Philip is a descendant of one of the first Chinese families to immigrate to Nevada County. He attended Union Hill, as did his father back in 1910. His grandfather emigrated from Guangdong province, China in 1905 to be a cook at the Star Mine in Grass Valley.
For the Belonging project photo by Lori Lachamen
Filming day with Philip Oyung for BELONGING
A portion of the interview of Philip Oyung with Ruth Chase 2017
On a warm Saturday in November, I met and interviewed Philip at the Oyung Cabin in Empire Mine State Park. With me were cinematographer Radu Sava and photographer Lori Lachman. Philip and his six siblings were born and raised in this cabin until the 1970’s when the family moved out. Philip told me that many Chinese immigrants came through their family home as a first stop before moving on to San Francisco. Listen to hear Philip tell you in his own words.
Philip Oyung is part of BELONGING, a community arts initiative led by Nevada County Arts Council Artist-in-Residence Ruth Chase, generously funded in part by California Arts Council through its Artists Activating Communities Program.
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