Dear colleagues,
As Asian Heritage Month draws to a close, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to recognize the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent and to explore the rich diversity of Asian heritage in our country. Many of these cultures are part of our campus community, bringing together unique perspectives and lived experiences that elevate the way we teach, learn and research.
Our final event, the UBC Okanagan Artist Showcase, will take place tomorrow on May 26, at 12 p.m. I encourage you to attend and see the extraordinary artistic talent and artwork of our students and faculty inspired by Asian culture.
We recognize that this month has come during a time of great difficulty in Asian communities around the world, and there is much work still to be done to combat and address anti-Asian racism and systemic racism. This work starts by amplifying Asian and Indigenous, Black and People of Colour (IBPOC) voices among us. Through events such as Asian Heritage Month and continued action on the newly launched Inclusion Action Plan, we move forward in our anti-racism commitments and UBC’s mission for a just and equitable society.
Learn more about UBC’s anti-racism commitments:
- Addressing Systemic Racism (UBC Okanagan)
- Antiracism.ubc.ca
- Building Inclusive UBC: An Inclusion Action Plan
- Task Force on Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence
Looking ahead, UBC is hosting a National Forum on Anti-Asian Racism, a two-day virtual event on June 10 and 11 to address the ongoing crisis of escalating anti-Asian racism in Canada. Find more information or sign up for updates on the forum online.
Thank you to the many students, faculty and staff who worked in collaboration with community partners to plan this series of events in recognition of Asian Heritage Month. There is much more to learn, and I look forward to continuing this journey to celebrate the incredible diversity found on our campus with each of you.
Sincerely,
Lesley Cormack
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal
UBC Okanagan
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