Download 2009 Calendar of Events
Events Organized By or With Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society
Asian Heritage Month Official Launch
April 29 (Wednesday) 5:00 ¡V 7:00 pm
Free: Pre-registration Required at 819-994-6034
Room 200, West Block, Parliament Hill
Parliamentarians, government officials, community leaders and the general public are
invited to celebrate the start of AHM. The evening includes welcoming remarks, several
musical and dance 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 - Sponsored by RBC
May 7 (Thursday) 7:00 am • Parliamentary Restaurant
Admission: INVITATION ONLY
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 J'Nikira Dinqinesh Education Centre.
Photographic Expressions of Asia
May 12 (Tuesday) 7:30 pm
Library & Archives Canada, Auditorium • Free Admission
Dr. Neville Poy, O.C. and Senator Vivienne Poy present an eclectic photographic
show depicting urban and rural life in Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, Laos,
Thailand and Vietnam through captivating images and compelling stories.
Nature¡¦s Way: The Use of Herbs & Plants as Medicine
May 13 (Wednesday) 7:30 pm • Free Admission
Canadian Museum of Nature, 3rd Floor • 240 McLeod St.
For centuries, herbs and plants have been used for medicinal purposes in Asian and
Western cultures. Naturopathic doctor Christine Nguyen will address how traditional
herbal medicinal practices are being combined with modern science to treat and prevent
illness. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research scientist Dr. Ernie Small will also
present some of the newest commercially successful medicinal herbs. Info: 613-566-4791
Asian Scientists: ¡§ CSI: Ottawa¡¨
May 14 (Thursday) 7:30 pm
Library & Archives Canada, Auditorium • Free Admission
Fans of TV shows like "CSI", "Bones", and "Crossing Jordan" are fascinated by forensic
science. Because of this subject¡¦s popularity, several universities are now offering degrees
in this specialty. Join Dr. Brian Yamashita and Benny Wong, two forensic
scientists from the RCMP, who will describe and demonstrate some of the science
used to fight crime in the real world.
Health is Wealth Fair (Asian Health Symposium)
May 24 (Sunday) 10:00 am - 4:00 pm • Free Admission
Ben Franklin Centre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., Nepean
Learn to lead a healthy lifestyle from community based organizations and the
Ottawa Public Health program. Workshops on traditional medicine and preventing
heart disease, strokes and hepatitis. Interactive health displays, health screenings
(blood pressure, blood glucose, weight check, waist size, dental screening for children).
Sponsored by The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario and Ottawa Public Health.
Information Sally Zhang (Public Health Nurse) at 613-580-2424 ext. 26144
or Mai Nguyen at mai_nguyen1993@yahoo.ca
Asian Heritage Day in Gatineau
May 24 (Sunday) 10:30 am - 4:00 pm • Free Admission
Agora & Salle de fête, Maison du Citoyen (City Hall), 25 Laurier St., Gatineau
The City of Gatineau celebrates AHM with a full day of activities featuring traditional
dance and musical performances. See unique art displays and sample authentic food
provided by different Asian embassies and communities. Presented by the City of Gatineau,
Ministère de l'immigration et des communautés culturelles Quebec, Chinese Association of
Outaouais, and the OAHMS. Information: Ming Zhang at 819-827-3346, ming.cco@sympatico.ca
7th Gala Concert SOLD OUT!
May 31 (Sunday) 7:00 pm • Tickets: $20
Canadian Museum of Civilization, Theatre, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau
Tickets available at the Museum, East Wind (802 Bank St., 361 Richmond Rd.)
and the OAHMS at www.AsianHeritageMonth.net (go to ¡§contact¡¨)
East meets west in a cultural fusion of the traditional and the contemporary - featuring
many exceptional Canadian performers. The Gala Concert showcases the artistic talents
of ten acts from across the pan-Asian spectrum. Performers include Juliard school
graduate award-winning pianist Shoshana Telner, Ottawa¡¦s own mezzo-soprano
singing sensation Julie Nesrallah, modern fusion dancer Jeffrey Chan of Toronto,
jazz pianist Peter Hum with saxophonist Nathan Cepelinski, the fiery female
dancers of the Turquoise Folk Dance Group of Ottawa, multi-instrumentalist
and oud (lute) virtuoso Mel M¡¦rabet performing world fusion music with a pianist
and percussionist, the ever popular 18-member Himig Pilipino Choral Ensemble,
the Indonesian music ensemble and dance and the high-energy show stopping
Oto-Wa Taiko Drummers.
THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE PRESENTS
BC Scene offers a rare chance to see the exciting work of Asian-Canadian artists
from the far west! Learn more at bcscene.ca Tickets available at bcscene.ca, Ticketmaster at 613-755-1111, or the NAC Box Office.
Triaspora
April 28 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm• NAC, Studio • Tickets: $20 • Students $14.75
The acclaimed musicians of the Orchid Ensemble join forces with
choreographer/dancers Chengxin Wei and Jessica Jone of Moving Dragon to
perform an exquisite blend of dance, music and multimedia. Triaspora uses gorgeous
choreography, eclectic virtuoso instrumentalism and stunning multimedia to explore the
Chinese-Canadian immigrant experience. Tickets also available at East Wind (802 Bank St.,
361 Richmond Rd.)
Mei Han and Red Chamber
April 29 (Wednesday) 8:00 pm • Tickets: $15
Library and Archives Canada, Auditorium
Mei Han and Red Chamber's fiery passion straddles the traditional and the
contemporary, from ancient Chinese string band music to bluegrass, folk, and jazz fusion.
Led by Mei Han, a groundbreaking virtuoso on the Chinese zheng, with special guest
mandolin player John Reischman. Tickets also available at door.
Wen Wei Dance Cock-Pit World Premiere
April 30 - May 2 (Thursday - Saturday) 8:00 pm
National Arts Centre, Studio • Tickets: $27 • Students $14.75
Award-winning, internationally-acclaimed Chinese-Canadian dancer-choreographer
Wen Wei Wang creates inven
Delhi 2 Dublin / DJ Tspoon
May 2 (Saturday) 8:00 pm • Tickets: $12 • NAC, Fourth Stage
West Coast desi DJ Tspoon and hugely popular fusion band Delhi 2 Dublin give
us a taste of the spicy cocktail that is B.C.¡¦s red-hot South Asian dance scene.
Tspoon seamlessly blends funk, hip hop, electro, bollywood and bhangra beats.Delhi 2 Dublin is one of today¡¦s hottest global music acts with their signature blend
of Celtic-Punjab electronica, which mixes live fiddle, dhol, tabla, punjabi vocals and sitar.
A Little Distillery in Nowgong
April 10 - May 24 9:00 am - 6:00 pm • Free admission
Ottawa City Hall Art Gallery, 110 Laurier St. West
Centre A presents an interactive multimedia exhibit based on Ashok Mathur's novel
about the politics and migratory history of a fictionalized Parsi family emigrating from
India to North America. The installation features ceramic vessels and large prints
creating a virtual reality space.tive, exciting dance that seamlessly meshes
classical Chinese dance, traditional ballet, and contemporary choreography.
395 Wellington St. www.collectionscanada.gc.ca
May 7 (Thursday) 7:30 pm • Room A
Free for C-CFS members, $5 for non-members
Professor Bernie Frolic will examine the effects of China¡¦s present economic
crisis on political and social stability, and cover Western versus Chinese concepts of
human rights, democracy, civil society and the internet. He is Professor Emeritus at
York U. and has been 1st Secretary in Canada¡¦s Embassy in Beijing, a visiting professor
at Harvard and author of several books on China. Presented by the Canada-China
Friendship Society of Ottawa. Information: 819-777-8434 or www.fccfa.ca/Ottawa
Brochure
May 12 (Tuesday) 7:30 pm • Auditorium • Free Admission
May 14 (Thursday) 7:30 pm • Auditorium • Free Admission
By Sam Toma, M. Arch./Zenteriors
May 16th (Saturday) • Auditorium • Free Admission
Japanese Garden Design • 1:00 ¡V 2:45 pm
Introduction to Japanese garden design addressing types, concepts, elements and
components. Applying and adapting traditional design to suit the Canadian lifestyle
and climate in a visual presentation followed by open discussion.
Zen in Interior Design • 3:00 ¡V 4:45 pm
Presentation on Japanese style based on its philosophical and cultural heritage.
With an introduction to main Japanese design elements and a review of the
difference between genuine and assumed design solutions, participants will gain
a better understanding of how to adapt this style to fit their lifestyle.
Information: samtca@hotmail.com or 613-241-0699
May 18 (Monday) 7:30 pm • Auditorium
Tickets: $20 door; $15 in advance
Enjoy captivating and participative music from Afghanistan and India.
Powerful vocals, colours and rhythms of the Mushfiq Ensemble. (www.mushfiq.ca).
Information and tickets: mushfiq@mushfiq.ca or 613-521-2736.
May 20 (Wednesday) 7:30 pm • Free Admission
This presentation by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario will look at the
latest research on causes of heart disease and stroke as well as ways to reduce the
risks of heart attacks and stroke through a combination of healthy life style and diet.
The speakers will include Dr. David Park, a researcher at the Ottawa Civic Hospital
and Dr. Xiaohui Zha, at the Ottawa Health Research Institute.
Presented by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario.
OTTAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY, MAIN BRANCH
120 Metcalfe St. Tel: 613-580-2424 ex. 32115 www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca
Chinese Brush Painting and Watercolour Exhibition (May 1-31)
May 1 (Friday) Noon to 2:00 pm • Free Admission
Local artist Rowena Tolson demonstrates the art of Chinese brush painting.
Her landscapes and wildlife paintings, which capture the beauty of nature in the
Ottawa area and classical oriental settings of mountain villages, will also be on
display for the entire month of May on the second floor.
Film & Video: Eating Irregular
May 2 (Saturday) 2:00 pm • Auditorium • Free with food donation
Experimental film and video works that explore the cultures of identity through
food and eating. Presented by Available Light Screening Collective and sponsored by
IFCO, SAW Video and the Ottawa Mission. Curator: Minh Nguyen.
Asian Heritage Family Celebration
May 3 (Sunday) 2:00 - 3:30 pm • Auditorium • Free Admission
Entertainment, music, dancing, fashion show and more from the Asian heritage
mix for the whole family to enjoy. Contact Karen (613-818-7082 kmolina@ociso.org)
or Flora (613-762-1728) for information or to perform. Organized by the Ottawa Public
Library, OCISO and the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre.
Film Screening: Islamic Art: India and the Middle East
May 7 (Thursday) 7:30 pm • Auditorium • Free Admission
Art scholar Waldermar Januszczak presents examples of Islamic architecture
from the Middle East and beyond, and provides historical background on Islam.
See scenes of India's Taj Mahal, the Great Mosque in Damascus and many beautiful
mosaics.(60 mins) Light refreshments.
Presented by Islamic History Month Canada. Information: imanibrahim@rogers.com
Film Screening: Hersey Cok Guzel Olacak (1998)
May 13 (Wednesday) 7:30 pm • Auditorium • Free Admission
A dramatic comedy about the adventures and mis-adventures of two brothers
living in Istanbul, with very different characters, world views, and ambitions.
Presented by the Canadian Turkish Heritage Foundation. Information: cthf@cthf.ca
Introduction to Ikebana - Japanese Art of Flower Arrangement
May 14 (Thursday) 6:00 - 8:00 pm • Auditorium • Free Admission
Ikebana artist and teacher, Yumiko Tsunakawa, demonstrates the basic as well
as advanced techniques to create arrangements that suit different types of occasions.
Presented by Zenteriors. Information/registration: tsunaca@yahoo.ca or 613-241-0699
Slide Show/Photo Exhibition ¡V "China as We See It"
May 21 (Thursday) 6:30 pm • Auditorium • Free Admission
Canadian Photographers of Focus on China presents fascinating images recently
shot in China, including six world heritage locations such as Zhangjiajie of Hunan,
Leshan Buddha and Panda Breeding Place. See beautiful scenery, wonderful treasures
of art and evocative pictures of daily life in Shanghai, Chengdu and Hong Kong.
Film Screening: Densha Otoko (Train Man) (2005)
May 28 (Thursday) 7:30 pm • Auditorium • Free Admission
The true life story of a geeky young man's romance with a beautiful young lady.
Based on actual messages posted on a huge internet discussion board in Japan.
A million internet users followed the Train Man's romance, giving him advice on
how to impress the girl and take her out on dates. Japanese with English subtitles.
(104 mins) Presented by Embassy of Japan.
Film Screening: Iran: Seven Faces of a Civilization
May 30 (Saturday) 2:00 pm • Auditorium • Free Admission
An award winning film by Farzin Rezaeian portraying Iran¡¦s 7000-year-old history of art,
culture and architecture. Spectacular graphic reconstructions superimposed on images
of actual architectural remains brilliantly recaptures the ancient treasures in ways never
possible before. Presented by Catholic Immigration Centre, Persian Art & Cultural Society of
Ottawa and Ottawa Persian Radio. Information: Afarin.Beglari@biblioottawalibrary.ca
EVENTS LISTING
Ottawa Police Service: Banner Unveiling & Reception
May 1 (Friday) 4:00 ¡V 5:00 pm • Free Admission
Ottawa Police Headquarters, 474 Elgin St.
Join the Ottawa Police as they unveil a banner in celebration of AHM.
Enjoy traditional Asian entertainment and sample light refreshments.
Information: 613-236-1222, ext. 5011, CoburnZ@ottawapolice.ca, and
www.ottawapolice.ca/en/about_ops/diversity/flag_main.cfm
Vietnamese Music Workshops
May 2 (Saturday) 9:00 am - to noon
Free Admission • Registration required
Glebe Collegiate Institute, 212 Glebe Ave.
Three interactive workshops on spoon playing, zither playing and traditional Vietnamese
singing. Led by Professor Tran Quang Hai and Bach Yên, two internationally
renowned musicians from France. Information: vyc.workshop@gmail.com
Filipino Film: You Changed my Life (2009)
Mayfair Theatre, May 7, 7:00 pm May 9, 2:00 pm
A romantic comedy starring Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz.
In Filipino with English sub-titles. Information: pinoymovie@pinoyphone.net
Vietnam: Celebrating Youth and Culture
May 9 (Saturday) 7:00 - 9:00 pm • Tickets: $15 Adults, $7 Children
Canadian Museum of Civilization, Grand Hall, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau
(Tickets available at Museum and the community.)
Discover Vietnamese music with a group of young zitherists, artist Sáu Chuyên,
ethno-musicologist Professor Tran Quang Hai, the renowned singer Bach Yên
from France, and other acts. Vietnamese lotus tea ceremony, book signing and meeting
with performers. Information: vyc.gala@gmail.com
Vietnamese Community Parade
May 10 (Sunday) at 1:30 pm Open to the general public
Parade winds along Gladstone, Bronson, Rochester and Somerset streets to a dedication
ceremony at the Vietnamese Boat People Monument at Somerset and Preston.
Information: 613-230-8282 or ntdanh@acanac.net
Overseas Chinese Youth Symphony Orchestra 10th Anniversary Concert
May 16 (Saturday) 7:30 pm • Tickets $8
Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper St.
An evening of classical music featuring the works of Rossini, Mozart, Sibelius and
others performed by the OCYSO and the Ottawa Chinese You-in Chorus. Tickets:
Mr. Man-Fong Lee (613-592-6719) or Panda Vacations, 326 Bronson Ave. (613-567-1888).
International Encounters with Ha Jin, Zoë Heller & Kamila Shamsie
May 11 (Monday) 7:00 pm • Tickets: $15 General $10 Senior/Students
Free for festival members and Carleton U. students
Saint Brigid¡¦s Centre, 314 St. Patrick St.
Ha Jin has won the National Book Award, two PEN/Faulkner Awards and three Pushcart
Prizes. His most recent novel, A Free Life, follows the Wu family as they leave China after
the 1989 armed crackdown and begin a new life in the US. Zoë Heller is the author
of Notes on a Scandal, Everything You Know and The Believers. Her most recent novel,
The Believers, is a comic, tragic tale about one family's struggles with the consolations of
faith and the trials of doubt. Kamila Shamsie, the Karachi-born, London-based author
of five novels has written for The Guardian and the New York Times. Short readings followed
by an on-stage conversation and book signing. Presented by the Ottawa Writers Festival.
Information: www.writersfestival.org or call 613-562-1234
Musical Concert, Shafqat Ali Khan
May 17 (Sunday) 6:00 - 11:00 pm • Tickets: $20
U. of Ottawa Alumni Theatre, Jock Turcott Hall, 85 University Pvt.
A semi classical vocal concert featuring Shafqat Ali Khan, from a family of well known
classical musicians from Pakistan. As an acclaimed singer of Pukka Raag, Thumri, Dadra and
Sufiyana Kalam, he has performed widely in many countries. Information: 613-282-7860 or
asaeed786@rogers.com. Presented by Canada Pakistan Association
Asian Canadian Hockey Tournament 2009
May 29 (from 5:00 pm), May 30 (from 10:00 am), May 31 (7:00 am - 3:00 pm)
Carleton University Ice house • Free for spectators
Ottawa¡¦s first Asian Canadian Hockey Tournament is open to players of Asian descent
and will involve 10-12 teams (4 women and 6-8 men) vying to win the tournament.
Registration deadline April 15, 2009. Information: Naomi Katsumi, Tournament Convener
at info@asianhockey.ca or www.asianhockey.ca
April 17 ¡V May 29, 2009 • Free Admission
Gallery 101, 301½ Bank St. ¡V Unit 1
Grand opening on April 21 at 7:00 pm.
Featuring works of Asian-Canadian artists, (Ron Tran, Roy Lu, Minh Nguyen)
and others with Vancouver¡¦s Helen Pitt Gallery. Ten artists will recreate the ideas of
other artists and their works will be displayed in Vancouver and Ottawa.
Information: news@gallery101.org or 613-230-2799
Grand opening on May 2 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm, closing ceremony on June 1.
During the month of May, modern and traditional artists and crafts people will display
their work at various businesses in the Somerset street area. Whether enjoying dim
sum or sipping bubble tea in "Chinatown", you are sure to be surrounded by tasty
treats and beautiful works of art. For details please visit www.ottawachinatown.ca
During the month of May, Asian films will be featured at Ottawa¡¦s historic
neighbourhood theatre, the Mayfair at 1074 Bank St. See listing at
http://mayfairtheatre.ca/schedule/
Asian Canadian Literature - May 1-31, Daily
Come to Chapters (47 Rideau St.) to see a display of Asian-Canadian literature,
and learn about some of the established and emerging authors who have
made CanLit richer and more exciting. For more information see
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/Store-Events/events_main-art.html
Exotic Escape What's for Dinner May 6, 13, 20 & 27, Noon to 1 pm
Free with donation to Ottawa Food Bank
Join Asian Chef Thuy Nguyen at her classes dedicated to the diverse culinary
delights of Asia. May 6 (China), May 13 (Laos), May 20 (Japan), May 27 (Thailand)
May 28 (Thursday) 6:30-8:30pm
Chef Thuy Nguyen helps you stir up some Vietnamese-style heat in the kitchen
with some of her hand picked dishes. Information/registration: Patricia Wilson, at
pwilson@ngco.com or 613-722-5890 Ext. 121.
Ikebana Class - Japanese Art of Flower Arrangement (April to June)
Saturdays, Sundays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Tuesdays 1:30 - 3:30 pm, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Explore the beauty and fun of Ikebana with experienced Ikebana artist and teacher,
Yumiko Tsunakawa. $240 for 8 classes (1/wk) Orleans, exact address to be given
to registrants. Information/registration: tsunaca@yahoo.ca or 613-241-0699
Zen in Interior Design
Sam Toma, M. Arch. presents a workshop on understanding Japanese style
and choosing solutions and components to meet individual needs.
$320 for 8 classes (1/wk) Orleans, exact address to be given to registrants.
Information/registration: samtca@hotmail.com or 613-241-0699
