Multiculturalism

This massive mural is one of our most remarkable. It embodies the diverse cultures represented by the citizens of Vernon. Each individual in this mural was specifically selected because he or she was one of the earliest pioneers for his or her culture in this region. From left to right, the cultures represented are Chinese, Eastern European, Scandinavian, English, Aboriginal, East Indian, Japanese and Belgian. The Canadian flag stands behind them as a symbol of unity. The cloth at the bottom of the mural represents social fabric and how it is sewn together.

On the far left are Mr. and Mrs. Ng Shu Kwong. Mr Kwong, who lived from 1866-1929, panned gold at Cherry Creek, worked at S.C. Smith Lumber and then opened Kwong Hing Lung General Store. Many of these new settlers were immigrants from around the world. Charles Vernon, Forbes Vernon, Price Ellison were from England and Lord and Lady Aberdeen from Scotland, were just some of the immigrants to this area who became very well known. Their names live on in places like Ellison Park, or on Aberdeen Rd. Lord and Lady Aberdeen started an orchard in the Okanagan. Lord Aberdeen became the Governor General in 1893 and in the same year Lady Aberdeen was elected the President of the International Council of Women. Many Belgian families purchased land near Swan Lake. They built their own houses and furnished them with Belgian furniture and Tapestries.

The man in the top hat in the middle of the mural is Vernon’s 1st mayor W.F Cameron. This mural is completed by a picture of the former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. He is featured here on the far right side of the mural. Trudeau passed away during the construction of this mural in 2000, and he was added to the mural as a tribute to his legacy in Canada.