Co-authored by Greeshma George and Mingma Lama, this blog post offers a listing of resources for those looking to celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, acknowledge the contributions people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent have made, and deepen their learning about Anti-Asian racism.
|
Canada has a deep history with the Asian and Pacific Islander community dating back to the 18th century. The country’s Asian community is distinct and includes Southeast Asians, East Asians, West Asians, Central Asians and South Asians, each contributing significantly to the fabric of Canada. During this month we must also reflect on the harms inflicted on Asian and Pacific Islander communities both in our past - such as the Komagata Maru and Japanese internment camps - to our present - Tamil MV Sun Sea Asylum Seekers and anti-Asian racism and hate crimes which continue following the start of the pandemic.
Tamarack’s mission to catalyze collective action with diverse leaders to solve major community challenges requires a place-based, intersectional approach to lead to sustainable and equitable outcomes. As we celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month let us also consider how Asian and Pacific Islander communities experience poverty, build youth futures, deepen community and experience the impacts of climate change. In order to solve these challenges, we need to consider how we support Asian and Pacific Islander communities and leaders who hold the knowledge and experience that will help lead us to a more equitable society. During this month and beyond, let us commit to #StopAsianHate.
Greeshma George and Mingma Lama are students from Conestoga College who completed their work placements at Tamarack in the beginning of 2023.
May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, a time to reflect on and recognize the many contributions that Canadians of Asian heritage have made and continue to make to Canada.
Asian Heritage Month has been celebrated since the 1990s. In December 2001, the Senate of Canada adopted a motion proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to announce May as Asian Heritage Month.
We have compiled several resources to support your learning of Asian history and anti-Asian racism in Canada. As part of your anti-racist praxis consider the ways you are amplifying Asian voices, shifting power to Asian communities and supporting Asian-owned businesses. These small actions can contribute to dismantling systems of oppression and creating welcoming communities for all.
Eyes Open: An Anti-Asian Racism PSA
Irene's Story | PSA | Help Put an End to Anti-Asian Hate and Violence
Seeds to Success: Story of the H.Y. Louie Family
Pictured: Raeland Mendoza, Co-founder of I’ll Call You Tomorrow, as part of the A Portrait of Chinatown Docuseries S1. E.4. filmed in Edmonton, AB.