As French teachers in Canada, embracing diversity and celebrating cultural heritage is an integral part of our job. As we approach Asian Heritage Month, it’s essential to amplify the voices of Asian communities within our classrooms. In this blog post, I’m excited to share a curated selection of French resources tailored specifically for Asian Heritage Month in Canada.
What is the history of Asian Heritage Month in Canada?
In December 2001, Asian-Canadian Senator Vivienne Poy proposed a motion that was adopted by the Senate of Canada. This motion designated May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed a declaration designating May as Asian Heritage Month.
What countries should we represent during our Asian Heritage Month celebrations?
There are specific communities who made major contributions to Canadian society in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. These communities experienced a lot of discrimination and marginalization.
During Asian Heritage Month celebrations, we absolutely should seek to educate Canadians about the contributions and experiences of these early Canadians.
However, modern-day Canada is incredibly diverse. There is room in our celebrations to learn about and honour the experiences of all Canadians of Asian descent.
For that reason, my celebrations include all cultures, communities, and countries on the continent of Asia.
English & French Asian Heritage Month Posters
Looking to honour and celebrate the contributions of Asian-Canadians and Asian-Americans this Asian Heritage Month? These beautiful posters have been brought to you by a South-Asian (Punjabi) Canadian French teacher who grew up without meaningful and authentic representation. This set of posters contains 23 posters of diverse, notable Asians who have made important contributions. These are Asians that we look up to – who were “firsts” in so many fields.
Also, as a South Asian woman, it is exhausting when the only representation of you is a human rights activist. Don’t get me wrong – this is important, however, we are also politicians, scientists, doctors, etc. Therefore, it was important to me to ensure that there was a diversity of representation in terms of career.
Read French Picture Books with Asian Characters
One way to honour Asians of all backgrounds is to read French picture books with Asian characters.
Office National du Film – Films / Short Films for Asian Heritage Month in Canada
The National Film Board of Canada has an amazing treasure trove of short films and documentaries documenting the experiences of diverse Asian Canadians.
Whether you teach elementary or high school French, they’ve got something for you.
The Reel Canada films – Mois du Patrimoine Asiatique
The Reel Canada also has a selection of films for Asian Heritage Month in Canada. Canadian teachers can rent out films with the Reel Canada to show for free in their classrooms!
