Each May, Vancouver Island University proudly recognizes and celebrates Asian Heritage Month, a time to honour the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Asian communities in Canada and around the world.
This year, the Government of Canada’s Asian Heritage Month theme, “Honouring Asian Canadians: Stories that Built Canada,” recognizes the lasting contributions Asian Canadians have made to the country’s social, cultural and economic fabric.
Officially recognized in Canada following the efforts of Vivienne Poy, Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to collectively recognize the contributions and diverse stories of Canadians who can trace their roots to East Asia, Southern Asia, Western Asia, Central Asia and Southeast Asia. It is important to acknowledge their contributions, sacrifices, sufferings, injustices and victories, and to celebrate how their efforts have shaped the growth and prosperity of Canada.
At VIU, the theme invites our community to reflect on the stories, experiences and histories that continue to shape our campuses and communities. The Centre for Experiential Learning and Student Engagement team is organizing a celebration on May 14 in the Malaspina Theatre lobby. The event will include refreshments, performances and cultural displays, which will be available for viewing in the lobby from May 12 until the end of the month. Please keep an eye on your inboxes for more details.
Throughout the month, I also invite the VIU community to read through the stories and resources shared across our channels, while reflecting on the important role Asian communities continue to play in shaping our campuses and beyond.
Together, let us celebrate the vibrant cultures, stories, voices and contributions that enrich our campus community.
Warm regards,
Dennis Johnson, PhD
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor
Vancouver Island University
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