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Events Organized by the Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society (OAHMS)
Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society: Media Conference and Reception
April 14 (Thursday) 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Chateau Cartier Conference Resort
INVITATION ONLY
The Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society invites members of the media, sponsors, partners, community leaders, embassies and government representatives to a reception leading up to the 10th annual Asian Heritage Month (AHM). Guests will learn about past and upcoming AHM activities and enjoy a delectable lunch courtesy of the Chateau Cartier. Welcoming remarks will be given by Senator Vivienne Poy and others. Presented by: the OAHMS and sponsored by Chateau Cartier Conference Resort.
Health Benefits of Rice, Barley, Oat and Flax Seed
May 19 (Thursday), 7:30 pm
Canadian Museum of Nature, Theatre (240 McLeod St.)
Free Admission (Registration required)
Are you interested in improving your health, managing your body weight, lowering your blood pressure, and reducing the risks of cancer? If so, come and attend this panel discussion by three renowned scientists. Get the facts on the phenolic compounds found in grains and their health benefits. Find out why brown rice is better than white rice and why black rice is becoming known as a “super food”. The panelists are Dr. Rong Cao (Guelph Food Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada),Dr. Chaowu Xiao (Nutritional Research Division, Health Canada), and Dr. Nam Fong Han (President & CEO, Natunola Health Inc.). Presentation is followed by tour of the Arctic Kaleidoscope exhibition of over 80 photographs that reveal the true beauty of the north, by Michelle Valberg, who will be in attendance. Presented by: the OAHMS and CMN. Information & Registration: 613-566-4791
9th Gala Concert
June 3 (Friday) 7:30 pm
Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC), Theatre (100 Laurier St., Gatineau)
Tickets: $25
Tickets at: CMC, Ottawa Festivals (47 William St.), East Wind (802 Bank St./361 Richmond Rd.),The Leading Note (370 Elgin St., CASH only)) and through 9th.gala.concert@gmail.com
East meets west in a cultural fusion of the traditional and the contemporary featuring over 40 exceptional Asian-Canadian performers. They will include Toronto-based, internationally-trained, dancer-choreographer Hari Krishnan directing the progressive inDANCe troupe known for their bold, risky and adventurous moves; young cello virtuoso Stanley Leong, a multiple top prize-winner at the Canadian Music Competition; popular young Filipino singers Jhune Leonardo and Mic Lomocso; the stirring 25 Kolintang Ensemble and Indonesian dancers; the Ottawa Bach Choir (Quartet) and a Montreal-based string quartet featuring Taiwanese violinist/pianist music director Dr. Judy Hung, Taiwanese – Canadian award-winning violist/violinist Dr. Lambert Chen, Scottish-Canadian violinist Donnie Deacon, and Canadian cellist Timothy McCoy (both with the NAC Orchestra) Presented by: the Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society and Canadian Museum of Civilization (5th year of partnership)
Dance Workshop
June 4 (Saturday), 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Carleton University, dance studio.
Free Admission
Dance workshop given by leading dancer/choreographers Eko Nurcahyo and Hari Krishnan. Award-winning Eko Nurcahyo is a graduate of the Indonesia Institute of Performing Arts and has performed across Europe and Asia. Hari Krishnan is the director of the inDANCe troupe (to be confirmed). Registration required. Contact: mwu@rogers.com. Presented by: the OAHMS
EVENTS BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
Workshop & Forum: Leaders of Tomorrow
May 1 (Sunday), 2:00 – 5:30 pm
Library and Archives Canada, Room A (395 Wellington St.)
Free Admission
A combined workshop and forum for Asian youth aged 15 – 30 to learn about and share different cultures and experiences. The objective is to create an active network for Asian youth who will be the leaders of tomorrow. Young leaders will speak about communications, leadership, public speaking, sports, arts and culture, community service, entrepreneurship, employment and career development. Presented by: Filipino-Canadian Leaders for Leaders Foundation.
"The Art of Brushes" Painting & Calligraphy Exhibition
May 1 - 8, Noon – 6:30 pm
Art Flow Art Gallery (838 Somerset St. W, unit 60)
Free Admission
One of this year’s major exhibitions in Ottawa. Artists from Japan, Toronto, London and Ottawa exhibit their classical and modern paintings and calligraphy, and give demonstrations and workshops. Presented by: Chinese Canadian Arts Council. www.artflowgallery.com
Presentation: Japan, Survival by Genius
May 2 (Monday), 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Library and Archives Canada, Room A (395 Wellington St.)
Free Admission
Sam Toma, M. Arch. explains how Japan has managed to survive many adverse conditions from its earliest days, to become the advanced and influential nation it is today and will be in the future. Presented by: Zenteriors. Information: samtca@hotmail.com
Ottawa Police Service: AHM Banner Unfurling & Reception
May 3 (Tuesday), 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Ottawa Police Headquarters (474 Elgin)
Free Admission, Light Refreshments
Join the Ottawa Police and community representatives as they unfurl a banner to commencement of Asian Heritage Month. Enjoy 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
Ikebana Demonstration: Joy of Japanese Art of Flower Arrangement
May 6 (Friday), 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Library and Archives Canada, Room A (395 Wellington St.)
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. The audience learns about the history of Ikebana and sees Yumiko’s unique and creative approach to this distinct art form. Presented by: Sakura Studio. Information: tsunaca@yahoo.ca
Film Screening: TORA and From a Silk Cocoon
May 10 (Tuesday), 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Library and Archives Canada, Auditorium (395 Wellington St.)
Free Admission
TORA: A woman inherits a lakefront property in the BC interior. Dilapidated log buildings hidden in the bush and unsettling visions of a ghostly 8 year old Japanese girl hints there’s more to her inherited land than she’s been told. Jenna experiences loss, hope and forgiveness when she learns that her new property was once a WWII Japanese Intern-ment camp. Starring environmentalist David Suzuki in his first acting role. (30 mins.)www.torathemovie.com
From a Silk Cocoon – A Documentary Film: Woven through their censored letters, diary entries, and haiku poetry, is the true story of a young Japanese American couple whose shattered dreams and forsaken loyalties lead them to renounce their American citizenship while held in separate prison camps during WWII. They struggle to prove their innocence and fight deportation during a time of wartime hysteria and racial profiling (57 mins.) www.fromasilkcocoon.com Presented by: Ottawa Japanese Community Association.
Slide Show/Photo Display: "Focus on China 2010"
May 12 (Thursday), 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Ottawa Public Library Main Branch, Auditorium
Free Admission, Light Refreshments
Focus on China 2010 tour members display their fascinating images captured during their recent trip to China. These expert photographers from Ottawa’s RA Photo Club, visited World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, 10 world heritage sites and 10 cities and towns including: Beijing, Shanghai, Macau and Hong Kong. Come and be transfixed by beautiful scenery, wonderful treasures of art, and evocative images of daily urban and rural life of the Chinese people, including ethnic minorities in Yunnan. Presented by: Focus on China 2010 tour members. Information: 613-276-6203 or marykolee@gmail.com
Urban, Regional & Rural Planning in China
May 12 (Thursday), 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Library and Archives Canada, Room A (395 Wellington St.)
Free for CCFS-O members, $5 for non-members
Dr. Derek Ireland will speak about his recent work in China in urban, regional and rural planning. Refreshments will follow the presentation and Q’s & A’s. Presented by the Canada-China Friendship Society of Ottawa. Information: www.fccfa.ca/Ottawa
Jazz with the Peter Hum Quartet
May 14 (Saturday), 7:30 – 10:30 pm
Café Paradiso (199 Bank St.)
$10 Cover
Join Ottawa jazz pianist Peter Hum as his quartet performs original music from his debut CD A Boy's Journey. Inspired by his late father’s journey from Ottawa (his place of birth), to China (his ancestral home) and return ten years later. Katie Malloch, host of CBC's Tonic jazz program, says, "A Boy's Journey is a voyage for the listener, too.” Reservations recommended: 613-565-0657 Presented by: Café Paradiso
3rd Annual Ottawa Asian Hockey Classic
May 13 - 15
Carleton University Ice House
Free for Spectators
Friday (6:00 pm – 11:00 pm); Saturday (7:30 am – 11:00 pm); Sunday (8 am- 4 pm). Tournament open to players of Asian descent and involves 14 teams (4 women's, 8 men's and 2 children's). The tournament includes a friendly and fun skills competition, with the fastest shot being measured by the Ottawa Police Service and their radar gun. Registration deadline is April 20. Organized by Naomi Katsumi, Tournament Convener. Information & Registration: info@asianhockey.ca or www.asianhockey.ca.
Youth Achievement Awards Night
May 15 (Sunday), 5:30 pm - midnight
Tudor Hall (3750 North Bowesville Rd.)
$50 for tickets to dinner and dance
The second annual awards gala dinner and dance honours Filipino-Canadian youth who have inspired others through their personal qualities, achievements and leadership. The awards are given for excellence in academics, arts and culture, sports, community service, and for professional and business achievements. Presented by: Filipino-Canadian Leaders for Leaders Foundation. For tickets and information contact: Nena Nera at 613-224-5105 or nmnera@gmail.com
Taiwan Movie Night: Blue Brave: The Legend of Formosa in 1895
May 17 (Tuesday), 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Library and Archives Canada, Auditorium (395 Wellington St.)
Free Admission
Blue Brave is a story of discerning bravery and heroism against all odds set in Taiwan soon after it was ceded to Japan following the Sino-Japanese War in 1894. As Japanese forces arrive to take the island, Wu Tangxing heads an army to halt the Japanese incursion. Presented by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada. Information: 613-231-5080 ext. 237 or press-secretary@rogers.com
Captives: Mellissa Fung and James Loney
May 17 (Tuesday), 7:00 pm
Southminster United Church (15 Aylmer Ave. at Bank)
Tickets $15/$10 (Students/Seniors)
Join us for two unforgettable stories of captivity and what comes next. In October 2008, Mellissa Fung, a reporter for CBC's The National, was leaving a refugee camp outside of Kabul, Afghanistan, when she was kidnapped by armed men. Peace activist, writer and member of Christian Peacemaker Teams, James Loney was kidnapped at gun- point by Iraqi insurgents in 2005. Presented by the Ottawa International Writers Festival. www.writersfestival.org
"Bamboo Groove" - Jazz Night at the Shanghai
May 18 (Wednesday), 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Shanghai Restaurant (651 Somerset St.)
$10
Come and enjoy the smooth sounds of Ottawa’s first Asian Canadian all-star jazz band performing some of the greatest jazz standards. This exciting new ensemble features vocalist Peter Liu (formerly based in New York) and well known jazz artists Peter Hum (piano), Adrian Cho (bass), and Tim Shia (drums). Call 613-233-4001 for reservations. Presented by: Shanghai Restaurant
Colors and Sounds of India
May 19 (Thursday), 7:30 pm
Ottawa Public Library Main Branch, Auditorium
Free Admission
Come and enjoy popular folk dances (Bhangra & Gidha) from the Punjab state of India and dances from other states of India. Each group performs with music and singing for 15-20 minutes, wearing colourful costumes. The evening also includes two folk dances from Rajsthan, a Punjabi folk song and a dance performance by young girls. Presented by: Sikh Community Services Ottawa and Punjabi Heritage Foundation of Canada. Information: surinder_rayat@hotmail.com or 613-228-6922
Indonesian Night
May 20 (Friday), 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Library and Archives Canada, Auditorium (395 Wellington St.)
$5 Admission*
An evening celebrating Indonesian culture and showcasing its diversity with performances by talented dancers and singers. The development of Indonesia in the face of natural disasters is also shown through films and photos. Presented by: the Indonesian Canadian Congress.
*All proceeds will go to help the victims of volcanoes and tsunamis in Indonesia.
Vietnamese Cultural Day and Photo-graphic Exhibition: "Marion & Us"
May 22 (Sunday), 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ottawa City Hall (Jean Piggott Hall)
Free Admission
This cultural celebration will feature folk art performances, a Vietnamese martial arts demonstration, a food fair and an intergenerational exhibition of artistic pictures. Also featured is a photographic exhibition depicting the key role played by Ottawa’s late Mayor Marion Dewar in Project 4000 to rescue Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian refugees in 1979. Presented by: Vietnamese Canadian Centre and Ottawa Vietnamese Canadian Cultural Organization. Information vcfottawa@gmail.com or 613-230-8282
Book Reading by Kim Thuy and Film Screening: Mao’s Last Dancer
May 24, 7:00 pm
Library and Archives Canada, Auditorium (395 Wellington St.)
Free Admission
Vietnamese-Canadian author, Kim Thuy, win- ner of the 2010 Governor General Literary Prize, reads excerpts from her award-winning book Ru. Reading is followed by the movie, Mao’s Last Dancer, directed by Academy Award nominee Bruce Beresford. The film re- lates the true story of dancer Li Cunxin and his extraordinary journey from poverty to interna- tional stardom. Both works depict the struggle of a difficult life in Asia, the quest for freedom and successful integration into North American life. (movie 1hr 57mins.)
http://www.maoslastdancermovie.com/
Presented by: the Vietnamese Canadian Fed- eration of Canada in collaboration with the Vietnamese Canadian Centre. Information: culture.vcf@gmail.com
Film Screening: Beyaz Melek (The White Angel)(2007)
May 25 (Wednesday), 7:00 pm
Ottawa Public Library Main Branch, Auditorium
Free Admission, Light Refreshments
A film about the universal, ever-lasting drama of “old age” and family, as well as the brotherhood of the Turkish and the Kurdish people living in Istanbul. (Turkish with English subtitles 115 mins.) Presented by: Canadian Turkish Heritage Foundation.
Indonesian Film: Naga Bonar
May 26 (Thursday), 6:30 pm
Ottawa Public Library Main Branch, Auditorium
Free Admission
In this comedy, popular Indonesian actor Deddy Mizwar plays Naga Bonar, a pickpocket who declares himself a general in the Freedom Forces during the chaos of the Japanese occupying forces' withdrawal in 1945. At first this is just a ruse enabling him to live a more glamorous life, but this impersonation brings out his better side, and this phony general becomes a true soldier. (In Indonesian with English subtitles – 100 mins.) Presented by the Indonesian Canadian Congress. Information: 613-863-4482 or 613-737-3288
Film: "Journeys into Islamic China"
May 28 (Saturday), 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Ottawa Public Library Main Branch, Auditorium
Free Admission
In addition to trading goods, religious beliefs also followed the ancient Silk Road into China. Today, more than 20 million Chinese Muslims of various ethnic groups live harmoniously among an overall population of more than a billion. This film traces the history of Islam in China while illustrating the Muslim way of life there, including prayer, religious education, and cultural activities. (52 mins.) Information: imanibrahim@rogers.com. Presented by: Iman Ibrihim and friends.
Open House: Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre (OCCSC)
May 28 (Saturday), 1:00 – 5:00 pm
(381 Kent St.)
Free Admission
Learn about the services and programs of the OCCSC and meet their dedicated staff. Attend parenting and employment workshops. Participate in cultural activities. Light refreshment and child care will be provided. Information: Ling Wang, 613-235-4875 ext 136, ling.wang@occsc.org or www.occsc.org Presented by: Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre
4th Annual Asian Heritage Family Celebration
May 29 (Sunday), 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Ottawa Public Library Main Branch, Auditorium
Free Admission
Come and enjoy music, dancing, singing, arts and crafts, henna and much more! Performances and activities reflect the diversity and beauty of Asia. Presented by: Library Settlement Partnership, OPL, OCCSC, and OCISO. For Information (or to volunteer or perform): karen.molina@Ottawa.ca, 613-818-7082 or flora.wu@Ottawa.ca, 613-899-3108
Forum: Mixed Race & Intercultural Marriage
May 29 (Sunday), 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Library and Archives Canada, Room A (395 Wellington St.)
Free Admission
In multicultural Canada, there are people of Asian heritage who cross racial, cultural and even religious lines in marriage and family life, so are not part of the traditional one-culture, one-race and one-faith families. This crossover marriage/social phenomenon involves unique challenges and new definitions of what it means to be “Canadian”. The presenter, Roman Mukerjee, has helped establish Ottawa’s first Canadian Mixed Race Marriage Social Forum that meets regularly to share their respective diversities. Participants are invited to discuss the challenges and implications of mixed race and intercultural marriages. Presented By: the Canadian Mixed Race Marriage Social Forum
Vietnamese Community Parade
May 29 (Sunday), 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Everyone is Welcome
Parade starts at Gladstone Ave. & Rochester St., proceeds along Gladstone Ave. to Bronson Ave. to Somerset St. and ends with a reception at the future site of the Vietnamese Boat People Museum (Somerset St. W & Preston St.). Presented by: the Vietnamese Canadian Federation of Canada and the Vietnamese Canadian Centre. Information: 613-230-8282 or vcfottawa@gmail.com
Author Presentation: "Canadian Valour at the Battle of Hong Kong"
May 29 (Sunday), 7:30 pm
Library and Archives Canada, Room A (395 Wellington St.)
Free for HKVCA & CCFS-O members, $5 for non members
Noted historian, Nathan M. Greenfield, Ph.D., speaks about the bravery of Canadian soldiers in the Battle of Hong Kong (December 1941) and their fight for survival in Japanese Prisoner of War camps. He also brings to light the story of Victorian-born, Lt. Cdr. William Lore of the Royal Canadian Navy, then the only naval officer of Chinese descent in the Commonwealth and the first allied officer to enter the POW camps to free our soldiers on August 31, 1945. The speaker refers to his recent best-selling novel, The Damned: The Canadians at the Battle of Hong Kong and the POW Experience 1941-45. Presented by: Dr. Greenfield and the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association.
"BLUE BLOOD": A READING & CONVERSATION
May 30 (Monday), 6:00 — 7:30 pm
Ottawa Public Library Main Branch, Auditorium
Free Admission
Join Dr. Stephen Inglis in conversation with Uttara Chauhan, author of “Blue Blood”, a collection of short stories on erstwhile royalty in modern India. Ms. Chauhan grew up in Saskatchewan, has lived and worked in India and has written novels and short stories. Dr. Inglis is an anthropologist and art historian who specializes in the artistic traditions of India. Presented by: the Ottawa Public Library. For information contact: Michael.Murphy@biblioottawalibrary.ca
MONTH LONG ACTIVITIES
A Photo Journey Through 100 Years of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
May 1 – 31, 9:00 am – 11:00 pm daily
University of Ottawa Library, 2nd floor (65 University Private)
This photographic exhibition explores Taiwan’s development over the past century. Visitors to the exhibit will come away with a greater understanding of what went into making the Republic of China (Taiwan) what it is today, and why the nation’s centennial is such a joyous occasion. Presented by: Taipei Economic & Cultural Office. Information: 613-231-4203 or tecoinfo@taiwan-canada.org
Chinatown Remixed: A Celebration of Art
May 15 – June 15
Somerset St. West
This annual exhibition by local emerging and established artists is once again on display in non-traditional spaces such as restaurants, coffee shops and hair salons. Celebration takes place on May 15 from 2 to 5 pm, with street festivities along with a mass showing involving many of the artists. Come see the magnificent new Chinatown Gate and enjoy the food, art and ambience on Somerset Street West. Presented by: Chinatown Remixed Collective. Information: www.ottawachinatown.ca
Chapters Rideau
May 1 – 31 Daily
47 Rideau St.
Asian Canadian Literature
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: www.chapters.indigo.ca/Store-Events/events_main-art.html
Cooking Demonstrations at Real Canadian Superstore
190 Richmond Rd. (Westboro)
Upstairs Cooking School
Registration required for all events. Information & Registration: Patricia Wilson, 613-722-5890, ext. 121 or pwilson@ngco.com
Join Asian Chef Thuy Nguyen at her classes dedicated to the culinary delights of Asia.
Exotic Escape: “What's for Dinner”
May 4 (China), May 11 (Vietnam), May 18 (Japan), May 25 (Thailand)
Noon – 1:00 pm ($10+HST and receive a $10 rebate in the form of a PC Gift Card)
Good Morning Vietnam
May 7: 2:00 – 4:00 pm ($35+HST)
Chinese Take-Out Teen Class 12 - 16 yrs.
May 20: 6:30 – 8:30 pm. ($18+HST)
Sushi Party
May 23: 6:30 – 8:30 pm ($40+HST)
Go for Chinese
May 30: 6:30 – 8:30pm($40+HST)
Brush Painting and Watercolour Exhibition by Rowena Tolson
May 1 – 31 Daily
Ottawa Public Library Main Branch, 2nd Floor
Subjects of paintings include birds, flowers, scenery and wildlife. Rowena’s works capture the beauty of nature in the Ottawa area as well as classical oriental scenes of mountains and villages.
Art Demonstration and Meet the Artist
May 1, 2:00 pm
Ottawa Public Library Main Branch, Auditorium
Free Admission, Light refreshments
Meet artist, Rowena Tolson, as she demonstrates the art of Chinese brush paint- ing, and enjoy some light refreshments.
Chinese Community of Outaouais
For more information, www.gatineau.ca
