Asian Heritage Society of N.B.

In 2002, May was officially declared Asian Heritage Month by the Government of Canada. The Asian Heritage Month Committee (AHMC) was established in the same year to promote the Federal objectives of Asian Heritage Month, and to organize educational and cultural events that commemorate the legacy of Asian Canadians, past and present. Then in 2007, the Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick was registered to become a Provincial Society working with all Asians around the province.

Who Is Asian?

The definition of "Asian" may be inclusive and broad, and applies to people who come from or whose ancestors come from:

East Asia:

• China, Hong Kong S.A.R., Japan, Mongolia, Korea, Taiwan

South Asia:

• Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

Central Asia:

• Iran/Persia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Southeast Asia:

• Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

Over the course of the last century, Asian Canadians have helped to build and shape our nation and province in many diverse fields, such as labour, business, science and technology, health care, arts and humanities, politics and community service. The major aim of Asian Heritage Society is to make the public aware of these contributions and the unique struggles of Asian Canadians throughout history. For the last five years, the Society has organized and supported activities to promote Asian Canadian history, culture and art during Asian Heritage Month in Fredericton and other communities in New Brunswick,

Major Objectives:

The major objectives of the Asian Heritage Society are as follows:

• Promotion of the Federal objectives of Asian Heritage Month in New Brunswick.

• Public outreach to build understanding between Canadians and Asian immigrants.

• Collaboration with the Municipal Governments in Brunswick, Government of New Brunswick, Department of Education and School Districts to encourage teachers in New Brunswick to engage students with activities that foster understanding of the culture and history of Asian Canadians, and their contributions to the growth and development of Canada.

• Provide Asian Canadians with the opportunity to work closely with Post-Secondary Institutions to create a curriculum in Education departments that will train future teachers to reflect Asian Canadian identity.

• Create interest in smaller local communities across the Province in organizing AHM celebrations in their own cities and towns.

Executives:

Madhu Verma - Chair

David Lee - Vice Chair

Tony M. Mina - Secretary / Treasurer

Office Administration:

Monica Sharma - Research / Coordinator

Committee Chairs:

Education/Outreach

Jackie Firlotte - Chair