Ernest C.F. Chan devoted much of his life to teaching science and fostering Saskatoon's folkarts, theatre, and Chinese immigrant communities. Born near Canton, China on June 25, 1909, Chan immigrated to Canada in 1928 and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan in 1937. Two years later, he began a long and distinguished teaching career at Saskatoon's Technical Collegiate, becoming the first Chinese person to teach in a public school system in Canada. Active in his community, Ernie Chan served as president of the Saskatoon Rotary Club, the Saskatoon Highland Dancing Association, and the Saskatoon Folk Arts Council. He was also a founder of the city's popular Folk Festival. In 1984, Chan was made a Member of the Order of Canada. He died on December 12, 1990.
Canadian Plains Research Center