What Asian Heritage Month is about
For over 20 years, the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba has successfully brought performers, artists, dancers, writers, musicians, and educators together.
Source: CBC News, Asian Heritage Month 2019 Interview with Marjorie Dowhos and founder and past President, Dr. Art Miki
History of Asian Heritage Month in Manitoba
Dr. Art Miki, founder and past president of the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba, shares the story behind the Society’s founding after Asian Heritage Month was officially declared by the Canadian government in 2002. This video highlights how the Society organized Manitoba’s first Asian Heritage Month in 2003 and reflects on 22 years of growth.
Events/Latest News
Special thanks to The Filipino Journal being the only print media sponsor has been with the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba since the beginning, our community’s commitment to preserving the historic events under the backdrop of multiculturalism, and acknowledging contributions of Asian Canadians in Manitoba through the arts, culture and heritage.
The Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba has been organizing Asian Heritage Month of May since 2002. This tradition began shortly after December 2001 when the Senate of Canada adopted a motion proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. In May 2017, the Government of Manitoba formally recognized May as Asian Heritage Month. In 2024, MLA Jennifer Chen proudly introduced Bill 212 – The Asian Heritage Month Act, which was unanimously passed by all parties and is now law in Manitoba. This monumental achievement recognizes the invaluable contributions of Asian Manitobans to our province’s cultural, economic, and social fabric. We plan to make this May the best Asian Heritage Month yet, with a variety of arts, cultural performances, and educational events that highlight the contributions, achievements, and talents of the Asian communities in Manitoba. Community involvement is key to the success of our goals, and we are reaching out to preferred businesses and organizations to be supporters and partners.
The Asian Heritage Society has successfully brought performers, artists, dancers, writers, musicians, and educators together – reaching approximately 3000 audience members and participants over the course of the month.
If your organization is interested in contributing to Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba, please contact us for more information.
Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba members gather and reside on Treaty One Territory, ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline, Ininiwuk, and Nehethowuk peoples. We acknowledge Manitoba is located on the National homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
We, the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba, humbly acknowledge our place within this rich tapestry of cultures and histories. Committed to the principles of truth and reconciliation, we pledge to actively engage in fostering relationships, understanding, and collaboration with Indigenous peoples. With commitment and action, we contribute to the ongoing spirit of reconciliation, ensuring a future where our shared responsibilities keep us all together.
Demographics of Asian Canadians in Manitoba
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Want to help improve representation in the arts?
The CanAsian Arts Network is now open to artists of all disciplines. Please help us spread the word!
Asian Canadian artists can promote their work and events, as well as connect with other artists and access resources through this free Canada Council-funded platform.
Industry representatives can discover and connect with Asian Canadian talent.
To sign up for the CanAsian Arts Network as an artist or industry representative visit https://canasianarts.com
By Asian Canadian artists, for Asian Canadian artists. Check us out!