Growing up, I was connected to the Chinese community through my schools. But when I first started looking for ways to connect outside of school, I was unsure of where to begin. I wanted something that could really help me feel meaningfully rooted in my Chinese culture.
Then I found the Chinese Benevolent Association Youth Council. The council fosters cultural pride while offering youth leadership opportunities to address critical social issues. One of my favourite events was our open mic held at Boa & Hare. The open mic offered artists of all backgrounds a platform to share their work and gave community members an opportunity to support a local business. I really enjoyed the event because it introduced people to Chinatown and reframed it as a welcoming space.
This transformation was especially meaningful to me as I grew up in Chinatown, spending nearly every weekend there, and saw firsthand the neglect and gentrification of my second home. With the council’s events, I see a newfound opportunity to revitalize Chinatown and foster a more inclusive and vibrant community. If you're interested in getting involved with the council – whether you're eager to give back, learn new skills or connect with others who care about the community – we’re always looking for passionate youth to join the council or volunteer at one of our events. You can find more information at our Instagram @cbayouthcouncil! Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
Besides council work, I always look forward to the events held by the Edmonton Chinese Bilingual Education Association (ECBEA). These events are also open to the public and frequently feature cultural performances ranging from music to dancing and martial arts. Moreover, they have activities such as crafts and cultural games like Chinese fortune sticks. As these events are often hosted for mid-autumn and Lunar New Year, they offer not just a celebration, but a chance to learn about these holidays’ cultural significance in a hands-on way. If you’re interested in learning more about the ECBEA, feel free to visit their website!
I was an active member of the lion dance team at my high school. But while these Chinese cultural experiences are ripe within Chinese bilingual schools, it can feel harder to find the same spaces in university.
It’s not impossible though! Chinese Dance Group is a lovely reminder of this perseverance. I also heard a beautiful story from the Taekwondo student group at the U of A. This student group was founded by Grandmaster D.K. Chun, who “[brought] Taekwondo to western Canada.” However, as the club progressed, it’s now entirely student-run.
So it’s certainly possible to find those spaces. I discovered a part of my culture while volunteering at KGK’s Lunar New Year Festival. Volunteering with the festival, what really struck me was the opportunity to directly work with others who find the charm in their Asian heritage. It feels like a family away from home in a society where Asian culture is not necessarily the predominant focus. Festivals like these bring a large swath of the Asian community together.
The world is wide. Take a chance and you'll find lots of ways to celebrate Asian heritage year-round!
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