With the support of the Edmonton Public Library, the CIE was able to display a photo exhibition on the topic of Dr. Norman Bethune at the Edmonton main library in the downtown from June 9 to July 5.
The exhibition was viewed by hundreds of people, as they were drawn to learn more about this great Canadian, and the great contributions he made to China in the 1930’s. It drew many people interested in knowing and learning more about Dr. Norman Bethune and also what was happening in China during 1930’s and 1940’s as they struggled against an oppressive invader.
Dr. Norman Bethune was a Canadian medical doctor from Montreal who went to China before the Second World War to help develop medical care at a difficult time in Chinese history as they resisted the Japanese invasion. Dr. Bethune died in 1939 as a result of infection obtained while he was operating on a wounded soldier.
Dr. Norman Bethune became a household word in China, everyone knowing of him and his spirit of self-sacrifice. He became an icon for the relationship between Canada and China.