Happy Asian Heritage Month!
The month of May we celebrate the contributions made by persons of Asian origin in Canada.
They have made significant contributions towards the Canadian economy, infrastructure, and culture. Asian Canadians built Canada’s railways, ships, worked in mining, agriculture, and made major breakthroughs in the health and sciences field.
Persons of Asian descent are diverse in cultural identity, ethnic origin, religion, and language. And some of this diversity can be experienced through harmonious tea celebrations derived in Japan, vibrant rituals of a Hindu wedding, festive Lunar New Year celebrations, and the multitude of other amazing traditions that are passed from one generation to the next, now taking place in the place we call home, Canada.
The sense of community has not always come easily nor is the beauty of this diversity always celebrated. Some examples of genuine issues faced by persons who have Asian origins include: the Chinese head tax imposed from 1885-1923; Japanese persons confined to internment camps in WWII; Islamophobia; racism related to COVID; And, more recently, a shift in attitudes towards immigrants and the housing affordability crisis in Canada.
Celebrating Asian Heritage Month means we must continue in challenging racism and discrimination in all its forms. As a union, we believe in solidarity and justice, and must recognize that our struggles are all interconnected. Real progress can only be reached through supporting progressive calls to action by the diverse communities, supporting allyship, and taking collective action.
Wishing you a great Asian Heritage Month and encourage you to check out some local activities to celebrate.
In Solidarity,
Kathy Ajram, Racially Visible Representative PRC
Marianne Hladun, REVP Prairies