The month of May is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about the many achievements and contributions of Asian Canadians. The theme for this year’s Asian Heritage Month, “Recognition, Resilience, and Resolve”, embodies the many sentiments that peoples of Asian descent in Canada have experienced and honours their contributions and their diverse stories which are rooted in resilience and perseverance. It is also a call to action for all Canadians to come together to combat all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination.
On May 7, 2021, the WeirFoulds’ Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee hosted a firm-wide educational event to kick off Asian Heritage Month, “Not Your Model Minority: The Problem with Asian Stereotypes”.
Moderated by WeirFoulds Partner Philip Cho and Associate Megan Mah, the program featured guest speakers Avvy Go, Clinic Director of the Chinese & Southeast Asian Legal Clinic and Hannah Sung, Journalist, Podcast Producer and Host. Together they explored how seemingly harmless, and sometimes positive, Asian stereotypes are experienced by Asian Canadian professionals in their respective industries, as well as how common Asian stereotypes hinder progress and can lead to the violence we see rising today in Canada and the US.
Click here to view the event resources and definitions list.
