Minister Joly Invites Canadians to Celebrate Asian Heritage Month
Celebrating our diversity and the remarkable contributions of Asian Canadians
OTTAWA, May 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, launched the Government of Canada's 2018 Asian Heritage Month celebrations. This month is a time for Canadians across the country to acknowledge and discover more about the enormous achievements and contributions Canadians of Asian descent have made to this country's growth and prosperity.
Diversity is one of our greatest strengths. As such, this is an opportunity to recognize Asian Canadians, who have made their mark by enriching Canada's social, cultural, economic and political fabric.
This year's Asian Heritage Month campaign, "Passing It Forward: Culture Through the Generations," will celebrate the strong, evolving cultural traditions of the diverse group of Asian Canadians, as they have shaped our country across generations. It will also highlight the indelible role played over the course of our country's history by Canadian women of Asian descent.
Asian Heritage Month events will take place throughout the month of May in communities across Canada. Canadians of all origins are encouraged to take part in these activities to learn more about the accomplishments of Asian Canadians, past and present.
Quotes
"This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act?a milestone in Canadian diversity, one of our country's greatest strengths. Asian Heritage Month recognizes the immeasurable impact that Canadians of Asian descent have had in shaping the open, inclusive and diverse country that we enjoy today. I extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Asian Heritage Month, and I encourage all Canadians to learn more about the rich heritage of the Canadian Asian communities and participate in the many events taking place throughout the month."
?The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism
Quick Facts
Asian Heritage Month increases awareness of, celebrates, and connects the historical role that Asian Canadians have played along with their contributions to Canada.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, which recognizes and promotes multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity that provides invaluable resources in shaping Canada's future.
The 2018 campaign offers a number of activities and products, including a formal launch event hosted by the Government of Canada in Ottawa; a promotional poster available online and distributed to schools, libraries and museums; updates to the Asian Heritage Month webpage; and a month-long campaign on Canadian Heritage's social media platforms.
Asian Heritage Month has been celebrated across Canada since the 1990s. In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month.
The Government of Canada is committed to recognizing the experiences and struggles of Asian Canadians. Asian Heritage Month helps raise awareness of the diverse cultural backgrounds found in Asian communities across Canada, and helps combat racism and discrimination through education.
Under the Government of Canada's Inter-Action: Multiculturalism Funding Program, organizations may apply for funding for community events or projects that contribute to building an integrated, socially cohesive society. This includes supporting Asian Heritage Month activities in communities across Canada. In 2017, Canadian Heritage provided total funding of $118,395 for eight Asian Heritage Month community projects.
Associated Links
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
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