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Embracing Diversity: Celebrating Asian Heritage Month
English text Asian Heritage Month and #AHM2024, and French text Mois du patrimoine asiatique and  #MPA2024 on background of an array of vibrant colours, designs and textures that reflect the vast and diverse cultures of Asia.

Asian Heritage Month in Canada, observed in May, celebrates the significant contributions of Asian communities to Canadian society. The first Asians to arrive in Canada were of Chinese, Japanese, and Indian Sikh descent.

As of 2021, Bruce County was home to 2,420 residents of Asian heritage, while Grey County had 2,950 individuals of Asian origin, representing 37 Asian countries. The Asian population in both counties experienced significant growth from 2016 to 2021, with a growth rate of 65.23%, far surpassing the overall population growth rate of 7.61%.(Census 2021Census 2016 )

The fastest-growing Asian populations in Bruce County from 2016 to 2021 were Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Lebanese, and Punjabi, while in Grey County, they were Indian, Japanese, Sri Lankan, Filipino, and Pakistani.

This year's Asian Heritage Month theme is "Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Amplifying Asian Canadian Legacy." The expanding Asian population in Grey Bruce is contributing to the region's diversity and inclusion. Organizations such as the Grey Bruce Chinese Heritage and Culture Association, Grey Bruce South Asian Association and Swajan Samanvay Sanatan Centre host public events to celebrate and promote cultural appreciation. Additionally, individuals of Asian heritage visit schools to share their cultures with students, further fostering understanding and inclusivity.