Asian Heritage Month

May 1 marks the beginning of Asian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the many contributions that people of Asian descent have made—and continue to make—to Canadian society. This month recognizes the breadth and depth of Asian identities, whose roots originate in more than 40 countries worldwide. 

University of Toronto Chancellor Emerita Dr. Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian Senator of Asian ancestry, initiated the national recognition of Asian Heritage Month. Building on significant community efforts and a groundswell of support, she successfully proposed the motion in the Senate of Canada in 2001. Dr. Poy reflected two decades later, “My motivation was about education, about learning from each other, because once you learn, you respect.” 

Learn about upcoming events honouring Asian Heritage Month at the University of Toronto’s Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office