May 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the Senate of Canada’s Declaration of May as Asian Heritage Month, a motion tabled by the Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada.
With 30 countries and many distinct regions and communities making up the Asian diaspora in Canada, this month offers an opportunity to honour and celebrate the contributions of diverse campus community members at Waterloo and beyond.
Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love. The theme for Asian Heritage Month 2022 is, “Continuing a legacy of greatness”. It is a reminder for all Canadians to come together to combat anti-Asian racism and discrimination in all its forms.
In Canada, Asian folx with diverse and intersecting identities have faced a greater risk of harmful, racist incidents over the last few years, particularly young women. Fifty-nine percent of reported incidents were made by women and we know women are less likely to report. The report recently published (PDF) by Project 1907 and the Chinese Canadian National Council makes recommendations, including using an intersectional equity lens when developing supports, tools and resources to protect the most vulnerable.
Scroll below to learn more about the many resources and events in Waterloo and beyond this May:
Virtual Events for Families, Kids and Young Adults
Asian Heritage Month Virtual Opening Ceremony 2022
Saturday, May 7th, 2022
Asian Heritage Month Opening Ceremony 2022 | Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration, Canada
Asian Heritage Month 2022: Celebrating Innovation and Perseverance
Friday, May 6th, 2022 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
This event will showcase the innovation and perseverance of public servants of Asian descent and their impact across the federal public service
Asian and South Asian Heritage Month 2022: The Changing Landscape of Access to Justice
Tuesday, May 10th, 5:30-7:00 pm
Join the Law Society of Ontario and partners for their annual Asian and South Asian Heritage Month program.
Together, they will celebrate the long history and enormous contributions of legal professionals of Asian and South Asian origins, and examine access to justice issues impacting Asian and South Asian communities in Ontario
Centering East-Asian Identities in Educational Leadership
Thursday, May 5th and Friday, June 23rd
3-part series in which barriers to leadership will be explored and strategies for building leadership capacity through an anti-racist framework and solidarity building
Waterloo
Stories of Filipina Business Owners
Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 7:00-8:30pm
The event will highlight the stories of three Filipina-Canadian business owners who paved their own path to success.
READING
23 books for kids and young adults to celebrate Asian Heritage Month in Canada | CBC Books
Here's what Guelph's The Bookshelf recommends reading for Asian Heritage Month | CBC News
Advocates push for awareness of anti-Asian racism as new surveys highlight toll
Movies
Asian Heritage Month Collection documentaries, films and shows
https://gem.cbc.ca/collections/asian-heritage-month-collection