Asian Heritage Month recognizes the ongoing contributions of Asian communities that help shape and enrich our university and our country. It is a time to celebrate and reflect on the diversity of Asian cultures, histories and perspectives that continue to strengthen our institution.
At the University of Alberta, this plurality is integral to our campuses, informing our teaching, contributing to our research, and strengthening our community engagement.
Academic and Historical Roots
The Department of East Asian Studies brings together faculty from across disciplines to explore the histories, languages and cultures of East Asia, equipping students with the language skills and cultural understanding to engage in fields ranging from public services to business and the arts.
This is an opportune time to discover the legacy and teachings of Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi (1918–2012), a renowned Japanese-American sociologist and civil rights activist who later relocated to Canada and became a professor at the University of Alberta. The documentary Principles of Resistance is a campus-community collaboration rooted in the legacy of his work toward human rights and civil society. The University of Alberta established the Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi Graduate Scholarship in Sociology to recognize his life, work, and global influence on anti-racism efforts.
Culture and Connection
Through the University of Alberta Museums, online exhibitions such as Lion, Lantern, Lotus and Peonies in Bloom highlight stories, artistic expression and lived experiences from Asian communities in thoughtful and accessible ways. We are also building the Kenneth and Sandra Wong Gallery to give space to the world-class Mactaggart Collection and to create new opportunities for learning and connection.
At the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, visitors can experience landscapes shaped by enduring traditions. The Aga Khan Garden draws on design principles rooted in Islamic traditions, while the Kurimoto Japanese Garden honours Dr. Yuichi Kurimoto, one of the university’s earliest graduates of Japanese heritage.
I encourage you to explore and engage with the Asian Heritage Month website to learn, reflect, and connect with the diverse voices within our university. These perspectives deepen our understanding of the cultures that enrich our campus and reaffirm the shared values that bring us together.
Bill Flanagan
President and vice-chancellor
University of Alberta