Asian Heritage Month celebrations in May bring back a sense of nostalgia for one Richmond MLA about the time when she immigrated to Canada.
Richmond North Centre MLA Teresa Wat recalls the feelings of “compassion, welcoming and inclusiveness” from not only fellow Asian-Canadians, but Canadians from other cultures as well when she chose Canada as her new home.
Wat advocates Asian Heritage Month as a time to learn about Asian cultures, as well as to also acknowledge multiculturalism and diversity within Canada.
Asian Heritage Month was established in the 1990s as a celebration of all Canadians of Asian descent and the theme this year is “Asian Canadians: United in Diversity.”
“The theme this year … was inspired by the long and rich history of Asian-Canadians that have continued today to enrich our country and make it a more vibrant, inclusive and compassionate society,” said Wat.
“I think we should celebrate Asian Heritage Month together as one community, even though it’s about Asian-Canadians, because one community means that we’ll find more strength in our diversity.”
She added that the month is a time to “embrace Canadian history, values and diverse cultures,” while remembering the “many past and present contributions that the Asian communities have made to build the society we live in today.”
Wat told the Richmond News that she tells new immigrants the importance of taking the initiative in learning English because it “is a tool that (they) have to grab on to in order to make achievements and feel that you’re part of the country.”
“If you come to a country that you consider as your (new) home … and not be able to speak the language, it poses as an obstacle to integration.”
On the other hand, she encourages Canadians to be “patient with new immigrants, especially those who are elderly” and understand their challenges because it is not easy for them to learn a new language.
Richmond, said Wat, hasn’t had racist incidents due to COVID-19 in comparison tothose in Vancouver, although there was one alleged incident at Garry Point Park this past weekend.
She said racist attacks are motivated by misinformation and stigmatization.
“We are stronger, more diverse and more resilient when we embody our cultural values, our collaboration and care for our communities. Asian Heritage Month is extremely meaningful, and it’s really crucial for us to educate and to promote multiculturalism.”
