Monday June 3, 2024
Introduction
Asian Heritage Month commenced May 2024 for the entire month, though it has been celebrated and recognized in Canada since the 1990’s. December 2001 marked a new beginning where Senator Vivienne Poy proposed a motion to officiate May as Asian Heritage Month, and the following year the Canadian government signed an official declaration. Such notable achievements to acknowledging the cultural roots of Canada’s diversity paves an inclusive path for Asian unity among all generations, of which many Asians are immigrants themselves.
Spotlight Stories
In celebration of this year’s Asian Heritage Month, the 541 union would like to share a few features from our staff on what Asian Identity means to them
Elisa Kiran Patel
PSDC, 541 VP, Women’s Committee Member, Social Committee Executive 4th floor
https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/6178-statistical-snapshot-asians-canada
“As a first generation Canadian in my family, my mother made all efforts to deter from the media and pass down her South Asian, African roots to her daughters, specifically from her homeland in Kenya. Being an Asian to me meant unlearning the South-Asian cultural norms projects by Canadian television, and re-learning where my family comes from generations past. I often spent countless hours discovering family heirlooms, handmade leather bags, sculptures, and the most delicious recipes. As opposed to feeling like a misfit since I did not play the part of looking “Asian” in my appearance, I had began to understand that identifying as Asian is not just one thing, Asian identity today has amassed to include continents we have overlooked before, realizing an Asian may be born and raised in other countries.
Further, my role as the union VP harmonizes this idea of re-learning about cultures, inclusivity and acceptance, by bridging different forms of diversity in our office.”
– This is my Asian Heritage Month Story
Alisha Virji
Integrity Serv Investigator
“I identify as an Indian-African, Canadian. My parents emigrated to Canada in the ‘70s from East Africa. My great-great-great grandparents were from Gujarat, a State in India. My Indian ancestors adapted to the East African culture and created an incredible fusion of fashion, lifestyle, and rich, tasty foods.
What I appreciate most about my ancestors is that they proudly identified with their cultural roots and kept track of our lineage. Thanks to them, I am fortunate enough to call myself a first generation Canadian who can speak English, Swahili, Gujarati, Kutchi, Hindi, Urdu, and (beginner) French.
My South Asian background blended with my Canadian identity, played a very important part in shaping who I am. I have learned the importance of faith, family, inclusion, and celebration. Growing up in a predominantly Caucasian community (Richmond Hill, Ontario), I was privileged enough to watch the doors of diversity open. What makes me most proud, is to see the community where I was raised, adapt to change, and contribute to a multicultural society.
On a final note, being Asian to me means coming from a large variety of religions, cultures, and faiths. It means bringing with us unique perspectives and experiences to shape a new future. It means expanding how we identify ourselves.”
– This is my Asian Heritage Month Story
Valerie Cheung
PSDC, Women’s Committee Member
“Happy Asian Heritage Month! As an Asian, I enjoy connecting with people of multiple backgrounds at work. It is amazing that the government is so diverse such that we are able to express our cultural identity and share our unique and beautiful cultures with one another other. Lets all celebrate 🙂
To me, Asian heritage means to acknowledge and embrace the rich culture, history, and contributions that Asians have had on the Canadian society.”
– This is my Asian Heritage Month Story
Keetrie Moussa
PSDC, 541 4th Floor Rep, Women’s Committee Member
“Asian Hertiage Month Means and opportunity to connect with my roots, my heritage and extended family back in India and Pakistan. Even though being born in Canada, the culture of oneness, with other South Asians I meet and connect right here in Canada. With the endless food choices and spices; I not only enjoy but can have a conversation with friends, family and strangers. Not to forget that South Asian heritage has so many colorful clothes from different areas of the continent that you can never get tired of. This is “My Identity”
– This is my Asian Heritage Month Story
