Notice Board

The onset of May is also the annual beginning of Asian Heritage Month in Canada and this year, perhaps more than any other year in recent memory, this month takes on special meaning.

The theme of this year’s Asian Heritage Month, Recognition, Resilience, and Resolve, embodies the myriad of sentiments that peoples of Asian descent in Canada have experienced, and honours their contributions and their diverse stories which are rooted in resilience and perseverance. It is also a call to action for all Canadians to come together to combat all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination. Let us celebrate the incredible diversity that is our strength and be resolute in our stand against all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination.

As an Asian Canadian, and in my role at the University as the executive director of International, I appreciate all that diversity contributes to our campus and our communities. I see it every day, reflected in the thriving Asian culture throughout our region, and in the eyes of our students who are better for the experience of studying in the midst of a cultural mosaic.

We must recognize that our Asian history in southern Alberta is long and complicated, replete with dark times. It is also deeply entrenched in our society and we are better as a whole for the contributions of our Asian ancestors and the thriving Asian communities we have in southern Alberta today.

This is positive and what I choose to focus on today and moving forward. Respect, diversity, inclusiveness — when these are achieved, we all prosper. It is what guides me in my role here at the University and a hallmark of how the U of L is broadening the perspectives of our students — our future leaders.

Change will continue, and I encourage everyone to embrace this Asian Heritage Month to learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Asian Canadians throughout our history and celebrate the prosperity for greater inclusiveness in the future.

Paul Pan
Executive Director, International