Ian G. Baird
Originally from Victoria, B.C., Ian G. Baird is presently a professor of geography and Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While most of his research relates to mainland Southeast Asia (particularly Laos, Thailand and Cambodia), since 2018 he has been conducting research regarding—and together with—Japanese Canadians. His most recent published articles relate to the history of Japanese Canadians from Nanaimo, Port Alberni, and Grand Forks.
Updated February 2024
Stories from This Author
Is Your Family From Ucluelet on The West Coast of Vancouver Island?
Feb. 8, 2024 • Paul Kariya , Ian G. Baird
Ucluelet occupies a special place in Japanese Canadian history. Beginning in 1916-20, as Japanese Canadian fishermen were pushed out of the Fraser River salmon gillnet fishery, a large number came to the West Coast of Vancouver Island to look for new salmon trolling opportunities. The fishery was less competitive and racially charged compared to the Fraser River on the mainland. Trolling was first employed by the Nuu-chah-nulth people, using hooks and lines made of bone, yew, animal sinew, and kelp. …
