Larissa Lai interviews Arlene Chan

In this first episode of the Interdisciplinary Space Asiancy podcast series, Larissa Lai sits down with librarian, archivist, historian and writer Arlene Chan to discuss the history of Toronto’s Chinatown, the necessity for Asian Canadian Studies, and the legacy of Jean Lumb (Arlene's mother). Lumb was a major Chinese Canadian activist, and the first Chinese Canadian woman to receive the Order of Canada for her role in changing the Canadian immigration law that prevented Chinese family reunification. Arlene also talks about her writing, her Dragonboat racing, her Chinatown walking tours, and her work as President of the Jean Lumb Foundation. This podcast was recorded during the symposium "What on Earth Is Asian Canadian?" which took place at University College from February 28-29. 2025.