May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, and the city of Kelowna is celebrating with a full slate of events and activities that engages residents in educational and entertaining activities throughout the month. This year’s theme, “Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Amplifying Asian Canadian Legacy,” honours the rich heritage and contributions of Asian Canadians. It looks forward to a future filled with hope and acknowledges the significant voices, stories, and achievements of the Asian community in all sectors of Canadian society, including arts, sports, and social justice.
Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for Canadians to deepen their understanding of the history and contributions of Asian communities in Canada. The focus is on recognizing the vital role of people of Asian descent in shaping Canada into the country we know today. The Okanagan Regional Library in Downtown Kelowna is hosting a free Asian Heritage Exhibition throughout the month of May.
Residents can enjoy free art, storytelling, and performances throughout May as the Kelowna Art Gallery will be holding Family Sundays throughout May (5, 12, 19, and 26) featuring Asian crafts for children. From May 14-17, the Okanagan Regional Library will host a free AHM movie week in downtown Kelowna showing four movies:
- Under the Willow Tree,
- Home Feeling (Struggle for a Community),
- Aftermath (The Remnants of War), and
- Seven Shades of Pale.
Following the final film, Seven Shades of Pale on May 17, the library is holding a discussion session. You can learn more about the movie week here.
The Parkinson Recreation Center will hold a free Multicultural Community Showcase from 6-9 p.m. on May 25 where one can enjoy multicultural performances, activities, and Asian food. To conclude the celebrations, Kelowna’s Japanese drumming group, Yamabiko Taiko, will be performing at the Mary Irwin Theatre on May 31. You can purchase tickets for the concert online here. The full schedule of events is available online at asianheritage.ca.
