May is Asian and South Asian Heritage Month

Asian and South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to learn more about the diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada, as well as to acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love.

The theme for Asian Heritage Month 2025 is “Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Amplifying Asian Canadian Legacy”. This theme celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of people of Asian origin in Canada while also looking forward to the future with optimism and hopefulness. We are acknowledging the voices, stories, and achievements of people of Asian origin in Canada and recognizing their contributions to all aspects of our society, including the arts, sports and social justice.

For more information please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/asian-heritage-month.html

May is Polish Heritage Month  

This month marks the annual Polish Heritage Month in Canada. Throughout May, we will be celebrating the many contributions of Polish communities. Since the 18th century, people of Polish descent have enriched our country’s cultural diversity, while promoting social justice and solidarity.

Today there are 1.2 million people of Polish descent in Canada. They were among the first ethnocultural groups to come here. The first immigrants arrived from Poland starting in 1752, most of them settling first in Ontario. In fact, Toronto is now home to the largest Polish festival in North America.

Polish Heritage Month is also an occasion to highlight the enduring bonds Polish communities across Canada have maintained with their homeland. Every year, Polish communities in Canada and around the world come together to celebrate Polish Constitution Day, commemorating the historic Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791. Moreover, this inaugural Polish Heritage Month offers a chance to honour Polish National Flag Day, which will take place on May 2.

Throughout May, we are recognizing the many contributions Canadians of Polish descent make to our communities, actively participating in associations and charities while achieving remarkable feats in diverse fields such as the arts, business, politics, education, science and sport.

Find out more at: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/05/statement-by-minister-khera-on-the-first-ever-polish-heritage-month-in-canada.html

May is Dutch Heritage Month  

In May people across Canada mark Dutch Heritage Day, a time to honour the sacrifices made by past members of the Canadian armed forces in the liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions that generations of Dutch Canadians have made—and continue to make—to this country we all know and love.

Canada is the proud home of over 1 million people of Dutch descent, with members of the community making homesteads in the Canadian West during the 1890s. Through continued migration to Canada in the 1920s, Dutch Canadians became essential farm, industrial and domestic workers, and after the Second World War, many more immigrated as war brides and children of the Canadian soldiers who played a significant role in freeing their homeland from German occupation.

Canadians to take a moment to remember those who fought and others who lost their lives during the Dutch liberation, and to learn about Dutch heritage, which is a part of what makes our country what it is today.

For more information please visit:https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2022/05/the-government-of-canada-marks-dutch-heritage-day.html

May is Armenian Heritage Month   

May is a significant month for the Armenian community. May 28, 1918 is widely celebrated by Armenian people around the world as the day Armenians regained sovereignty over their historical territory after 600 years of colonization, occupation, subjection and genocide. The 1918 Armenian Declaration of Independence is a symbol of Armenians’ aspiration for freedom, democracy and independence. May 28th is one of the most important Armenian holidays, and many parades and festivities take place during the month of May.

By proclaiming the month of May as Armenian Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the significant impact that Armenian Canadians have had on Ontario’s social, cultural, educational, economic, and political institutions, as well as their contributions to art, science and literature in the province. Armenian Heritage Month is an opportunity to educate Ontarians about the struggles and achievements of Armenian Canadians in a society that respects freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These core values have contributed to the strength and diversity of Ontario.

For more information: https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-2/bill-105