Asian Heritage Month 2025 - Graphic from the Government of Canada.

Since May 1, 2002, Canada has officially designated May as Asian Heritage Month, following a motion by Senator Vivienne Poy, herself a prominent Chinese Canadian. This national initiative provides an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the immense contributions of Asian Canadians, including Chinese Canadians, to the country's fabric. Throughout the month, events highlight the diverse histories, cultures, and experiences of people from across Asia and the diaspora. For Chinese Canadians, it's a time to reflect on their long history in Canada, from railway workers to community leaders, acknowledging both hardships like the Head Tax and Exclusion Act, and progress in building a multicultural nation, fostering greater understanding and intercultural dialogue. The term 'Asian Canadian' itself gained prominence in the 1970s, partly inspired by Asian American activism, with early advocacy groups forming at institutions like the University of British Columbia. A significant milestone in fostering a collective voice was the 1978 launch of Asianadian magazine in Toronto. This publication became the first in Canada to provide a dedicated forum for Asian Canadians to articulate their experiences as visible minorities, contributing to a growing pan-Asian consciousness.