Download 2010 Calendar of Events
Events Organized By or With Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society
Asian Heritage Month Official Launch
April 29 (Thursday) 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Room 200, West Block, Parliament Buildings @ 17:00
Free Admission: Pre-registration Required at 613-948-8386 or AHM-MPA@cic.gc.ca
Parliamentarians, government officials, community leaders and the general public are invited to celebrate the start of AHM. The evening includes welcoming remarks, several cultural performances and a reception. Learn about AHM and network with other guests. Hosted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the OAHMS.
Era 21 Networking Breakfast for Young Canadians
May 6 (Thursday) 7:00 am · Parliamentary Restaurant
Admission: INVITATION ONLY · Sponsored by RBC
Honorary Patron Senator Vivienne Poy hosts a breakfast panel for a diverse group of high school students to network with Parliamentarians and community leaders, and to learn about leadership and cultural fluency in Canada's multicultural reality. A joint initiative of the OAHMS and the J'Nikira Dinqinesh Education Centre.
Personal Journeys
May 6 (Thursday) 7:30 - 10:00 pm
Library & Archives Canada, Auditorium · Free Admission
Two distinguished panelists speak about the influences that have shaped their lives and led to success in their respective fields. Law professor, author, and human rights expert Errol Mendes, and emergency room doctor and Giller prize-winning author Dr. Vincent Lam; talk about their personal journeys which began outside of Canada and flourished in Canada. Michael Bhardwaj, host of In Town and Out on CBC Radio One, will be the moderator.
In partnership with Citizenship & Immigration Canada.
Book Reading by Dr. Sheema Khan
May 20 (Thursday) 7:00 pm
Ottawa Public Library (Main), Auditorium · Free Admission
Listen to Harvard PhD scientist, author, commentator, expert witness and hockey mom, Dr. Sheema Khan, as she reads excerpts from her book, Of Hockey and Hijab: Reflections of a Canadian Muslim Woman. This book of essays is grouped into five categories: extremists' hijacking of Islam, the rights of women, Islam on the international scene, and two aspects of Islam in Canada: how other Canadians see Muslims and what Muslims want and expect from their country. Dr. Khan has been profiled in the Ottawa Citizen, National Post and numerous other media outlets. The reading is followed by a Q & A session and book signing. Presented with the Ottawa International Writers Festival.
Feng Shui and Water & Earth Galleries
May 25 (Tuesday) 7:30 pm ¡E Free Admission
Canadian Museum of Nature, Theatre, 240 McLeod St.
Attend an introductory presentation from Master Practitioner, Maggie Huang, on how to practice and benefit from good "Feng Shui", which in Chinese means Wind and Water. These two essential elements in combination with the Earth, provide a harmonious and peaceful balance. Following this presentation and a reception, take a self-guided tour of two of the Museum's new permanent galleries. The Water Gallery explores the critical role that water plays in sustaining all living things, and the Earth Gallery features a dazzling array of rocks, minerals and gemstones and explains their origins and formation. Information & Registration: 613-566-4791.
Photo Exhibition: "A Journey of a Thousand Miles"
May 27 (Thursday) 7:30 pm
Ottawa Public Library (Main), Auditorium · Free Admission
Come take that first step and listen to Kevin Ryall's stories and savour the images of people and places he has captured while teaching and travelling in China and Southeast Asia over the past few years. Originally from Newfoundland, Kevin has found new sights in an old land.
8th Gala Concert
May 29 (Saturday) 7:30 pm · Tickets: $25 each
Canadian Museum of Civilization, Theatre
100 Laurier St., Gatineau
Tickets available at the Museum, East Wind (802 Bank St., 361 Richmond Rd.) and at 8th.gala.concert@gmail.com East meets west in a cultural fusion of the traditional and the contemporary - featuring many exceptional Asian-Canadian performers. The Gala Concert showcases the artistic talents of ten acts from across the pan-Asian spectrum. Performers include: the 30-member Ottawa Symphonic Ensemble sponsored by the Korean embassy; concert pianist Mauro Bertoli, winner of the most prestigious Italian Giuseppe Sinopoli Award in 2006; Vancouver soprano Dr. Gina Oh, one of the most influential Korean Women of the World in 2008; Chinese pipa and guzhen virtuoso Liu Fang, winner of the prestigious 2006 Coup de coeur award for outstanding recording from France’s Academie Charles Cros; Toronto traditional pop & jazz singer Justin Poy; Indonesian choreographer and dancer Eko Nurcahyo accompanied by the 11-member Semara Winangun Balinese Gamelan Orchestra; Toronto dancer Vicky Luo, one of the finalists of CTV's So You Think You Can Dance ; and the colourful dancers of the Sri Lanka Youth Dance Troupe .
EVENTS BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
Ottawa Police Service: AHM Banner Unfurling & Reception
April 30 (Friday) 4:00 - 5:30 pm · Free Admission
Ottawa Police Headquarters, 474 Elgin St.
Join the Ottawa Police and community representatives as they unfurl a banner to mark the commencement of AHM. Enjoy Asian cultural performances, welcome speeches and sample light refreshments as we celebrate Ottawa's diversity and positive police-community relations. Information: 613-236-1222, Ext. 5011 or CoburnZ@ottawapolice.ca.
2nd Annual Asian Canadian Hockey Tournament
May 14-May 16 Friday (6:00 pm - midnight), Saturday (7:30 am - midnight), Sunday (7:30 am - 5:30 pm)
Carleton University Ice house · Free for spectators
Open to players of Asian descent and involves 14 teams (4 women's, 8 men's and 2 children's). The tournament is complemented by a friendly and fun skills competition, including the fastest shot as measured by the Ottawa Police Service and their radar gun. Registration deadline is April 23. Information & Registration: Naomi Katsumi, Tournament Convener at info@asianhockey.ca or www.asianhockey.ca.
An Afternoon of Rare Raga
May 15 (Saturday) 3:00 pm · Admission: $10
Ottawa Citizen Hall, 101 Baxter Road
Listen to rare raga Indian classical music with sitar player and multi-instrumentalist, Adam Duncan, accompanied by a tabla player. Organized by the Ottawa Sitar School. Information & Tickets: 613-237-4520 / 613-851-5484 or ottawasitar@yahoo.ca.
Where in the World is Global China?
May 17 (Monday) 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Free Admission for CCFS-Ottawa members, $5 for non-members Press Room Videotron, Maison du Citoyen (City Hall), 25 rue Laurier, Gatineau
Dr. Paul Evans, Director of UBC's Institute of Asian Research, speaks about China's rise as a global power which is more than just economic. With this new status, there are changes in the global balance of power and in the international institutions and universal values that Canada has long cherished. He examines the implications for Canada and offers advice on how we should respond. Presented by the Canada-China Friendship Society of Ottawa. Information: 819-777-8434 or www.fccfa.ca/Ottawa.
Indonesian Night
May 21 (Friday) 7:00 - 9:00 pm · Admission $5
Brookfield High School Auditorium, 824 Brookfield Rd.
Enjoy Indonesian dances and music as well as a young band of musicians. Admission goes towards school equipment and other charitable activities. Presented by the Indonesian Canadian Congress, Embassy of Indonesia and Brookfield High School. Information: 613-863-4482 / 613-737-3288.
Brushes Across the Land & Sea: The Joint Exhibition of Ottawa United Chinese Artists of Canada
May 22 (Saturday) 1:00 - 5:00 pm,
May 23 (Sunday) 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Free Admission · Registration required
Canadian Science & Technology Museum, Conference Hall
1876 St. Laurent Blvd.
Artists from Vancouver, London, Toronto and Ottawa exhibit their traditional paintings and calligraphy, and provide demonstrations and workshops. The exhibition includes artwork from China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, and is one of the largest Asian art collections ever seen in the city.
Open Door to Asia
May 23 (Sunday) 11:00 am - 3:00 pm · Free Admission
Maison du Citoyen (City Hall), 25 rue Laurier, Gatineau
Come and enjoy Asian culture and art, including oriental antiques, crafts, paintings and art works, cultural displays, souvenirs, food tasting and performances. Opening ceremony at 11 am. Presented by: Communaute chinoise de Gatineau, Ville de Gatineau and Ministere de l'Immigration et des Communautes culturelles.
Vietnamese Food and Music Fair
May 23 (Sunday) 11:00 am - 5:00 pm · Free Admission
Ottawa City Hall - Jean Piggott Hall
Featuring Vietnamese food fair, music and martial arts in a village setting celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year. Attend a 2 - 4 pm seminar in the Council Chamber on the historical development of Vietnamese music. Presented by the Ottawa Vietnamese Canadian Cultural Organization Inc. and the Vietnamese Canadian Centre. Information: Ms. Van Quyen Nguyen, 613-230-8282 or miragetravel@magma.ca.
Vietnamese Community Parade
May 30 (Sunday) 1:00 - 4:00 pm · Everyone Welcome
Starts at Gladstone & Rochester, proceeds along Gladstone, Bronson and Somerset and ends with a reception at the future site of the Vietnamese Boat People Museum (Somerset & Preston). Organized by the Vietnamese Canadian Centre and the Vietnamese Canadian Federation. Information: Danh Nguyen, 613-230-8282 or ntdanh@acanac.net.
OTTAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN BRANCH
120 Metcalfe St. Tel: 613-580-2424 ex. 32115
www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca
Indonesian Film: Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Warrior)
May 6 (Thursday) 6:30 pm · Auditorium · Free Admission
A story of children in a small elementary school on a tiny island in Indonesia, filled with heroic stories about life challenges, reaching for dreams and the beauty of friendship (with English subtitles, 120 mins.). Presented by the Indonesian Canadian Congress. Information: 613-863-4482 / 613-737-3288.
"From Punjab to Bollywood": Dances and Drum Beats
May 13 (Thursday) 7:30 pm · Auditorium · Free Admission
Come and enjoy popular male and female folk dances (Bhangra & Gidha) from the Punjab state of India. Each group performs 15-20 minutes of dance wearing colourful costumes with music and singing. The evening also includes a solo performance by a young Ottawa performer on the Dhol (Punjabi drum) and a Bollywood dance by a talented young student. Organized by the Punjabi Heritage Foundation of Canada.
Asian Heritage Family Celebration
May 16 (Sunday) 2:00 - 4:00 pm · Auditorium Free Admission
Entertainment, music, dancing, fashion show and more from the Asian heritage mix for the whole family to enjoy. Organized by the Ottawa Public Library, OCISO and the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre. Contact Karen, 613-818-7082 / karen.molina@Ottawa.ca or Flora, 613-899-3108 / flora.wu@Ottawa.ca for information or to volunteer/perform.
Book Reading by Sheema Khan (Details under OAHMS Events)
May 20 (Thursday) 7:00 pm · Auditorium · Free Admission
Photo Exhibition: "A Journey of a Thousand Miles" (Details under OAHMS Events)
May 27 (Thursday) 7:30 pm · Auditorium · Free Admission
LIBRARY & ARCHIVES CANADA
395 Wellington St. www.collectionscanada.gc.ca
Japan: Truth and Myth
May 4 (Tuesday) 7:00 - 9:00 pm · Room A · Free Admission
Sam Toma, M. Arch. attempts to explain both the true and the mythical images of Japan as perceived by the world at large and the west in particular. Presented by Zenteriors. Information: samtca@hotmail.com.
Ikebana: Japanese Art of Flower Arrangement
May 5 (Wednesday) 7:00 - 9:00 pm · Rm A · Free Admission
Yumiko Tsunakawa, an experienced Ikebana artist and teacher, demonstrates the basic as well as advanced techniques to create different forms of Ikebana flower arrangements. Presented by Zenteriors. Information: 613-241-0699 or tsunaca@yahoo.ca.
Personal Journeys (Details under OAHMS Events)
May 6 (Thursday) 7:30 pm · Auditorium · Free Admission
Vietnamese Film: Bolinao 52
May 7 (Friday) 7:30 pm · Auditorium · Admission $5
Documentary by Vietnamese American director, Duc Nguyen, about the dramatic true story of 110 refugees who escaped Vietnam by boat in an attempt to reach freedom across the South China Sea in 1988. Winner of the 2007 Vietnamese International Film Festival Audience Choice Award. Film website: http://www.bolinao52.com/. Information: Ai Tran, 613-230-8282 or ai_52@yahoo.com.
Asian Canadian Scientists: "The Border"
May 10 (Monday) 7:30 pm · Auditorium · Free Admission
Popular forensic science movies and TV programs show how law enforcement agencies use science to fight crime. In today's world of international terrorism and economic crime, stopping illegal activity at the border has also become a complex scientific pursuit. Join scientists from Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) as they describe and demonstrate some of the science and engineering used to keep our borders secure. Presented by CBSA.
Film Screening: Sleeping Tigers - The Asahi Baseball Story
May 11 (Tuesday) 7:30 pm · Auditorium · Free Admission
In pre-World War II Vancouver, this championship team was unbeatable. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, all persons of Japanese descent in Canada were sent to internment camps. The former Asahi members survived by playing ball and soon other players joined in, among them RCMP members and local townspeople. This helped break down racial and cultural barriers. This remarkable NFB documentary includes archival footage, interviews and dramatic re-enactments. Director Jari Osborne introduces her film and answers questions. Presented by the Ottawa Japanese Community Association.
Best of Reel Asian Canadian Shorts Touring Program: Sense of Wonder
May 18 (Tuesday) 7:30 pm · Auditorium · Free Admission
Sense of Wonder is a dynamic selection of the year's best Asian Canadian animation, experimental, documentary and fiction shorts. The eight films include Ali Shan by internationally acclaimed director Yung Chang (Up the Yangtze) and Rex vs. Singh by award-winning directors Richard Fung, John Greyson and Ali Kazimi. This experimental docudrama is about Canada's history of homophobia and racism toward Sikh workers, and is creatively spun from 1915 court transcripts. Also see new shorts by Leslie Supnet, Victoria Cheong, Jong Wook Choi, Lydia Fu, Paramita Nath and Randall Okita. Q & A session with guest directors following the screening. Presented by the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (http://www.reelasian.com/) with financial support from the Ontario Arts Council.
Taiwan Movie Night: Kung Fu Dunk (2008)
May 21 (Friday) 7:00-9:00 pm · Auditorium · Free Admission
A Chinese-language film (with English subtitles) by Taiwanese director Chu Yin-Ping about an orphaned boy in a kung fu school who develops super-human slam-dunks to help a basketball team become victorious. Presented by the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office. Information: 613-231-4203 or secretary@ca.inter.net.
MONTH LONG ACTIVITIES
Real Canadian Superstore
190 Richmond Rd. (Westboro) Upstairs Cooking School
Cooking Demonstrations
Exotic Escape: "What's for Dinner" · Noon to 1:00 pm
Participants pay $10 and receive a $10 PC Gift Card.
Join Asian Chef Thuy Nguyen at her classes dedicated to the diverse culinary delights of Asia: May 5 (China), May 12 (Vietnam), May 19 (Japan), May 26 (Thailand).
Far East Feast (Hands-on)
June 10 (Thursday) 6:30-8:30 pm · $40 charge
Create delicious Far East dishes with Chef Thuy Nguyen.
"Teahouse of the May Moon"
May 25 (Tuesday) 6:30 pm · Participation $10
Japanese Tea Ceremony with Rebecca Cragg
Registration required for all events. Information & Registration: Patricia Wilson, 613-722-5890, ext. 121 or pwilson@ngco.com.
Chapters Rideau (47 Rideau St.)
Asian Canadian Literature · May 1- 31, Daily
Come to Chapters to see a display of Asian-Canadian literature, and learn about some of the established and emerging authors who have made Canadian literature richer and more diverse. Information: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/Store-Events/events_main-art.html.
Thursday, May 6, 5:00 to 6:00 PM
Book Signing by Dr. Vincent Lam, Giller Prize-winning author of Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures , and Denise Chong, author of The Concubine's Children , The Girl in the Picture: The Kim Phuc Story and Egg on Mao: The Story of an Ordinary Man Who Defaced an Icon and Unmasked a Dictatorship .
Mayfair Theatre - Asian Films (1074 Bank St)
Throughout May, Asian films are featured at Ottawa's historic neighbourhood theatre. See http://mayfairtheatre.ca/schedule/
Chinatown Remixed - An Art Celebration on Somerset St. W
Join us for live street performances and artist vernissages on Saturday, May 8 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Then, throughout May, local emerging and established artists exhibit their one-of-a-kind art work at various businesses along Somerset St. West.
Presented by The Chinatown Remixed Collective. Information: www.ottawachinatown.ca or ottawa.chinatown.remixed@gmail.com.
Chinese Brush Painting and Watercolour Exhibition by Rowena Tolson (Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch)
Her landscapes and wildlife paintings of nature in the Ottawa area and classical oriental settings of mountain villages are on display for the month of May on the second floor. Art Demonstration and Meet the Artist May 4 (Tuesday) 7:00 pm · Auditorium · Free Admission Meet artist, Rowena Tolson, as she demonstrates the art of Chinese brush painting, and enjoy some light refreshments.
Asian Photo Exhibitions in Gatineau
Beautiful photographs of Chinese ethnic nationalities and the landscapes of Bangladesh are showcased throughout May at Gatineau's Library located in Maison du citoyen (25 rue Laurier) and the Library of Lucy-Faris, 115 rue Principale (Aylmer).
