Arlene Chan (née Lumb) is a Chinese Canadian historian, activist, athlete, and author from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Chan was one of six children born to Doyle and Jean B. Lumb who ran the successful Kwong Chow restaurant located at Elizabeth and Dundas Street in Toronto's first Chinatown.
[3][4] Arlene Chan studied at the University of Toronto and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English and Psychology.
[4][7] Chan's writing career began in 1997 with her book Spirit of the Dragon: the Story of Jean Lumb, a Proud Chinese Canadian.
[8] Arlene Chan would go on to complete numerous children's books and research works documenting the history and experiences of Chinese Canadians in Canada and Toronto:[9] Chan entered into dragon boat racing during her background research for Awakening the Dragon.