph.
Image Description: A person with short grey hair stands in the center of a photograph reading from their notes. They are wearing a small headset microphone and a light blue jacket. They are surrounded by a group of people who are paying attention to them intently. There are blossoming cherry blossom tree branches all across the background of the photograph.
Image Description: A person stands in the north east corner of the Chinese Pavilion at Mountain View Cemetery. They have shoulder length black hair, with their bangs pulled back away from their face. They are reading welcome notes from a notepad they are holding in their hands. The pavilion roof is held up by four round brightly painted pillars. There are black and white designs on the inside of the roof. Shiny, decorative cylindrical burners featuring a round swirly pattern are on either side of the pavilion. People are facing the pavilion, looking at the person holding the notepad.
Image Description: A person stands in the north east corner of the Chinese Pavilion at Mountain View Cemetery. They have shoulder length black hair, with their bangs pulled back away from their face. They are reading welcome notes from a notepad they are holding in their hands. The pavilion roof is held up by four round brightly painted pillars. There are black and white designs on the inside of the roof. Shiny, decorative cylindrical burners featuring a round swirly pattern are on either side of the pavilion. People are facing the pavilion, looking at the person holding the notepad.
Image Description:Three people stand inside the Chinese Pavilion at Mountain View Cemetery. A person with black shoulder length hair and glasses is wearing a puffy jacket. They offer a woven bowl filled with apples and oranges to two other people. The two people stretch their arms out to receive the bowl with their bare hands. Three other people standing at the edge of the pavilion look on at the exchange of gifts. Other gifts for exchange are on the Altar in the foreground of the photograph.
Image Description:Three people stand inside the Chinese Pavilion at Mountain View Cemetery. A person with black shoulder length hair and glasses is wearing a puffy jacket. They offer a woven bowl filled with apples and oranges to two other people. The two people stretch their arms out to receive the bowl with their bare hands. Three other people standing at the edge of the pavilion look on at the exchange of gifts. Other gifts for exchange are on the Altar in the foreground of the photograph.
Image Description: A close-up photograph of the gifts on the Chinese Pavilion Altar. On the right side of the image hundreds of sticks of incense and long, thin candles are held upright in shallow rectangular vases that run the length of the pavilion altar on the right side. In the center of the altar, there are two small, decorative bowls, heaped with cooked white rice. Chopsticks are placed on the left side of the rice bowl. Small ceremonial brass cups with intricate designs are placed beside the chopsticks and the rice bowls. A cooked roast pig is blurred out in the bottom left part of the photograph. The pig is in a cardboard box surrounded by protective light paper that has been pulled back to reveal its head. Wicker baskets and plastic bags on the left side and at the top of the photograph hold more incense, food, and gifts.
Image Description: A close-up photograph of the gifts on the Chinese Pavilion Altar. On the right side of the image hundreds of sticks of incense and long, thin candles are held upright in shallow rectangular vases that run the length of the pavilion altar on the right side. In the center of the altar, there are two small, decorative bowls, heaped with cooked white rice. Chopsticks are placed on the left side of the rice bowl. Small ceremonial brass cups with intricate designs are placed beside the chopsticks and the rice bowls. A cooked roast pig is blurred out in the bottom left part of the photograph. The pig is in a cardboard box surrounded by protective light paper that has been pulled back to reveal its head. Wicker baskets and plastic bags on the left side and at the top of the photograph hold more incense, food, and gifts.
Image Description: Two people stand at the Chinese Pavilion Altar. They are both wearing puffy coats. One person prepares a small bundle of lit incense sticks with a piece of ribbon. The other person watches the lit incense sticks begin to smoke. In the front of the photograph the Altar is bursting with desserts, flowers, incense, bowls of rice and wicker baskets filled with plastic bags. A group of people watch the activity at the Altar from the back of the photograph.
Image Description: Two people stand at the Chinese Pavilion Altar. They are both wearing puffy coats. One person prepares a small bundle of lit incense sticks with a piece of ribbon. The other person watches the lit incense sticks begin to smoke. In the front of the photograph the Altar is bursting with desserts, flowers, incense, bowls of rice and wicker baskets filled with plastic bags. A group of people watch the activity at the Altar from the back of the photograph.
Image Description: A person stands on the left side of the photograph facing the Chinese Pavilion Altar. They have short, dark hair and dark glasses on. Their ears and lips are colored from the cold. Bright sleeves peek out beyond the cuffs of their heavy, dark winter jacket. With a large butchering knife in their right hand, they are cutting into a cooked roast pig. Desserts, rice, fruit, incense, and flowers are blurred out in the back of the photograph.
Image Description: A person stands on the left side of the photograph facing the Chinese Pavilion Altar. They have short, dark hair and dark glasses on. Their ears and lips are colored from the cold. Bright sleeves peek out beyond the cuffs of their heavy, dark winter jacket. With a large butchering knife in their right hand, they are cutting into a cooked roast pig. Desserts, rice, fruit, incense, and flowers are blurred out in the back of the photograph.
Image Description: A person’s right arm repositions materials with a long thin wire tool inside a fire in the funerary burner at the Chinese Pavilion at Mountain View Cemetery. A decorated paper commemoration is being turned to ash by the heat and the flames. Smoke and ash float above the fire, while waves of heat distort the surrounding image of the photograph. Flames are visible above and through the metal grate that safely holds the offerings provided by community members.
Image Description: A person’s right arm repositions materials with a long thin wire tool inside a fire in the funerary burner at the Chinese Pavilion at Mountain View Cemetery. A decorated paper commemoration is being turned to ash by the heat and the flames. Smoke and ash float above the fire, while waves of heat distort the surrounding image of the photograph. Flames are visible above and through the metal grate that safely holds the offerings provided by community members.
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