‘Most Asian city outside Asia’ celebrates heritage

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Dancers performed on April 16, 2016 at the opening ceremony of Asian Heritage Month activities in the western city of Vancouver. Photo Credit: explorASIAN
Dancers performed on April 16, 2016 at the opening ceremony of Asian Heritage Month activities in the western city of Vancouver.
Photo Credit: explorASIAN

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada and the city of Vancouver is hosting a myriad of activities to celebrate its rich diversity and history. “Following the Silk Routes and Beyond in Vancouver” is an interactive photo exhibition “celebrating the past and present of exchange and multiculturalism.”

Most Asian city outside Asia

Vancouver is said to be the most Asian city outside Asia. According to the 2011 census, 41 per cent of residents reported they were of Asian heritage. Of those, 18.7 per cent were ethnic Chinese, 9.4 per cent of East Indian heritage, 5.2 per cent Filipino, 2.1 per cent Korean, 1.4 Japanese.

Over 60 events planned

The more than 60 events will feature all communities with a special focus on the Japanese-Canadian community. A news release says that Japanese-Canadians are one of the oldest, most established ethnic groups in the area with more than 100 years of history.

The Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society was created to plan the annual festival with a view to creating public awareness and appreciation of the rich diversity of Asian communities in Vancouver.

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