Richmond Hill - Students, families, staff and community members came together last week to celebrate East Asian heritage at an event with a focus on a Century of Reflection.
The event included art performances, cultural displays, activities and community resources, and focused on celebrating the history, culture and contributions of East Asian Canadians. The event, held at Richmond Green S.S., also featured a display from the exhibit Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories & Experiences of the Chinese Community.
"We truly appreciate the allyship and collaboration with the community partners in promoting identity-affirming spaces for the staff and students in school communities, through the learning and celebrations of our culture and history," said Pauline Guo and Cynthia Liu, Community Partnership Developers, York Region District School Board.
“I wanted to say a special thank you for featuring the joint project between the YRDSB and Markham Museums. I was delighted to see such a great turn out for the evening, both in terms of the number of participants and the quality of the booths, presentations and performances,” said Janet Reid, Curator, Markham Museum.
“It was my greatest honor to be invited to attend the YRDSB’s East Asian Heritage Event and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Only that which is national is the world's. We value our differences and cherish our commonalities,” said Hongqiao Gao, who attended the event.
The event also recognized the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act, commonly referred to as the Chinese Exclusion Act, which was introduced in 1923 and restricted immigration from China.
The event was organized by York Region District School Board In partnership with Settlement and Education Partnership in York Region, a team of Catholic Community Service of York Region at Richmond Green S.S.
Student stands beside a display on the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923
Nokiidaa P.S. Junior Choir performed at the event
Performers at the event