In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month. At a reception to launch Asian Heritage Month, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism and the Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State for Multiculturalism, announced that the Government of Canada is providing Inter-Action funding of almost $200,000 for the 100 Year Journey Project - a book chronicling the narratives of 100 South Asian pioneers to Canada.
“The South Asian community has played an important role in the building of our country, which is why it is important to preserve and share their stories,” says Kenney.
The book tells the stories of some of the first South Asians in Canada, detailing how they provided shelter and support for new immigrants, fought tirelessly for the voting rights of all communities, and spent years away from their loved ones as they set up new lives for themselves and their families.
“Canada’s unity in our diversity is truly one of our greatest strengths as a nation, and there is no better way to encourage this than by highlighting the achievements and contributions of Canada’s many cultural communities,” says Uppal.