ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH REPORTREPORT

20172017

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH OPENING CEREMONY ................................................................................................................................... 5

ASIAN WRITERS’ SHOWCASE ................................................................................................................................................................. 9

ASIAN CANADIAN DIVERSITY FESTIVAL ................................................................................................................................................ 11

ASIAN HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM ..................................................................................................................................... 13

ASIAN FILM NIGHT REPORT ................................................................................................................................................................. 19

ASIAN CANADIAN FESTIVAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 23

ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH CLOSING CEREMONIES ............................................................................................................................... 26

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INTRODUCTION

In 2002, The Government of Canada officially recognized the month of May as ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH. The Asian Heritage Society has been coordinating events for this occasion every year since.

In Manitoba, our working board consists of representatives from the Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indo-Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities. This group works diligently to facilitate the events that bring performers and artists, in a variety of disciplines and cultures, together.

Similar festivities are held nation-wide to celebrate Asian culture, arts, and heritage. It also serves to recognize the contributions of Asian Canadians to Canadian society.

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2017 Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba Executive

President Dr. Art Miki Vice President Yenny Trinh Treasurer Wendy Duong Secretary Alan Wong Past President Rod Cantiveros

Board Members Jennifer Chen Olivia Do Maysoun Darweesh

Bao Duong Jackson Duong Julie Javier Yoon Kim Fortunato Lim Dr. Muni Mysore Pamela Rebello Wonjae Song Sharan Tapia Jié Yang

Participating Organizations and Individuals Aaron Floresco Aboriginal School of Dance Alan Wong Amber Trails Hip Hop Tinikling Group Analee Pangan Bhangra Dance Coffie Man Colours of Indonesia Friendly Chinese Dance Association FUURIN JCAM Koto Ensemble Happy Sister Dance Group Hazim Ismael Hinode Taiko

India School of Dance, Music & Theatre Island Breeze Jean-Jacques Javier Jiyu Lida Kamel Dhillon Karlo Aguila Kyle Wong Manitoba Great Wall Performing Arts Dance Academy Manitoba Korean Dance Group Manitoba Northern Lights Drum Inc. Manitoba Chinese Women’s Association May Yung

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Maysoun Darweesh Meena Bhuller Nancy Nguyen Nour Ali Phoebe Mann Ralph Abetria Raymond Sokalski Raw Colors Ruth Ohi Soran Bushi Dance Group South East Manitoba Filipino Association Sun Hee Chao Dance Academy Sunny Fitness Dance Group

Sunshine Dance Group Surjit Dhillon Team X-Men The Manitoba Chinese Tribune Tiffany Ponce Tony Wong Tracma Canada "U Can Flow" Tai Chi Group Villamor Filipino Martial Arts West K Bhangra Fusion Winnipeg Kendo Club Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy X-Lion (Lion Dance Group)

Contributors Thank you to the following organizations and individuals who helped to make the events possible:

Canada Council for the Arts Canadian Museum for Human Rights City of Winnipeg Filipino Journal Global College Manhattan Financial Group, Inc. Manitoba Federation of Labour McNally Robinson Bookstore Mercado Trinh Law LLP Mysore Medical Corporation

Province of Manitoba Ethnocultural Community Support Program The Diversity Times The Forks Market The Korea Times University of Winnipeg Winnipeg Chinese Media Winnipeg Public Libraries Writers’ Union of Canada

Photo Credits: Winnipeg Chinese Media, Iron Garahico and Committee Members

Find us online

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Instagram: Asianheritagemanitoba_

Twitter: AsianHeritageMB

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ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH OPENING CEREMONY Manitoba Legislative Building (Grand Staircase) Friday, May 5, 2017 Submitted by Yenny Trinh

The Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba (the “Society”) celebrated the 15th Year Anniversary of Asian Heritage Month with an Opening Ceremony on May 5, 2017. This year, Canada 150 was also celebrated. For the first time, the Opening Ceremony was held at the Manitoba Legislature Building (Grand Staircase).

Special guests included Philip Lee (former Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba), Rochelle Squires (Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage), Jon Reyes (MLA for St. Norbert), Flor Marcelino (MLA for Logan), and Jason Schreyer (Councillor for Elmwood-East Kildonan Ward). They all spoke at the event, bringing greetings and good wishes. On behalf of the Province of Manitoba, Minister Squires and Mr. Reyes presented the Society with a Proclamation designating May the official Asian Heritage Month for the Province of Manitoba.

Jennifer Chen, Dr. Muni Mysore, Jon Reyes, Rochelle Squires, Philip Lee

Flor Marcelino, Jason Schreyer

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Rochelle Squires, Dr. Muni Mysore, Jon Reyes

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Performances at the Ceremony included a lion dance by the X-Lion Dance Group, a traditional dance by the India School of Dance, Music, and Theatre, and performances with Japanese Koto by the FUURIN JCAM Koto Ensemble. AZADI Kurdish Dance Group, a Khurdish youth refugee dance group, also performed for the first time with the Society.

X-Lion Dance Group, FUURIN JCAM Koto Ensemble

India School of Dance, AZADI Kurdish Dance Group

To mark the celebration, the Society presented a cake that included the flag of Canada to celebrate Canada, the crocus, the provincial flower, to represent Manitoba, and the logo of the Asian Heritage Society. Dainties along with coffee and water were also served after the performances.

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The event was attended by approximately sixty (60) people. As it was held in an area of the Legislature Building open to the public people who did not come specifically for the event stayed to view the event. The audience appreciated all the performances and stated that they would attend again next year.

One recommendation is that the Ceremony be held again in the Legislature Building. Another recommendation for next year is to advertise the event more widely to increase attendance.

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ASIAN WRITERS’ SHOWCASE Submitted by Dr. Art Miki

This year we were able to have two Asian Canadian authors of young peoples’ books conduct readings at Winnipeg public libraries.

SSally Ito Louis Riel Library, Dakota Street Friday, May 5, 2017

Sally Ito read from a children’s poetry book entitled “Are You an Echo” based from the lost poetry in Japanese of Misuzu Kaneko that was co-translated by Sally and Michiko Tsubio. Two classes of elementary school children from a near-by school and some grade eight girls attended. About 30 students enjoyed the variety of poetry read and the colorful illustrations to accompany each poem.

Marty Chan Morning – Millennium Library, Donald Street Thursday, May 18, 2017

Marty’s presentation had the 110 students from Hugh John Macdonald Junior High School, 6 teachers and 5 visitors enthralled with magic as he described the content of his many young readers books and involving some students in his demonstrations as he attempted to get out of straight jacket. He held them captive during his one-hour and the response from teachers were extremely positive.

Afternoon – Fort Garry Library, Pembina Highway Thursday, May 18, 2017

In the afternoon 60 grade 4 to 6 students and teachers from Ralph Maybank and Crane Schools attended the reading. Marty tailored his presentation to the levels of the students and kept them engaged and enthusiastic. The teachers commented with praise for his excellent reading.

The three readings were well received. All the librarians expressed appreciation to the Asian Heritage Society for bringing Marty Chan to Winnipeg and having Sally Ito and Michiko Tsubio read as well.

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Marty Chan

RRecommendations: 1. Having children’s authors is a great way to reach out to students and involve the

local public libraries. Continue to seek out authors that will appeal to students at all levels.

2. Invite Marty Chan back if we are having difficulty finding appropriate Asian writers.

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ASIAN CANADIAN DIVERSITY FESTIVAL Mennonite Heritage Village, Steinbach Sunday, May 7, 2017 Submitted by Muni Mysore

One of the missions of The Asian Heritage Society is to involve other cities in the province to celebrate the Asian Heritage Month. In addition to Brandon we celebrated for the second year the Diversity Festival in Steinbach.

Wonjae Song our committee member was instrumental in organizing and publicizing the event. The event was well attended by people who travelled from Winnipeg, the locals and the visitors to the Mennonite village. The audience was close to 100 – 125 and consisted of a number of young children who had come to see their siblings and friends perform.

President Dr. Art Miki started with the opening remarks followed by Greetings from MP Ted Falk, Minister Kevin Goertzen and Deputy Mayor John Fehr. Dr. Muni Mysore was the MC.

Wonjae Song, Jennifer Chen, John Fehr, Kevin Goertzen, Julie Javier , Dr. Muni Mysore, Dr. Art Miki

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This year the we had a number of young performers who were cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd. We welcomed 2 local performing groups P – Noise ,X-Company and our new member the AZADI Kurdish Dance Group. The Steinbach Carillon covered the event and interviewed some of the performers.

The Hinode Taiko group featured a young drummer who was visiting from Japan and he was given a warm reception from the audience and his talent was appreciated.

It is important to celebrate Asian Heritage Month in other cities of our province as the new immigrants are moving into these areas and appreciate our presence and sharing of culture.

AZADI Kurdish Dance Group, Chinese Jitter Bug Dance Group

Hinode Taiko Japanese Drumming, P – Noise

India School of Dance Music and Theate, X-Company

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ASIAN HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM

University of Winnipeg, Portage Avenue Thursday, May 11, 2017 Submitted by Dr. Art Miki

The Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg were co- sponsors of the Asian Heritage Symposium for high school students as we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday well as the 15th anniversary of the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba. As this is a special year Asian Heritage Society received support from the Canadian Communities Foundation Canada 150 grant for the engagement of students in the project.

This year there was an increase in the number of schools participating. The students came from the following schools: Daniel McIntyre Collegiate – Analee Pangan; Kelvin High School – Raymond Sokalski; Maples Collegiate – Ralph Abetria and ; St. Maurice School – Karlo Aguilar; Tec- Voc; Garden City Collegiate – Kamel Dhillon

Dr. Art Miki

Fortunato Lim, Jennifer Chen, Mala Sachdeva, Mandeep Sodhi, Mario Villanueva, Duong Ramo , Dr. Art Miki, Yoon Kim, Yenny Trinh, Alan Wong, Wendy Duong

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PPROGRAM OVERVIEW Theatre B – 4M47 - Registration: 9:00 - 9:30 am 9:30 Opening Remarks –

Dr. Arthur Miki

U of W Greetings – Dr. Julie Pelletier, Acting Executive Director of Global College, U of W.

9:40 – 10:00 Asian Canadian History – Dr. Art Miki

10:00 – 11:00 Panel: “Sharing Experiences by Asian Canadian Professionals”

Alan Wong – Moderator

Panelists: Mario Villanueva – Manager, Birchwood Honda

Mala Sachdeva – Former Deputy Minister

Mandeep Sodhi – Filmmaker

Duong Ramon - Clinical Manager, St. Amant Autism Programs

11:00 – 12:00 and 2:00 – 3:00 Workshops

Henna – Chandian Deep Anime/Manga - Edreen Cielos

Tai Chi – Fortunato Lim Filmmaking – Mandeep Sodhi

Collage – Takeshi Iwasaki Kokeshi Doll – Ralph Abetria

1:00 – 2:00 Panel: “Asian Canadian Sense of Belonging”

Dr. Muni Mysore – Moderator

Panelists: Nour Ali, Jennifer Chen, Dr. Art Miki, Pam Rebello

A Japanese lunch was provided at Sushi Gen – 500 Portage

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Mario Villanueva, Duong Ramon, Pam Rebello

Jennifer Chen. Dr. Art Miki, Nour Ali, Dr. Muni Mysore

Mala Sachdeva, Mandeep Sodhi, Alan Wong

Mandeep Sodhi

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The feedback from the students was extremely positive about their experience at the Asian Heritage Symposium held at the University of Winnipeg on May 11, 2017. The ratings for the different sessions from the 48 respondents were as follows:

Asian Canadian History: Excellent - 32, Good - 14, Satisfactory – 1, Fair- 1

Panel : Asian Canadian Young Professionals: Excellent – 34, Good – 12, Satisfactory – 2

Panel : Sense of Belonging: Excellent – 18, Good – 23, Satisfactory – 6, Fair – 1

Overall impression: Excellent 33, Good – 10, Satisfactory - 2

CCultural Workshops: Animation Drawing: Excellent – 14, Good – 4, Satisfactory – 1

Collage: Excellent – 2, Good – 1

Making Kokeshi Dolls: Excellent – 6, Good – 7, Satisfactory - 1

Filmmaking: Excellent – 11, Good- 6, Satisfactory – 2, Fair - 2

Henna: Excellent – 13, Good – 6, Satisfactory – 1, Fair – 1

Singing/song Writing: Excellent – 5

Tai Chi: Excellent 8, Good – 1

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CComments from Students: In most symposiums, the “fun” of it gets lost in the education, but this one kept humour

and activities well involved.

Thoughtful discussion. I like the speakers, especially the panelists from the first one.

This was a very enjoyable and memorable experience and I hope to attend in the future.

Very intriguing, educative and eye-opening.

Overall the system was excellent, the only thing I would recommend is to extend the time for Asian heritage so that we, students, can attend more workshops.

A meeting was held with the teachers during the afternoon workshop. The following people were present: Dr. Art Miki, Raymond Sokalski (École Secondaire Kelvin School), Analee Pangan (Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute), Kamel Dhillon (Garden City Collegiate), Karlo Aguilar (St. Maurice School)

Comments from Teachers: They liked the Professional Panel and the diversity of the presenters. Session could have

been a little longer.

The Panel of Sense of Belonging wasn’t as well-received because the presenters were older and topic may not have been as relevant to the students.

They agree that the hands-on workshops are what students enjoy most and should be maintained.

Suggested that we have a student panel, one from each school to discuss issues that may be relevant to them.

Suggested that the group break out into small groups. All the teachers said they would be willing to be a facilitator and suggested they be held in the Theatre. If we did after the panel, some of the panelists and our committee members could also act as facilitators.

They all indicated that they appreciate the efforts of Asian Heritage Society to promote the Symposium and like the University of Winnipeg setting as it gives them an opportunity to expose students to the University.

The teachers suggested we contact them earlier to discuss the format as they may have contacts for workshop ideas and presenters and also panel presenters. One teacher indicated she would love to be on the Professional panel.

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RRecommendations: Continue to hold the symposium at the University of Winnipeg in a format similar to the

past years.

Have the teacher more involved with the planning and contacts.

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ASIAN FILM NIGHT REPORT Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba, McPhillips Street Tuesday, May 16, 2017 Submitted by Alan Wong

This year the Asian Heritage Society held a showing of films related to the Asian Canadian community at the Japanese Cultural Centre on Tuesday May 16, 2017. The premier showing of the three new films produced this year attracted close to 100 people. The three filmmakers were in attendance to answer questions related to their works.

A Dwarf’s Hideout – Alan Wong, filmmaker

A Dwarf’s Hideout is about the Akimoto family and their quaint Japanese restaurant in the heart of French Manitoba, St. Boniface. They talk about Winnipeg, what life is like in the frozen city, and why, out of all the places in the world, they chose to raise their family there.

Vendetta – Kyle Wong, filmmaker

Thomas Leung is the top assassin—but his rival Adrian Kang challenges him to a sadistic game for the title. When Thomas refuses, Adrian commits a heinous act against his only friend. Plagued with emptiness and consumed by vengeance, Thomas is thrust down a warpath, killing everyone connected to Adrian to demonstrate what being an assassin truly means.

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Facing Injustice: The Relocation of Japanese Canadians to Manitoba – Aaron Floresco, filmmaker

This documentary tells why Japanese Canadians were forcibly removed from the West Coast in 1942 and placed on sugar beet farms as labourers in Manitoba and finally settling in Winnipeg.

The Film Night was considered a success as shown by the attendance. There was no admission fee but donations were received.

RRecommendation: 1. That AHS consider holding an Asian Film Night again showing recent documentaries or

short films that might be on interest to the Asian communities.

2. Use venues like the Japanese Cultural Centre for the showing instead of having it at Cinematheque where attendance was very low.

Bao Duong, Wendy Duong, Yenny Trinh, Yoon Kim, Dr. Art Miki, Jennifer Chen, Rod Cantiveros, Alan Wong, Aaron Floresco

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Alan Wong, Aaron Floresco

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ASIAN CANADIAN FESTIVAL The Forks under the canopy, Forks Market Road Saturday, May 27, 2017 Submitted by Dr. Muni Mysore

The goal of the Asian Canadian Festival is to celebrate and promote Asian Canadian culture and identity by bringing together communities to share its diversity. Canada’s cultural diversity in turn strengthens the country socially, politically and economically in innumerable ways. Asian Heritage month is an ideal occasion for all to celebrate the beauty and wisdom of various Asian cultures.

The Asian Canadian Festival, was part of the milestone celebration for 15 years of Asian Heritage celebrations and Canada 150. All the activities were held at The Forks under the Canopy on May 27. To prepare for this event the planning committee discussed the details of the needs and program with the Special Events Coordinator at The Forks.

This was the fifteenth anniversary of the annual Asian Canadian Festival. The Festival took place on Saturday from 1:00 to 7:00 pm. There were several new groups but many were performers from the previous years. The outdoor stage show opened with the Lion Dance followed by performances by Asian dance groups, singers, martial arts demonstrations and contemporary singing groups.

Banners, billboards and performance programs with timeslots for the different participating groups were displayed around The Forks.

The weather on Saturday was good for the Festival as the performers played to large audiences. The attendance was satisfactory and the audience appreciated the enthusiasm and caliber of the performers. The artists are commended for sharing their talents and putting on such a fine and professional show. From an artistic and organizational viewpoint the event was successful. The estimated attendance was 4-5 thousand.

This year the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba used the financial support from Manitoba’s Ethnocultural Support Program and sponsors to showcase nearly 100 young Asian Canadian performers during the festival.

See performer list as per program attached.

RRecommendations: 1. The Society volunteers continue to meet with Forks official next year to arrange the

venue, prepare publicity and oversee the events.

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2. Honorariums for performers remain at $75 for 15 minute segments or $50 for a 10 minute segment.

3. The sound system was provided by Zaroda Music for a very reasonable cost of $600 plus tax for the two days. Recommend that he be hired for next year.

4. The availability of a green room is still a problem that needs to be addressed.

Tiffany Ponce, Sunshine Dance Group, Shao Lei Taiji Wushu

Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy, PRIZMA DANCE CREW

Sunny Fitness Dance Group Winnipeg, Amber Trails Dance Squad, India School of Dance

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ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH CLOSING CEREMONIES Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Israel Asper Way Sunday, May 28, 2017 Submitted by Alan Wong

112PM - Part 1: Discussion Panel on Asian-Canadian Sense of Belonging Moderator: Dr. Muni Mysore

Panelists: Pamela Rebello, Jennifer Chen, Nour Ali, and Dr. Art Miki.

Our final day of events started with a lively discussion panel which included prominent members of the Asian communities, who are also connected through the Asian Heritage Society. This was held in Classroom C on the main level of the CMHR. The discussion focused on what makes someone feel “Canadian”, and what issues are there for members of the Asian diaspora in Canada. Overall the panel was positive, but the challenges that new Canadians face were also addressed, which made for a very interesting and topical discussion.

Pamela Rebello, Jennifer Chen, Nour Ali, and Dr. Art Miki, Dr. Muni Mysore

1PM - Part 2: Film Screening of “Facing Injustice: The Relocation of Japanese-Canadians to Manitoba” Film-maker, Aaron Floresco, was on hand to present his documentary about the forced re-location of Japanese-Canadians to rural Manitoba. It was the second time the film was shown for Asian Heritage Month events, and went over very well. It clearly outlines the history of the Japanese community in Manitoba, and the impact the war, and the subsequent government

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actions, had on those individuals. Asian Heritage Society president, Dr. Art Miki, played a prominent role in the redress agreement and federal apology by PM Brian Mulroney in 1988.

33PM – Part 3: Closing Ceremony and Showcase MC: Alan Wong

An audience of approximately 200 people were treated to a showcase of Asian talents with the fusion of traditional and contemporary cultural performances from the Aboriginal, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian and Filipino communities. Jon Young, the Museum’s Executive Director gave opening remarks welcoming everyone to the celebration and gave focus to the diversity of Canada on this, its 150th birthday. He then introduced Dr. Art Miki, who recapped the month’s highlights and officially announced the end of another Asian Heritage Month. The performances followed and were greatly received by everyone.

Colours of Indonesia, Hinode Taiko

India School of Dance, Yeyoung Won

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