May is Asian Heritage Month

During the month of May in Canada, we observe Asian Heritage Month. For 40 years now, it has been a time to reflect on and recognize the past and ongoing impact and engagement of people of Asian origin.

First let’s talk about geography: Asia is the largest Continent on earth, but what we know of its history relies on what has been documented largely by cultures from beyond the continent.

So today, I thought I would talk about Asia from the perspective of someone who is from that continent: myself, Bernadette D’Souza, one of two HRRR Representatives.

I was born and raised in Karnataka, a southern state of India, part of the continent of Asia. It was my daughter who came home from school one day as a child saying, “Mommy, the kids at school say I’m not Asian, but I’m Indian. So, I showed the Globe.” Indeed, it is strange, that many people consider Indians to be “South Asians”, but “Asian” is still in the word, so it remains an undisputed truth that Indians such as myself, and other “South” Asians - from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal - we’re all Asians.

Since being here, 40 years and counting, I’ve adopted a second identity: Indo-Canadian. In essence, I am an Indian from India, and now a Canadian of Indian heritage.

Speaking of Indian heritage: They say modern humans arrived on the Indian Subcontinent from Africa no later than 55,000 years ago and by 400 BC the caste system had emerged within our people, claiming the existence of a social order based on birth. Then came British Colonization and in 1947 our struggle of independence was won by a non-violent and civil disobedience movement led by none other than the “Father of India” Mohandas KaramChand Gandhi. This freedom, however, came at a great price. Not only did we mourn what had been lost under British colonial rule, but the country became divided. A vast and diverse body of artistic and cultural output occurred during this era, but the status of women declined and untouchability through the caste system became an organized belief.

It is important to reflect upon the past because it informs the future - as an Indian, and an Asian, and a Canadian and a labour organizer, it’s important to me to reflect upon all of these overlapping histories, and that’s why I consider this time, and other times throughout the year when we reflect on the contributions of equity-seeking groups, so crucial.

We need to remember that Asian Heritage Month is about celebrating the diversity of our rich and unique Asian cultures. We need to help others embrace, learn, understand and appreciate all that we as Asians have offered and continue to offer Canada, the same way we have learnt to make Canada our home. Through learning and participating and walking with us you can all contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society for all, especially for our children who will be the future of our country.