Asian Heritage Month in Calgary is set to offer a vibrant array of cultural events while addressing persistent racism faced by Asian Canadians. The month-long celebration, which began on Friday, includes more than 20 events designed to entertain, foster pride, and enrich the city's cultural landscape.
Combating Racism Through Celebration
Teresa Woo-Paw, chair of the Asian Heritage Foundation, emphasized that the initiative aims to counteract the racism experienced by many Asian Canadians. According to Woo-Paw, up to one-third of Asian Canadians encounter some form of racism regularly. She noted that while Canada is embraced for its opportunities, these issues remain real and pressing.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
Woo-Paw recalled that six years ago, people of East Asian descent were unfairly blamed for the Chinese origins of COVID-19. Today, racism often stems from rising intolerance in the United States that spills over into Canada. She highlighted a common misconception that the East Asian community is not impacted by racism, which discourages many from reporting incidents.
Events Showcase Diversity and Unity
Asian Heritage Month features a wide range of activities, including an Asian film festival, the Japanese anime celebration Ota Fest, the Indo Pacific Festival, a photo voice exhibit, a Mother's Day party, musical performances, and food offerings. The South Asian community invites Calgarians to celebrate Vaisakhi Mela on May 16.
Historical Exhibit and Musical Performances
A traveling exhibit titled Eating Bitterness — the Canadian Journey from Exclusion to Inclusion will be displayed at the Calgary Municipal Building atrium from May 20 to 24. This exhibit documents Chinese-Canadians' quest for equality. At the kickoff event in Chinatown, attendees enjoyed performances on the two-string Chinese violin, or erhu, and the Indian bansuri flute.
Community Impact and Demographics
Woo-Paw noted that the month's events enhance awareness of Asian Canadians' contributions to Canada's growth, demonstrating that diversity and vibrancy are sources of strength and unity. The Vietnamese community will mark 50 years in Canada. Approximately 200,000 Calgarians trace their roots to Asia, with the Filipino community being the largest. Calgary is Canada's third-most diverse city, with nearly 40% of the population considered visible minorities, and Asian backgrounds making up the largest share.
For more information on the month's events, visit the Asian Heritage website.
