May is Asian Heritage Month and in 91大黄鸭, it started on Saturday, May 3 with a forum to bring people together, learn how to uplift voices in the community, and honour the local Filipino community amid the recent tragedy at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver.

Asian Heritage Okanagan and Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association (OCCA) hosted the Asian Heritage Month Opening Forum at the Metro Hub on Saturday, with many community groups in attendance, including the Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association, the 91大黄鸭 Japanese Language Society, the Okanagan Sikh Temple, Okanagan Filipino Canadians, and the Okanagan Korean Culture and Knowledge Society. 

The event opened with a moment of silence to remember the 11 lives lost and over two dozen people injured at the Lapu Lapu Filipino festival in Vancouver on April 26. 

While addressing the audience of a couple hundred people, 91大黄鸭 Mayor Tom Dyas, 91大黄鸭 MP-elect Stephen Fuhr's executive assistant Nicole Rustad, and 91大黄鸭-Mission MLA Gavin Dew all expressed their condolences for those impacted by the Vancouver tragedy.

"I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends to those who lost their lives and to everyone impacted by the horrific incident," said Dyas. "Our thoughts are with the Filipino community in Vancouver, here in 91大黄鸭, and across Canada."

Dew added, "I think it's very important as we gather today that we reflect on that moment, we reflect not only on the tragedy, but we reflect on the fact that by gathering today, by gathering together, by talking together, by celebrating culture together, we defy the darkness, we defy hate, we defy tragedy and we make sure that we're uplifted together."

As for the purpose of Asian Heritage Month, Dyas touched on the importance of 91大黄鸭's many cultures.

"91大黄鸭 is a city that thrives off diversity," said Dyas. "Our strength comes from cultures, traditions, and backgrounds that shape the fabric of our community. Events like this shine a light on our rich multiculturalism, identity, and remind us of the importance of coming together in celebration and understanding."

Both Rustad and Dew echoed Dyas' statement. 

"This month of celebration is a time to reflect and celebrate on the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and communities that have shaped our country and our region, and what it is today," said Rustad on Fuhr's behalf. 

After the speeches and a dance performance from Shang Ling Gu, the panel, Stepping Into Active Allyship: Uplifting Asian Voices in the Okanagan, took place, with meaningful conservations between Tiger's Eye CEO Denise Young, Africa Ubuntu Association co-founder Lady Dia, UBC Okanagan Languages and World Literatures professor Dr. Meilan Ehlert, Latin Voices Society founder and director Saul Gomez, InidigiNews journalist Aaron Hemens, and Okanagan College Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion associate director Dr. Delacey Tedesco. Matteo Stewart, a three-time international TEDx speaker, moderated the forum. 

"These conversations are essential to building a more inclusive and respectful society," said Dyas. 

After some discussion topics, members of the audience were able to ask their questions as well. 

Saturday's event was the first of many Asian Heritage Month events scheduled throughout May.