TORONTO, May 6 /CNW/ - South Asian Heritage Month in May is an opportunity for all Ontarians to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the rich culture, heritage and traditions of the South Asian community,
said Citizenship Minister Carl DeFaria.
"Our government strongly supports South Asian Heritage Month," said DeFaria. "Ontario's diverse society contributes to the economic, social and
cultural well-being of the province, and the South Asian community is a strong
contributor to the strength of Ontario. I urge Ontarians to join in the many
cultural and heritage events planned for this month." The minister paid
tribute to MPP Raminder Gill who spearheaded the passage of the South Asian
Heritage Act, 2001.
South Asians comprise more than five per cent of Ontario's population and
draw upon their heritage and traditions while contributing to many aspects of
culture, commerce and public service across Ontario. More than 60 per cent of
Canadians of South Asian origin reside in Ontario.
A month-long celebration of Ontario's diverse South Asian community is
being co-ordinated through the South Asian Heritage Foundation, the Gerrard
India Bazaar Business Improvement Area and the Jyafest Arts Collective. "I
urge all Ontarians to take time this month to celebrate the heritage and to
learn about the legacy of south Asians in Ontario. It is a rich and important
component of our province's proud history of accomplishments," said Harry
Mann, chair of the South Asian Heritage Foundation. For a listing of this
year's events, visit
www.southasianheritagefestival....
The Ontario government in December 2001 proclaimed the South Asian
Heritage Act, 2001, the first of its kind in Canada. That Act proclaims the
month of May as South Asian Heritage Month and also marks May 5th as South
Asian Arrival Day, commemorating the first arrivals from the Indian
subcontinent to the Americas, beginning May 5, 1838.
While most South Asians came to Canada from India, many others came from
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. South Asians also came to Ontario from
other countries with large South Asian populations including Uganda, Kenya,
South Africa, Mauritius, Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, the United Kingdom,
Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.
