Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with Markham Public Library
By David Yin
The Markham Public Library is hosting nine events across six branches to honour Asian Heritage Month throughout May.
Several people and organizations are taking part in various festivities, such as Elections Canada, Carol C Dance Studio, Ariba Memon, Sheniz Janmohamed, and the Federation of Tamil Canadians, among others.
The Asian Heritage Art Exhibit–opened on May 5 at the Aaniin Branch–features artworks from several local artists. The artists themselves come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, such as Pakistan, South Korea, and several others, according to Community Engagement Director Diane Macklin. The display will remain open until May 30.
Painter and writer Ariba Memon will lead a live painting performance on May 10 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Aaniin Branch. She will reflect on her Pakistani heritage as she paints throughout the event. Visitors are welcome to ask questions about her work.
Also on May 10, Carol C Dance Studio will host a Chinese dance performance and lesson for all ages from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Milliken Mills Branch. The school has performed for the Markham Public Library on several occasions, according to Macklin.
The Federation of Tamil Canadians and the Boxgrove Seniors’ Community Wellness Club will join together to host a plain tea and murukku session on May 18 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aaniin Branch. Intended for older adults, the event will feature cards, Ludo, carom, and other activities.
Melissa Chan from Elections Canada will teach visitors about the civic history of Chinese Canadians at the Markham Village Branch on May 20 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Eunice C. Der–Education Museum Associate for WongAvery Asia Pacific Peace Museum–will also lecture about Operation Oblivion, an espionage team of 13 Chinese Canadians who infiltrated several Japanese-held territories and collaborated with resistance groups during WWII. The event takes place at the Angus Glen Branch on May 24 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Poet and educator Janmohamed will host a nature walk on May 25 at the Unionville Branch from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees will participate in a mandala-making workshop as part of the excursion.
Chan will return to the Cornell Branch to teach visitors about the voting history of Japanese Canadians. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 26.
Finally, on May 26, the Federation of Tamil Canadians will return to the Aaniin Branch alongside Middlefield Tamil Seniors to conduct a Tamil reading session for children aged four to ten. The session will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
According to Macklin, the Markham Public Library is an ideal place to explore Asian Heritage Month.
“You do not have to be Chinese to go to our Chinese dance performance on Saturday [for example],” said Macklin. “We encourage everyone to attend, to enjoy, and to understand, learn, and celebrate together.”
Click here to learn more about the library’s Asian Heritage Month activities.