Asian Heritage Month
May is Asian Heritage Month. This acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada. It also provides an opportunity for Canadians across the country to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Asian Canadians to the growth and prosperity of Canada.
Canada’s cultural diversity strengthens the country socially, politically and economically in innumerable ways. Asian Heritage Month is an ideal occasion for all to celebrate the beauty and wisdom of various Asian cultures.
Asian Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1979. Over the past decade, many Asians in Canada began to celebrate their heritage during the month of May. In December 2001, Senator Vivienne Poy introduced a motion in the Senate of Canada to designate May as Asian Heritage Month. The Government of Canada officially recognized May as the Asian Heritage Month in May, 2002.
Canadians are invited to take part in the events that honour the legacy of Asian Canadians. It is a time to participate in festivities across the country that celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Asian Canadians, who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today.
*Message from the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) on the occasion of Asian Heritage Month 2007
*Official declaration
*Canadian Heritage Initiatives
*Festivities across the country
*Other links
source: http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/multi/asian-asiatique/index_e.cfm
—————–
Asian Heritage Month is celebrated in many cities across Canada. Some websites containing event information can be found below.
Calgary, Alberta
http://www.asianheritagecalgary.ca/events.html#may
Edmonton, Alberta
http://www.asian.ca/heritagemonth/upcoming.html
Halifax, Nova Scotia
http://asianheritagemonth.halifax.chebucto.org/
Ottawa, Ontario
http://www.asianheritagemonth.net/Calendar_of_Events_2007.htm
Montreal, Quebec
http://www.accesasie.com/en/events_may_program.htm
Regina, Saskatchewan
http://mcos.sask.com/asian_mcos.htm
Toronto, Ontario
http://www.asian-heritage-month.org/Page01.html
Vancouver, British Columbia
http://www.explorasian.org/festival2007.html
Winnipeg, Manitoba
http://www.asianheritagemanitoba.ca/events.php
source: http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/multi/asian-asiatique/fest_e.cfm
—————–
ASIAN HERIAGE MONTH
You are invited to take part in the Asian Heritage Month festivities and events from May 1st to the 30th, 2007.
We are celebrating the diverse culture and achievements of Asians who play a vital role in the unique and multicultural mosaic of Canada. The focus is for Canadians to learn about the Asian Canadians in our society. and the role they play in this wonderful country of ours.
WHAT IS ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH?
A motion to recognize May as Asian Heritage Month was moved by The Honorable Vivienne Poy and unanimously adopted by the Senate in 2001, then duly signed in 2002. This is an important initiative which acknowledges the diversity of Canadian communities.
WHY SHOULD CANADIANS CELEBRATE ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH?
The resolution at the Senate of Canada aptly explains its significance: “Be it resolved that May be recognized as Asian Heritage Month, given the important contributions of Asian Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of Canada, the diversity of the Asian Community, and its present significance to this country.”
WHO IS OF ASIAN DESCENT?
The definition of “Asian” may be inclusive and broad, and applies to people who come from or whose ancestors come from: East Asia – China, Hong Kong S.A.R., Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan.
South Asia – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
Central Asia – Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
Southeast Asia – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
WHY SHOULD CANADIANS CELEBRATE ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH?
The resolution at the Senate of Canada aptly explains its significance: “Be it resolved that May be recognized as Asian Heritage Month, given the important contributions of Asian Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of Canada, the diversity of the Asian Community, and its present significance to this country.”
WHO IS OF ASIAN DESCENT?
The definition of “Asian” may be inclusive and broad, and applies to people who come from or whose ancestors come from: East Asia – China, Hong Kong S.A.R., Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan.
South Asia – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
Central Asia – Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
Southeast Asia – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
BACKGROUND
*1978 – U.S. President Jimmy Carter designates May 4-10 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week
*1990 – U.S. then President George Bush extended the week-long celebration to a month. Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month through a proclamation
*1993 – Canada – celebrations of Asian Heritage Month began in different cities across Canada
*1996 – British Columbia government officially declares May as Asian Heritage Month
*1993 – 2001 – Celebrations are held in Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax
*May, 2001 – Motion introduced in the Senate by Senator Poy, seconded by Senator Pat Carney, that May be recognized as Asian Heritage Month, given the important contributions of Asian Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of Canada, the diversity of the Asian community, and its present significance to this country.
*December, 2001 – Motion passed unanimously by the Senate of Canada
*May 21, 2002 – an official declaration is signed by former Minister of Canadian Heritage, Sheila Copps, former Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) Claudette Bradshaw, Senator Poy and other Members of Parliament to designate May as Asian Heritage Month (see attached)
*May, 2002 – May, 2004 – Since the declaration of May as Asian Heritage Month by the Government of Canada, Ottawa, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, Victoria, Toronto, Fredericton, Halifax and Calgary have celebrated Asian Heritage Month in their cities
*Since May, 2002, the federal government has celebrated Asian Heritage Month
For more information:
http://sen.parl.gc.ca/vpoy
www.asian-heritage-month.org
Email CFACI Office
source: http://asian-heritage-month.org/Page01.html
