An early Filipino settler, Benson Flores, is finally receiving a gravestone after new research revealed that he was the first documented immigrant to Canada from the Philippines. Flores arrived in British Columbia in 1861, before the province became part of Canada, and eventually settled on Bowen Island in 1892. This discovery is important because there has not been as much documentation on Filipino immigrants in Canada compared to other immigrant groups like the Chinese and Japanese. The United Filipino Canadian Associations in B.C. (UFCABC) organized a day of commemoration for Flores on April 11, exactly 95 years after his passing, where his life and accomplishments were celebrated by the Filipino community.
The UFCABC advisory board member, Cliff Belgica, emphasized the significance of recognizing the contributions of Filipino pioneers and realizing the vibrancy of the community they are part of. Freelance journalist Joseph Lopez uncovered Flores’ story while researching the first Filipino immigrant in Canada. Prior to this discovery, the timeline for Filipino immigration to Canada was believed to have started with a group of tannery workers in the 1930s. Flores, however, arrived in Canada in 1861 and worked as a fisherman on Bowen Island 40 years before that, showcasing the long-standing presence of Filipinos in the country.
Rob Forbes, president of Bowen Island Museum and Archives, highlighted the importance of Flores’ story in shaping the narrative of Filipino immigrants in Canada. He mentioned that Flores lived on Bowen Island for most of his life, operating the island’s first boat rental business. Despite living in modest conditions, Flores made a significant impact on the community. Forbes believes that the Filipino community should take pride in being among the first immigrants to Canada and acknowledge their historical presence in the country.
After Flores passed away in 1929 in Vancouver, he was buried in an unmarked grave at Mountain View Cemetery. A celebration of life and the unveiling of a memorial tombstone are planned for April 13 to honor his legacy. The tombstone was funded through a GoFundMe campaign, capturing the community’s support for recognizing Flores’ contributions. Teodoro Alcuitas, who organized the fundraiser, is also working on a documentary about Flores’ life, shedding light on the experiences and achievements of early Filipino immigrants in Canada.
The discovery of Benson Flores as the first documented Filipino immigrant in Canada is a groundbreaking revelation that reshapes the understanding of Filipino immigration history. It highlights the long-standing presence of Filipino settlers in the country, challenging the notion of recent immigrant communities as newcomers. The commemoration and memorialization of Flores’ life serve as a recognition of the contributions made by Filipino pioneers to Canadian society. The unveiling of a gravestone and the creation of a documentary further amplify the significance of Flores’ story in the Filipino community and beyond. This newfound historical record offers a sense of pride and belonging for Filipino Canadians as they discover the richness of their heritage and the lasting impact of early immigrants like Benson Flores.
