Asian Heritage Month 2023

Dear colleagues,

The month of May is Asian Heritage Month, a time of recognition and celebration of the achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent. This month is an important time to learn and listen to the stories of Asian-Canadians, while acknowledging the systemic barriers and discrimination people of colour, visible minorities, and racialized Canadians faced and continue to experience today.

The theme this year is Stories of Determination. It is through this theme that we acknowledge that each person has a unique story to tell, anchored in a diverse, rich history. Communities of Asian origin have shown strength and resilience throughout the last two centuries. This theme represents these aspects -both the stories of Asian communities in Canada and the challenges they overcame to thrive and to contribute to our country.

At Parks Canada, we are committed to promote diversity and inclusion through concrete actions. These actions can vary from taking part in an event held across the Public Service or reading a book about the influences of Asian Canadians throughout Canada’s history. There are many opportunities to participate and celebrate this month and we encourage each of you to find an opportunity to be engaged in some way.

Below are different resources that are available to all, and we encourage you to read and take the opportunity to learn about the unique experiences of Asian Canadians.

Ask Me Anything Asian Heritage Month

The Ask Me Anything series is a platform to share stories, listen, ask respectful questions, and continue our journey to becoming more inclusive organizations. We encourage you to listen to their recording of last year’s session on Asian Heritage Month. 

2023 — Anniversaries of significance in Canada

This year marks the 100^th year of the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923, which banned all Chinese immigrants from Canada for 24 years. We encourage you to take the time and learn more about the significance of this Act and its impact on the Chinese Canadian community.

We also encourage you to watch the new episode of Spotlight On… podcast and hear from one of the co-chairs of the Parks Canada People of Colour Network speak on Asian Heritage Month and what it means to them. In addition, there will be a place on ParksNet where you’ll be able to find out more about us in the months ahead!  Finally, if you are interested in learning more about the Parks Canada People of Colour Network, please reach out to cdpc-pocec@pc.gc.ca. We are currently welcoming new members.

This month, let us take a step together in learning and recognizing the contributions of communities of Asian origin in Canada. Let us take the time to listen to the Stories of Determination of those around us.

Happy Asian Heritage Month!

Jewel Cunningham, Adriana Bacheschi

Co-Champions for People of Colour Network

Ron Hallman

President & CEO