Celebrate Asian Heritage Month

May is Asian Heritage Month. A time to reflect on and recognize the many contributions that Canadians of Asian heritage have made and continue to make to Canada. Throughout the month, CBC Manitoba shares Creator Network content from Asian creators who share their stories about acceptance, race, family and life.

From the CBC Manitoba Creator Network

• The short film "Hello my name is" explores the personal decision to change first names and parents' reaction

• Recovering Filipino, Jim Agapito has been on a cultural recovery mission to learn more about his roots

• In the short film "I Am", filmmaker Joanne Roberts wrestles with the idea of the perfect skin tone and accepting her own skin shade

• Maribeth (Kilusan) Tabanera breaks boundaries and finds her 'own personal purpose

• We asked: what's the best thing about being Filipino?

Events

The FascinAsian Film Festival highlights local, national, and international Asian actors, filmmakers, and content creators to celebrate Asian perspectives, culture, and identity.

• Dates: Friday, May 5-7

• Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery

See the in-person and virtual programming HERE. 

The Manitoba Filipino Street Festival is hosting a Tiangge Ng Bayan Night Market and fireworks. The event has a market, food vendors, and a Queen Bulilit and Reyna Ng Festival. 

• Dates: Saturday, May 6

• Location: 434 Adsum Dr. 

Details HERE.

The East Asian Art Exhibit, Within and Beyond Tradition, showcases art from the University of Winnipeg's art collection while allowing visitors to learn about Asian heritage. 

• Dates: Monday, May 8 to August 4

• Location: Gallery 1C03 (University of Winnipeg)

The Asian Heritage Month Comedy Show is a lineup comedy show featuring local Asian Manitoban comedians and headliner musical comedy duo The Lady Lumps.

• Date: Saturday, May 13

• Location: Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba

Tickets and details HERE. 

The CanAsian Arts Network's On The Move is a two-day showcase of Asian Canadian talent. You can find many events, including workshops, available throughout the month on the CanAsian Arts Network website. 

• Date: Various dates in May

• Location: Virtual

Details HERE. 

Taste of Asia is a two-day event in partnership with the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba. It's a celebration of culture and food. Guests can enjoy family fun and cultural performances.

• Date: May 27-28

• Location: CN Stage and field at The Forks

Details HERE. 

Learn

The Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba is developing a teacher's kit on Asian heritage and history for Asian Heritage Month. One of the kit components is a series of presentations by young Asian professionals from various industries. 

Teachers, if you would like your students to participate in a virtual session or have access to recorded sessions, please fill out the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba form HERE. 

Read

The Winnipeg Public Library's Asian Heritage Info Guide features an Asian authors recommended reading list, general histories and timelines, specific historical events, biographies, discussions and stories about Asian peoples' experiences in Canada.

Adult Fiction

• Personal Attention Roleplay by Helen Chau Bradley 

• Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century by Kim Fu

• Jameela Green Ruins Everything by Zarqa Nawaz 

• The Circus Train by Amita Parikh

• I Was the President's Mistress by Miguel Syjuco

Poetry

• Iron Goddess of Mercy by Larissa Lai 

• Quiet Night Think by Gillian Sze 

Memoir

• We Were Dreamers by Simi Liu 

• Have You Eaten Yet by Cheuk Kwan

Children's picture books

• Big Bath House by Kyo Maclear 

Children's middle grade

• Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao 

• Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend by Katie Zhao 

Young Adult 

• A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy L. Lin 

Watch

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with CBC Gem's collection of documentaries, films and shows that honour the rich culture of Asian Canadians. VIEW COLLECTION.

Take a look at shows coming to CBC this month

• House Special 

• Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness 

• Hidden Letters

• Lucky Grandma 

The Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba provided a list of educational Asian Heritage Month videos. 

• What is Asian Heritage Month 

• Asians in Early Canada

• Demographics of Asian Canadians in Manitoba

The National Film Board features Asian Canadian projects: 

• In the Shadow of Gold Mountain by Karen Cho

• Under the Willow Tree: Pioneer Chinese Women in Canada by Dora Nipp

• Western Eyes by Ann Shin

• Pasalubong: Gifts from the Journey by Hari Alluri

• Screen Test by Linda Lee

Listen

CBC Listen

Hear your favourite Asian artists in English and Asian languages with these CBC Listen playlists.

• South Asian Mix

• Bollywood Idols

• Bhangra Plus

• K-Pop Idols

Explore the CBC Listen series with Asian-identifying hosts and subjects.

• Recovering Filipino

• Inappropriate Questions

• They & Us 

• Uncover S5

News

Some related stories from CBC Manitoba and across Canada that share information on Asian changemakers and Asian Heritage in Canada.

• Weekend tournament hosted by the Winnipeg Emperors, an all-Asian hockey team

• CBC Manitoba - South Asian Pop Up at Garden City

• Newsroom bureau with Winnipeg's South Asian communities

• CBC Manitoba's Creator Network highlights South Asian Filmmakers

• CBC Calgary's Asian Changemakers 2023: Nominations open

• Asian-Canadian wedding photographer shares her insights on representation and community

• 'You're an Asian comedian from Calgary?' - Andrew Phung's grind to the top

• New Heritage Minute profile of B.C. town highlights the history of South Asian Canadians for the first time

• How Everything Everywhere All At Once opens a multiverse of opportunities for Asian filmmakers

• How Rupi Kaur became one of the most famous poets in the world

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