Celebrate Asian Heritage Month: A message from the Defence Champion for Visible Minorities

April 29, 2022 -  Defence Stories

Caption

Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group

For the Defence Team, Asian Heritage Month is an important opportunity to recognize the contributions that people of Asian descent have made to the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). It is also a time to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by Asian communities across Canada.

Since the late 1700s, people of Asian descent and their communities have made important contributions to Canada’s history and identity — from the arts and science to sport, business, government and the military. These short biographies highlight some of these prominent Canadian individuals, including public servants and military Veterans. They include certain historical and cultural milestones that have helped to define communities of Asian descent in Canada.

Unfortunately, anti-Asian racism is a lived reality for many communities in Canada, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated and fuelled stigma, discrimination and violence. I urge Defence Team members to come together to address all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination – including conscious and unconscious behaviours which lead to ongoing social, economic, political and cultural marginalization, disadvantage, and unequal treatment. Racism runs counter to our Defence Team values and the CAF ethic, “Respect the dignity of all persons,” and it will not be tolerated.

Canadians of Asian descent have served on military operations, both at home and abroad. For example, Canadians of Asian descent volunteered to serve in both the First and Second World Wars, even though many of their groups and communities were disenfranchised, were barred from enlisting into certain military and civilian occupations, and faced racial segregation and exclusionary policies at home. Despite many being exempt from the National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA) of 1940, Canadians of Asian descent went on to play an active role in the Second World War, making unique contributions to the war effort.  

I encourage you to review these educational resources dedicated to promoting and commemorating Asian heritage in Canada, as well as these noteworthy films, including the 1999 film Unwanted Soldier. I also recommend the 2003 book, Fighting for Canada: Chinese and Japanese Canadians in Military Service.

Today, as we conduct operations at home and abroad, people of Asian descent continue to bring diverse perspectives, cultures and languages to DND and the CAF, making us that much stronger and more resilient as a Defence Team. As the Defence Champion for Visible Minorities, I sincerely thank them for their continued service and contributions to Canada.

As we commemorate Asian Heritage Month, let us be resolute in our stand against all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination. And let us celebrate the diversity among our ranks, within our communities and workplaces ­– this month and always.