Enjoy this curated selection of films that celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today. Please preview all films before showing them to your students.

"Many Canadians today see our diverse population as a source of pride and strength — for good reason. More than one in five Canadians were born elsewhere. That is the highest percentage of immigrants in the G7 group of large industrialized nations. Asia (including people born in the Middle East) has provided the greatest number of newcomers in recent years. Since the 1990s, Canadians — who once thought primarily of Europe when they considered events abroad — now define themselves, and the world, differently. As former prime minister Jean Chrétien said: 'The Pacific is getting smaller and the Atlantic is becoming wider'."

"Toronto’s Chinatown, one of the largest in North America, is an ever-evolving neighbourhood defined by numerous cohorts of Chinese immigrants with a diversity of culture, traditions and languages. (See Chinese Canadians.) Also known as Chinatown West, it is one of three Chinatowns in Toronto, more of the large Chinese settlements are included from the inner suburbs, like Scarborough and North York, and outer suburbs, like Markham, Mississauga and Richmond Hill."

"Asian Heritage Month has been a focus of celebration in many communities across Canada since the 1990s. In December of 2001, Senator Vivienne Poy proposed a motion that was adopted by the Senate of Canada, designating May as Asian Heritage Month nationally. During May of 2002, the Government of Canada made this motion official by signing a declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month. "

"Most major cities across Canada have a Chinatown – but how did they start, and why? What is the historical importance of Chinatowns? How did Chinatowns go from safe-havens to celebrated cultural spaces? This episode, a look at the early history of Chinese people this side of the Pacific, and the historic Chinatown in B.C. that predates Confederation. (Hint: it's not in Vancouver.)"

Teaching Guide

Many thanks to Peel educators Letitia Coutu, LaToya Green, Wesley Hayashi, Antonella Kalaitzis, Azi Manji and Anju Taeput for this excellent resource that is ready for use with students in your classroom!

"May is Asian Heritage Month! This is a time to learn about all of the many countries that make up the continent of Asia. Check out some of the many contributions of Canadians of Asian descent who have done so much to make Canada the amazing place we share today!"

Although this story is designed for an elementary school audience, it’s a great way to discuss how anti-Asian racism is so embedded in society, yet we have the power to stop it.

Asian American organizers and influencers have been trying to sound the alarm over a dramatic spike in reports of anti-Asian racism over the last year, and have been frustrated by the lack of media and public attention paid to their worries. Then came last week, when a deadly shooting spree in Georgia realized many of their worst fears and thrust the issue into the national spotlight.