As an immigrant to Canada in the 1970s, with parents from China and Taiwan, I spent my formative years struggling with my identity – three decades before the recognition of Asian Heritage Month. On reflection, I realize that my parents, who were younger than I am now, were also struggling with their identities. While they relocated to Canada to seek better opportunities for their children, they were forced to restrict family ties back home due to political tensions.
I grew up with contradictions. My parents spoke Mandarin but they didn’t want to impede our ability to learn English. They saw our chances of success would be better if we assimilated into our new culture, so they prohibited us from taking Chinese classes. In time, I translated this to internalized racism; there was a sense of shame to have parents who were not fluent in English.
As we got older and there was a real possibility that some of their children may date non-Asians, my parents tried to reverse their approach by taking us back to our birth country to introduce us to Asian peers. But it was too late. We did not belong. Our behaviours, attitudes and mannerisms made us outsiders.
Times have changed for the better. Although anti-Asian racism exists in Canada, I am comfortable calling it for what it is. I have reconciled with my identity and am proud of my Asian heritage and thankful for my parents’ sacrifices and the opportunities Canada provided. I look forward to opportunities to hear other stories of people’s journeys with their identities outside of Asian Heritage month, and beyond the Asian culture.
Sincerely,
Lili Liu
This month I Events I Tips and reminders
THIS MONTH
Monica Maly appointed University Research Chair
Congratulations to Monica Maly (Kinesiology and Health Sciences), who has been appointed a University Research Chair by the Provost for exceptional achievement and pre-eminence in a particular field of study. The seven-year term begins on July 1.
Funding spotlight: Researcher Justine Giosa
Justine Giosa, an adjunct professor in the School of Public Health Sciences, received a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) award on aging and mental health and mitigating the wider impacts of COVID-19, valued at almost $500,000. Carrie McAiney is a co-investigator, as is Elizabeth Kalles, a current MSc student and incoming PhD student in the fall. The grant also involves co-investigators from UBC, St. Francis Xavier University and the SE Research Centre.
Funding spotlight: PhD candidate Tara Kuhn
PhD candidate Tara Kuhn (Kinesiology and Health Sciences) has received an Alzheimer Society of Canada doctoral award, valued at $66,000. She will be researching how lifestyle is related to sleep quality among people living with dementia, and how a lifestyle and educational program may be adapted to improve sleep among this group in Canada.
Promotions and renewals
Marina Mourtzakis and Monica Maly (KHS) have been promoted to Professor, and the following researchers have had their terms extended until June 2025: Kaylena Ehgoetz Martens, Assistant Professor (KHS), Paolo Dominelli, Assistant Professor (KHS) and Zahid Butt, Assistant Professor (SPHS).
Convocation award winners
Congratulations to the students who are convocating this spring with the following awards:
President’s Award of Excellence (top graduating student in the Faculty of Health, based on highest GPA)
- Fiona Ly, Bachelor of Science, Honours Kinesiology, Co-op, Rehabilitation Sciences Minor
Alumni Gold Medal (the next top graduating student in the Faculty of Health, based on academic achievement, contributions to the academic program, contributions to community and other contributions)
- Arsh Maira Muhammad Muhyiddin, Bachelor of Science, Honours Health Studies, Co-op, Pre-Clinical Specialization, Gerontology Minor
Highest Academic Achievement in Kinesiology and Health Sciences (based on highest GPA)
- Fiona Ly, Bachelor of Science, Honours Kinesiology, Co-op, Rehabilitation Sciences Minor
Highest Academic Achievement in Recreation and Leisure Studies (based on highest GPA)
- Kassie Harker, Bachelor of Arts, Honours Therapeutic Recreation, Psychology Minor
Highest Academic Achievement in the School of Public Health Sciences (based on highest GPA)
- Arsh Maira Muhammad Muhyiddin, Bachelor of Science, Honours Health Studies, Co-op, Pre-Clinical Specialization, Gerontology Minor
Governor General's Academic Gold Medal (for highest academic achievement in a doctoral program at the University)
- Michael Paris, PhD, Kinesiology and Health Sciences
More graduate student awards may be announced closer to graduation.
Construction notice
Please note that the stairs on the west side of Lyle Hallman South/Manulife Wellness Centre next to Parking Lot M down toward the Physical Activities Complex are scheduled to be demolished June 20. New stairs will be installed in early October. Construction fencing will block access to this location during that time.
Equity and commercialization interviews: Until June 3
The Office of Research has contracted the services of Canadian Equality Consulting (CEC) to develop an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy for researcher engagement in the University’s commercialization of research and industry-sponsored contract research activities. Faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and research associates who identify as a member of an equity-deserving group (women, people beyond the gender binary, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous Peoples, people from racialized communities and persons with disabilities) and are interested in industry-sponsored contract research and commercialization activities, may participate in a one-on-one interview by signing up for an interview time slot.
Alumni Weekend: June 4-5
This year's Alumni Weekend is being held in person and includes a picnic lunch on June 4 and a community BBQ at the Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE) on June 5 (more below).
CCCARE community BBQ and open house: June 5
Please join the Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE) for a barbecue and celebration of the UW WELL-FIT exercise program's 20th anniversary. There will be family games, music and food courtesy of KW's Chef D. Sunday, June 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Toby Jenkins building, You are encouraged to pre-order your lunch here. Donations go toward UW WELL-FIT.
Drug decriminalization and legalization lecture: June 7
Join the School of Public Health Sciences for a lecture with keynote speaker João Goulão from Portugal’s Ministry of Health and a panel discussion with several Canadian addiction researchers and other experts. The panel will be moderated by Globe and Mail journalist André Picard, and the event will examine potential challenges, consequences and concerns when considering drug policy reform. Register on the Moving Forward by Slowing Down: Considering Diverse Perspectives on Drug Decriminalization and Legalization event page.
Faculty of Health Convocation: June 11, 12, 14
Three ceremonies will take place this spring to allow graduates from the pandemic years to experience an in-person event. The ceremonies on June 11 and 12 are for graduates from 2020 and 2021, and June 14 is for 2022 graduands. Faculty and staff are welcome to join the post-convocation receptions on the BMH Green following each ceremony.
Research and reconciliation: June 16 - July 14
Research and Reconciliation: Unsettling Ways of Knowing through Indigenous Relationships is a Centre for Teaching Excellence workshop that is run in a circle format with specific protocols for listening and speaking and engage in appreciative and compassionate inquiry. Please note that attendance is required for the entire series (four workshops). Thursday, June 16 at 1 p.m. to Thursday, July 14 at 3 p.m.
Faculty of Health Commitment Ceremony: June 20
Health faculty, staff and students are invited to formally welcome Elder Myeengun Henry as the Faculty of Health Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and to commemorate a new relationship of reconciliation in work throughout the Faculty. A tree will be planted in the BMH courtyard to symbolize our Strategic Plan signature commitment – To foster an environment that invites and respects Indigenous ways of knowing – and a wampum belt will be presented. Light refreshments will be served in the Expansion building after the ceremony.
Alumni Office Hours: June 20, 22, 23
Students and alumni are getting together to discuss career paths and grow their networks. This edition of Alumni Office Hours features Ahmad Syed (MHI '20), surgical clinical analyst at William Osler Health System, Matt Clements (BSc '97), critical care flight paramedic at Orng and Rebecca Wong Kai Pun (BA '09), Owner and speech-language pathologist at Bloom Speech Language Therapy. Students should register at the Alumni Office Hours page.
TIPS AND REMINDERS
Beyond the Bulletin podcast with Myeengun Henry
If you have not had a chance to hear Elder Myeengun Henry's interview on UWaterloo's weekly podcast, where he spoke about his goals and motivation as he embarks on this new role, please visit the Daily Bulletin podcast.
Do you have a news item to share? Please email it to Eugenia Xenos Anderson.