TABLE OF CONTENTS

ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH OPENING CEREMONY ................................................................................................................................. 10

ASIAN WRITERS’ SHOWCASE ............................................................................................................................................................... 13

ASIAN CANADIAN DIVERSITY FESTIVAL ................................................................................................................................................ 16

ASIAN HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM ..................................................................................................................................... 19

ASIAN FILM SHOWCASE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 24

FOOD TRIP ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 29

ASIAN CANADIAN FESTIVAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 33

ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH CLOSING CEREMONIES ............................................................................................................................... 37

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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, Malaysian, Singapore, Sri Lankan, 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.

www.asianheritagemanitoba.ca

2018 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 Maysoun Darweesh Bao Duong Jyothiprabha Ettigi Julie Javier Dr. Yoon Kim Surein Lee Fortunato Lim Dr. Muni Mysore Joseph Orobia Pam Rebello Wonjae Song Sharan Tapia Jimmy Tan Jié Yang

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Participating Organizations and Individuals

Aboriginal School of Dance Alan Wong Amber Trails Dance Group Analee Pangan Bhangra Dance Group Canada Race Relations Federation Cheerful Dancing Group Fernando Dalayoan Friendly Chinese Dance Association FUURIN JCAM Koto Ensemble Galax-E Golden Sisters Dance Group Happy Sister Dance Group Hanfeng Chinese Choir Harmony of Indonesia Hinode Taiko India School of Dance, Music & Theatre Island Breeze Jasmine Bhutani Jean-Jacques Javier Jeff Agapito Joseph Orobia Jiyu Lida Junko Rybuck Julia Zhu Kamel Dhillon Kyle Wong Dr. Lillian Ma Lourdes Federis Manitoba Chinese Tribune Manitoba Chinese Women’s Association Manitoba Great Wall Performing Arts Dance Academy Manitoba Korean Dance Group Manitoba Northern Lights Drum Inc. Winnipeg Kendo Club

Manitoba Kendo Club Mariko Tamaki Meena Bhuller Nadim Ado Orlando Bowen Elder Paul Daniels Peter Truong Praan Misir Ralph Abetria Rana Bokhari Rylee Sandberg Rhythm of Indonesia / Harmony of Indonesia Shaolei Tai Chi Wushu Institute Soran Bushi Dance Group South East Manitoba Filipino Association Sunhee Cho Dance Company Sunny Fitness Dance Group Sunshine Dance Group Surjit Dhillon Team X-Men The Manitoba Chinese Tribune Tiffany Ponce Tracma Canada Tommy Inthirath Tracy Koga U Can Flow Tai Chi Group Villamor Sikaran Filipino Martial Arts Dr. Vivienne Poy West K Bhangra Fusion Winnipeg Bhangra Club Winnipeg Punjab Arts Academy Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy X-Lion (Lion Dance Group) Xiaomin Chinese Dance Group Yeyoung Won

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

Province of Manitoba Multiculturalism Secretariat & the Ethnocultural Community Support Program Canada Council for the Arts Canadian Museum for Human Rights City of Winnipeg Filipino Journal Global College - University of Winnipeg Manitoba Federation of Labour McNally Robinson Bookstore Mercado Trinh Law LLP

Mysore Medical Corporation RBC Royal Bank of Canada Tim Hortons The Diversity Times/ The Korea Times The Forks MarketUniversity of Winnipeg Vickar Chevrolet Winnipeg Chinese Media Winnipeg Public Libraries Writers’ Union of Canada

Photo Credits: Patricia Navidad, Joseph Orobia, Daniel Chan, Iron Garachico, and Committee Members

Find us online

www.asianheritagemanitoba.ca

Facebook: Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba

Instagram: Asianheritagemanitoba_

Twitter: AsianHeritageMB

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ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH OPENING CEREMONY Manitoba Legislative Building (Grand Staircase) Friday, May 4, 2018

Submitted by Yenny Trinh The Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba (the “Society”) celebrated the 16th Year Anniversary of Asian Heritage Month with an Opening Ceremony on May 4, 2018. Once again it was held at the Manitoba Legislature Building (Grand Staircase).

Special guests included Cathy Cox (Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage), Wab Kinew (Leader of the Opposition Party and MLA for Fort Rouge), Brian Mayes (Councillor for St. Vital Ward) and Bruce Gehlen (RBC Regional Vice President). They all spoke at the event, bringing greetings and good wishes.

Dr. Art Miki, the President of the Society brought greetings from the Society and officially introduced the Ceremony and with it the month-long celebration of the Month of May – Asian Heritage Month. Yenny Trinh was the Master of Ceremony.

Cathy Cox, Dr. Art Miki, Wab Kinew

Brian Mayes, Bruce Gehlen

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The following performances were at the Ceremony:

Elder Paul Daniels – Indigenous Hand Drummer

Chengfang Luo - Manitoba Great Wall of Performing Arts Dancer

Junko Rybuck – Japanese Koto performer

Tiffany Ponce - Singer and song writer

Jasmine Bhutani – Golden Sisters Group Dancer

For the second year in a road, the Ceremony 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 Opening Ceremony. People who worked in the building also came to the event as it was held during the lunch period. As it was held in an open space, people come and go at various times. The event was attended by approximately seventy (70) people. There was space available for more attendees and so next year we will advertise the event more widely to increase attendance.

Dainties along with coffee and water were served after the performances. One of the recommendations was that we serve the food and drinks prior to the event. That way the attendees can enjoy them during the performances.

Elder Paul Daniels, Junko Rybuck

Chengfang Luo, Tiffany Ponce

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ASIAN WRITERS’ SHOWCASE Thursday, May 3, 2018

Submitted by Dr. Art Miki The writer AHS invited to Winnipeg for the Showcase was Mariko Tamaki is a Canadian Artist and writer. She is known for her graphic novels Skim, Emiko Superstar, and This One Summer. In 2016 she began writing for both Marvel and DC Comics. She is of Japanese Canadian and Jewish Canadian descent. She has won many awards for her books. Morning – Henderson Library on Henderson Highway

Mariko was greeted by 60 students and 5 adults from the grades 3 to 5 classes from Lord Wolseley and Donwood Schools in the River East –Transcona School Division. She gave a power point presentation of early personal photos and references to the books she had written. Mariko is currently involved with the Lumber Janes series where five young girls have banded together at a summer camp and their ventures. She then played a word game activity that is in the books with students. Most students were familiar with the Lumber Janes series and enjoyed their adventures. This connection of students meeting the author was awesome and the feedback from teachers and students was extremely positive.

Afternoon – Fort Garry Library, Pembina Highway

Seventy-five students from Wellington and Greenway Schools in the Winnipeg School Division #1 and three teachers enjoyed the presentation by Mariko on her experiences as a writer, how she became a writer and talked about some of the books she had written. In the end she read an excerpt from one of her books to the students. Again, the response from the students was very positive and they were familiar with the Lumber Jane series as she explained the next book was coming out later in the month.

Comicbook.com has raved, “Mariko Tamaki is the best new superhero writer of 2018.”

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 either Jillian Tamaki, Mariko’s cousin, or Marty Chan back if we are having

difficulty finding appropriate Asian writers.

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ASIAN CANADIAN DIVERSITY FESTIVAL Niverville Heritage Centre, Niverville Sunday, May 6, 2018

Submitted by Dr. Muni Mysore As laid out in our mission statement The Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba celebrates and promotes Asian heritage and culture across the province. In addition to Brandon and Steinbach the Diversity Festival was celebrated in Niverville.

Wonjae Song our committee member was instrumental in organizing and publicizing the event and inviting the Mayor and MLA for Morris to bring greetings. The local press and media advertised the event.

We had a number performing groups from Winnipeg who travelled to Niverville and were excited to perform and celebrate Asian Diversity.

Rod Cantiveros was the MC who introduced the speakers and performers and entertained the audience with his wit and humour.

The program started with Mayor Myron Dyck and the MLA for Morris Shannon Martin who brought greetings from the city and province. President Dr. Art Miki made the opening remarks and welcomed the audience.

The program was well attended by the families of the performers and local audience who were impressed by the enthusiasm of the performers. The performers included the Hangfeng Choir, U Can Flow Tai Chi Group, and Golden Sisters Dance Group. The Sri-Lankan and Harmony of Indonesia dance groups presented their traditional dances. The Galax-E Korean Dance Group performed lively contemporary items and the young children of the Winnipeg Filipino Sikaran stole the show with their martial arts demonstration. The celebration was well received and the feedback was very positive. It is important to continue to celebrate Asian Heritage Month in other cities of the province as new immigrants settling in these areas and the locals appreciate the awareness and education of Asian Diversity.

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Dr. Art Miki, Myron Dyck, Julie Javier, Dr. Muni Mysore, Shannon Martin

Cheerful Dance Group

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ASIAN HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM

University of Winnipeg, Portage Avenue Thursday, May 10, 2018

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 gathered at the University of Winnipeg. Approximately 100 students attended 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

Julia Zhu, Peter Truong

Fortunato Lim

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PPROGRAM OVERVIEW

Theatre B – 4M47 - Registration: 9:00 - 9:30 am 9:30-10:00 AM Introduction by Dr. Art Miki, President - Asian Heritage Society

10:00-10:50 AM Career Panel

Panelists:

Rana Bokhari - Lawyer

Tracy Koga - Media Producer

Joseph Orobia - Architect

Peter Truong - Restauranteur/Chef

11:00-12:00 PM Career Panelists Q&A Sessions

Students divide into 4 rooms, panelists will rotate - 15 min/each

3M69

2M73

3M67

12:00-1:00 PM LUNCH

1:00-1:45 PM Workshops Session 1

4M47 - Tea Ceremony - Julia Zhu

2M73 - Henna - Kamal Dhillon

3M67 - Tai Chi - Fortunato Lim

2M74 - Kokeshi Dolls - Ralph Abetria

3M69 - Frame Deco - Alan Wong

1:45-2:30 PM Workshops Session 2 – Same rooms

2:30-3:30 PM Racism Discussion

4M47

3:30 PM Conclusion

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GGeneral Comments: Racism discussion could have been done earlier. Students are out of it by the end of the

second workshop. Break down the racism questions into simpler ones- for grade 9 students and recent immigrants. Panelists are an awesome group.

Everything was good. Tea ceremony was very calming and I wish we had more time for henna. The panel was very personal but I wish there was more on statistics and facts about the current population in Canada.

This day has been very informative, it was very interesting to learn about a lot of Asian Canadian history.

I loved it. I wish there were more options and more souvenirs to take home. I loved learning about other heritage. It was very informative.

For the power point, it should have been bigger text. For frames it would have been nice to have more choices to make it more creative.

Today was very fun and interesting. I’ve learned a lot about the cultures of others through communication during the workshops.

I thought learning about Asian Canadian history was really fascinating and how racist Canadians were towards Asian people back in the day.

It was a fun experience and opportunity to know different races that succeed in their profession.

I’d like to see more panellists next year. Also workshops representing other countries.

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

past years. Have the teacher continue to be involved in the planning and the program.

Joseph Orobia, Jié Yang, Tracy Koga, Alan Wong, Jennifer Chen, Peter Truong, Rana Bokhari, Dr. Art Miki, Fortunato Lim, Yenny Trinh, Jyothiprabha Ettigi

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FFeedback from Students 1. Asian Canadian History: Excellent – 38 Good – 9 Satisfactory – 2

2. Panel: Asian Canadian Professionals:

Excellent – 36 Good – 11 Satisfactory -2

3. Panelists: Q & A Excellent – 32 Good – 13 Satisfactory – 4

4. Racism Discussion: Excellent 31 Good - 5 Fair – 1

Workshops:

Henna: Excellent – 14 Good- 5

Kokeshi Dolls: Excellent – 21 Good – 5

Tea Ceremony: Excellent – 15 Good – 6 Satisfactory – 1

Tai Chi: Excellent – 5 Good – 1 Satisfactory – 1

Framing: Excellent – 5 Good – 6 Satisfactory – 1

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ASIAN FILM SHOWCASE Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba, McPhillips Street

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 Submitted by Alan Wong The Asian Heritage Society held a showing of films related to the Asian Canadian community at the Japanese Cultural Centre on Tuesday May 15, 2018. Six short films created by local film-makers were featured. The filmmakers were in attendance to introduce their films and answer questions afterwards.

HOST: Jié Yang God’s Plan Short Narrative - Student Film 5 minutes By participants of the Winnipeg Film Group Film-maker Mentorship Program – Presented by Tommy Inthirath

Writer’s Block 2018 Winnipeg Anti-Racism 48 Hour Film Competition Winner By Sean Perrun & Tenesha Lawson 4 minutes Sean Perrun is still relatively new to filmmaking. He’s been shooting video professionally for about 2 years, and went fully independent right out of college. Before college, Sean spend far too much time working in warehouses. After realizing that he wouldn’t get anything from this line of work besides a bad back, he decided to go to college and find a career. Now, Sean typically gets work freelancing for established media companies either operating a camera, editing, or assisting; and also from commercial clients around the city who have video needs.

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Langoy Documentary By Jeff Camungao 5 minutes Langoy is about a Filipino swimmer with a unique condition. Jeff Camungao is a 25 year-old filmmaker from the Philippines who started his career early under the guidance of his grandfather, an independent Filipino documentary filmmaker. Like his grandfather, the young filmmaker leans towards shooting videos using his own camera and minimal budget. He also graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Multimedia Arts at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and interned extensively before leaving the Philippines to continue his journey on the other side of the world.

Bread Documentary By Nadim Ado 20 minutes Nadim is a photographer and filmmaker from Syria. He and his family came to Canada as refugees and are currently studying English and making their new lives here in Winnipeg. Bread is about life in a Syrian refugee camp in Kurdistan Iraq. Nadim and his wife, Dolly, were there for four years, with their daughter, Hero, and their son, Mehyar.

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Manilla Road Documentary By Fernando Dalayoan 20 minutes A short documentary on the Filipino community in Winnipeg. Fernando Dalayoan is a filmmaker, writer, performer and educator living and working in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Creating stories that have Asian influence, particularly on Filipino-Canadian experiences inspires him. Dalayoan’s film projects explore Asian diaspora and celebrate the diverse cultural roots in Canada. Dalayoan appreciates different facets of filmmaking and values collaborating with different artists to achieve a common vision.

The Line Action Short Narrative By Kyle Wong 20 minutes A martial-arts action short film. Kyle Wong is a writer and director. After making his first short in 2009, Kyle learned filmmaking on-the- fly whilst working on various local productions, leading him to craft the first of several web series in 2012, which determined his filmmaking niche in martial arts-infused dramas.

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There were approximately 30 people in the audience, and we had Asian treats and tea during the intermission and afterwards. There was no admission fee but donations were received.

Alan Wong, Tommy Inthirath, Fernando Dalayoan, Kyle Wong, Cory Quinn, Jié Yang

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FOOD TRIP Tyndall Park Community Centre, King Edward Street

Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20, 2018 Submitted by Alan Wong

Hosts: Jennifer Chen & Alan Wong The Asian Heritage Society was invited by Lourdes Federis to program entertainment for FOOD TRIP, a festival held at Tyndall Park, 2255 King Edward St., from 5PM to 8PM each day. Food Trip is primarily a food festival, with a carnival adjacent, and a stage for entertainment. The Asian Heritage Month performances had a prime timeslot, with around 1000 people coming through to the food stalls for supper each day to try the many kinds of Asian street foods available. It was the first time our organization was asked to be a part of this event, and we were happy to oblige as it was very well attended and allowed us to form new partnerships with those businesses and that community.

Gatka Sikh Martial Arts, Galax-E, Gatka Sikh Martial Arts, Anjali Goel, Manitoba Chinese Women's Association, Tiffany Ponce

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Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy, Manitoba Northern Light Drum

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ASIAN CANADIAN FESTIVAL The Forks under the canopy, Forks Market Road

Saturday, May 26, 2018 Submitted by Julie Javier Hosts: Yenny Trinh and Surein Lee May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada; the event gives the country a chance to showcase the culture, art, and history of Asian Canadians. It highlights the history and contributions of Asian communities to Canada. Celebration of all Asian Canadian cultures is the goal of the Asian Heritage Festival meant to promote and foster Asian Canadian identity by bringing together community and encouraging the sharing of differences and appreciation of diversity. Canada’s cultural diversity also 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. Asian Heritage festival is well known as Asian fiesta which was held in the bright city of Winnipeg’s “The Forks”, celebrating the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada, to promote and share Asian culture and history. The event at The Forks was a great success and a kick off celebration. This couldn’t have happened without the contribution of different communities. Their contributions allowed the festival celebration to be a massive public outreach and media campaign. The event was held on May 26 of 2018 on a bright sunny day. It highlighted Asian art and culture with a wide array of activities. In the opening ceremony, we had the famous lion dance for the Asian Heritage celebration. The Manitoba Great Wall Performing Arts delivered such a good time for the audience. We also had some great young performers who did a terrific job, the Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy, Grade 3 students from Amber Trail Elementary School who only practiced for less than 2 weeks did a super great performance of their dances; and the Korean traditional dance that was performed to a relaxing tone of music. The Rhythm of Indonesia wore their national attire which is called batik. The Friendly Chinese Dance Association of Winnipeg showcased their custom clothes from 600 century A.D. during the time of the Tang Dynasty to the modern century (present time). We ended our festivities by asking the audience to dance with us and have some fun. One of the best parts about living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is its diversity, experiencing and learning the rich culture and heritage of so many different communities in one small city.

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People connecting to people are the heart of Canada and is a way to celebrate a long standing friendship to bring people together.

Sunhee Cho Dance Company, U Can Flow Tai Chi Group

Friendly Chinese Dance Association of Winnipeg

Amber Trails Dance Group, India School of Dance

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ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH CLOSING CEREMONIES Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Israel Asper Way

Sunday, May 28, 2018 Submitted by Dr. Art Miki and Alan Wong 111AM – 2PM: Canada Beyond 150 Youth Focus Group Moderator: Dr. Muni Mysore

A National Conversations youth focus group was held on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and was a collaboration of the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF). This event was part of Canada Beyond 150 projects undertaken by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with support from Canadian Heritage. Twenty-five youth aged 18-35 from the Asian, Black and Indigenous communities in Manitoba were invited by the Asian Heritage Society to participate in sharing their perspectives on racism and race relations in Canada.

The keynote speaker was Orlando Bowen, a CRRF Board member and a community advocate and Executive Director at One Voice, One Team Youth Leadership organization. Orlando’s professional sports career was cut short by a racially motivated assault that almost cost him his life. He has publicly forgiven the perpetrators and empowers people to overcome adversity. His inspiring talk was a tremendous motivator for the youth to consider that they can make a difference when it comes to racism and race relations.

Following his talk, the participants formed table focus group dialogues with trained facilitators and note takers provided by the Asian Heritage Society. The note takers provided feedback notes from the groups to the CRRF for preparation of the final report chronicling youth perspectives on issues of racism in Canada.

The focus group generated interesting and creative actions that youth might take and engage themselves in efforts to combat racism. One of the facilitators expressed that this was the most engaging and productive focus session she has conducted. Orlando and Dr. Mysore asked for feedback from the table groups and Orlando concluded with his closing remarks.

Thanks for Dr. Muni Mysore who chaired the event, Dr. Lillian Ma,, CRRF Executive Director and Praan Misir for their assistance and to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights as a co-sponsor. Thanks to the CRRF for providing financial support to host this important youth engagement dialogue.

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33PM – 5PM Part 3: Closing Ceremony and Showcase MC: Alan Wong

An audience of approximately 200 people were treated to a showcase of Asian talent with the fusion of traditional and contemporary performances from the Aboriginal, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean and Indonesian communities. Set in Bonnie and John Buhler Hall at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, this majestic backdrop was a great venue to highlight the best of the best of Winnipeg’s Asian cultural talent.

Angeliki Bogiatji, a representative from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, welcomed everyone. She then introduced Dr. Art Miki, President of the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba to say a few words regarding the month’s events. He then welcomed retired Senator, the Honorable Dr. Vivienne Poy who was one of the key advocates for the establishment of Asian Heritage Month, who was in attendance and spoke on the importance of recognizing and remembering Asian contributions to Canada.

The emcee, Alan Wong then introduced the performers who were well received:

1. Aboriginal Hoop Dance - Rylee Sandberg As always, a First Nations performer was also invited to start the show off. 8-year

old Rylee Sandberg, a talented hoop dancer graced us with her amazing talent. 2. Korean 5 Drum Dance - Yeyoung Won

Yeyoung Won is a 20-year old University student, and she is the premiere Korean Drum Dancer in Winnipeg. In addition to performing, she also teaches.

3. India School of Dance One of our original member organizations, the India School of Dance has been a

part of our celebrations from the beginning. Their performances are always magical and gorgeous.

4. Colours of Indonesia With their unique hand drum dance, this Indonesian group is always a crowd

favourite! 5. Great Wall Performing Arts School

Wonderful costumes and choreography make these Chinese dancers so fun to watch! 6. Fubuki Daiko

The intensity and excitement of Taiko drumming is the perfect conclusion to Asian Heritage Month!

The Honorable Dr. Vivienne Poy, India School of Dance, Hinode Taiko

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Great Wall Performing Arts School, Rylee Sandberg

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