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ASIAN HERIAGE MONTH
You are invited to take part in the Asian Heritage Month festivities
and events from May 1st to the 30th, 2006.
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:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN ASIAN HERITAGE AND MULTICULTURALISM!
© 2006 Asian Heritage Month. All rights reserved
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