Asian Heritage Month Festival 2015 presented by the Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.

1. Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibitions
at Metro Hall Rotunda

FEATURED EXHIBITION: 
An Eclectic Display of Photographic Images by Dr Neville Poy 
Photographs by Mr. Stephen Siu, President of Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto 
Photographs by Award-Winning Photographer Mr. Tam Kam Chiu

FREE ADMISSION
Date: Sunday May 17, 2015 to Friday May 22, 2015
Venue: Metro Hall Rotunda

Please click here for details and the Event Poster

Opening Ceremony

Media Reports

lovingsister.com on Photo Exhibition

lovingsister.com on Art Exhibition

Description:
The Featured Exhibitions are -
An Eclectic Display of Photographic Images by Dr Neville Poy
Photographs by Mr. Stephen Siu, President of Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto
Photographs by Award-Winning Photographer Mr. Tam Kam Chiu

Handout for Taoist Qigong Practice PDF

This event will explore the fusion of two types of visual art: painting as an imaginative reproduction of reality, and photography as a realistic representation of life. In juxtaposing these two visual art forms, the innovative ways Asian artists manipulate the multicultural setting of Canada can be seen, such as applying oil painting techniques on Chinese themes, or using Chinese brush painting to show Canadian themes. How photography aspires to be a verisimilitude of life and an imaginative interpretation informed by Asian philosophy will also be shown. Dr. Lien Chao will work with the Artists Association, and the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto will feature their members' works. During the festival weekend, the artists and photographers will be present to talk about Asian art media and demonstrate their techniques; these educational activities aim at helping the public to develop necessary knowledge and critical skills to appreciate Asian art.

Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists' Group; ORBIS; Social Services Network
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, Citizenahip and Immigration Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

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2. Asian Heritage Month Festival 2015 Presented by Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.
China Homeland Festival at Toronto Public Library

FREE ADMISSION
Date: May 9, 2015 with art exhibitions from May 17 -- June 14
Time: 1-2 pm: Taichi; 2:00-3:30 pm: Chinese brush painting workshop.
Venue: Riverdale Library, 370 Broadview Avenue, Toronto
Map: http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?R=LIB080
Event website:

Please click here for details and the Event Poster

Mind and Body Harmony: Tai Chi
Did you know that Tai Chi is the most popular and rapidly spreading form of exercise in the world? It helps millions of people of all ages to live a healthier and more active life. Tai Chi accumulates energy and leaves you refreshed and relaxed. The slow speed of graceful body movements, with an emphasis on deep breathing and mental focus, relieves stress and creates balance, flexibility and mental calmness.
Join us this May in the green outdoor space of the Don Valley at Broadview to explore the ancient Chinese wisdom of Taoism and to practice Tai Chi Quan with a master.
Limit: 20

Join us this May in the green outdoor space of the Don Valley at Broadview to explore the ancient Chinese wisdom of Taoism and to practice Tai Chi Quan with a master.

Hands-on Chinese Calligraphy and Painting
Artists: Kam Ping Hui and Lien Chao
This special art workshop introduces traditional Chinese art mediums and calligraphy to library patrons with or without previous experience.
Participants will get their hands on: learning how to hold a Chinese brush properly, how to put down a dot, a straight line, a circle, or a figurative image on Xuan Paper (rice paper).
Kam is a professional artist; Lien is an art critic and writer; both have been teachers.
(limit 15)

Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists' Group; ORBIS; Social Services Network
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, Citizenahip and Immigration Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

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3. Asian Heritage Month Gala Performance
of Asian Canadian Artists:

"SILK ROADS II - MONGOLIA: PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES, MUSIC AND DANCE FROM MONGOLIA ALONG THE SILK ROAD"

FREE ADMISSION

Please register by e-mail: asianheritagecanadian@yahoo.ca

Dr. Neville Poy and The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy on "PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES OF MAGNIFICENT MONGOLIA"

Keynote Address and Performance:
Professor Chan Ka Nin, composer of IRON ROAD, on "A Rare Instrument from China: KongHou 箜篌"
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2015
Time: 7pm PLEASE BE SEATED BY 6:45 PM
Venue: Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto
Map at http://www.utoronto.ca/townhall/contact.html
RECEPTION FOLLOWS

Please click here for details and the Event Poster

Media Reports
OMNI News

Fordham

lovingsister.com

Description: Focusing on the theme "SILK ROADS II - MONGOLIA", the evening will begin with the featured address "Photographic Images of Magnificent Mongolia" by Dr. Neville Poy and The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy. Then the performance section will commence with Professor Chan Ka Nin's keynote talk and performance on "A Rare Instrument from China: KongHou 箜篌 ." This includes an introduction of this instrument and a performance by Liu Xuanyi. Yvonne Ng, Dora Award winning choreographer and dancer, and her tiger princess dance projects will present the contemporary dance "Magnetic Fields." There will be presentations of exotic music along the Silk Road, such as that by award-winning flutist and composer Ron Korb (龍笛), Middle Eastern Music by Yiannis on three different Instruments: Bouzouki, Oud and Saz, and Mongolian Dances for the Grand Feast Event by Chi‐Ping Dance Group & dancers of Chinese Collective Arts Association.

Reception follows.

Programme

Opening Address: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month‐‐ CFACI

"PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES OF MAGNIFICENT MONGOLIA" by Dr. Neville Poy and The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy

Performances: An Exotic Journey Along The Silk Road
Keynote and Performance:
"A RARE INSTRUMENT FROM CHINA: KONGHOU 箜篌"
by Professor Chan Ka Nin
KONGHOU PERFORMANCE by Liu Xuanyi
Kimberly Chin, choreographer & dancer, Natasha Poon Woo; dancer
Zhu Jialiang, piano

MUSIC ON FLUTES
By Ron Korb (龍笛)
Zhu Jialiang, piano

"MAGNETIC FIELDS" (AN EXCERPT) – CONTEMPORARY DANCE
by Yvonne Ng and tiger princess dance projects

MIDDLE EASTERN MUSIC ON 3 DIFFERENT INSTRUMENTS: BOUZOUKI, OUD AND SAZ
by Yiannis Kapoulas
with keyboardist, percussionist and vocalist

TRADITIONAL DANCE: MONGOLIAN GRAND FEAST
by Chi‐Ping Dance Group & dancers of Chinese Collective Arts Association

LAUNCH | REVAMPED VIRTUAL MUSEUM OF ASIAN CANADIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE (VMACCH)

RECEPTION FOLLOWS

Co-organizers:
Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc., ORBIS, Bata Shoe Museum; Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University; Canadian Studies Program, University College, University of Toronto; Asian Institute, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, Social Services Network, Acqua Technologies Inc.
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, Citizenahip and Immigration Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

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4. The Thirteenth Annual Asian Heritage Month Lecture and the Eleventh Annual Asian Heritage Month Education Roundtable

"THE HEART OF ASIA, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW: A CELEBRATION OF ASIAN WISDOM TRADITIONS IN CANADA"

FREE ADMISSION

Please register by e-mail: asianheritagecanadian@yahoo.ca

Opening Event: Pathways to Wellbeing in Our Times: The Contributions of Asian Wisdom Traditions
Date: Friday, May 22, 2015
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with Reception
Venue: Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre, York University, 4700 Keele Street
Map: Building 92 on the Map at http://maps.info.yorku.ca/files/2013/02/Colour-Map- pdf.pdf (Downsview Subway Station to the 196 Express: York University)

Please click here for details and the Event Poster

Media Report
OMNI News

Description:

Presentations
Moderator: Prof. Thabit Abdullah, Associate Dean, External Affairs, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University
-Welcome by Dean Martin Singer, Founding Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University
-Welcome by Justin Poy, Patron, Asian Heritage Month-Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture
-Asian Heritage Month Lecture by Ashley Poy on "Universal Spirituality: How do I Feel, in Heart, Body & Mind, Right Here, Right Now?" Abstract PDF
- Professor Renita Wong, Social Work, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University
"The Interbeing of Wellness Among Students in Higher Education"

Introductory Talks
- Bhante Kovida (Buddhist monk from Theravada (Sri Lanka) tradition, Jamaican Canadian of Chinese descent) on "Buddhism and Mindfulness" Abstract PDF, Handout PDF
- Melanie Viglas (University of Toronto and Sheridan College) on "Mindfulness in Education" Abstract PDF, Handout PDF

Workshops
Workshops on sitting meditation and dynamic mindfulness (simultaneously) conducted by Melanie Viglas and Bhante Kovida.

Red Sofa Discussions
Moderator: Prof. Thabit Abdullah, Associate Dean, External Affairs, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University
-Opening words by Professor Nelson Wiseman, Director, Canadian Studies Program, University of Toronto
-Opening words by TDSB & TCDSB representatives
Leila Girdhar‐Hill (System Superintendent, Toronto District School Board)
Craig Tsuji (Principal, Toronto District School Board)
Kirk Mark (Senior Coordinator of Community Relations, Toronto Catholic District School Board) Jody Huang (Community Relations Officer, Toronto Catholic District School Board)
Representatives from public school boards and private schools
With All Speakers also sitting on the panel

Q/A period with entire audience, followed by an open discussion guided by the following points:
- What Asian wisdom practices can teach us about managing stress and pressure in daily life.
- Insight into the potential negative impact posed by our high-tech age of instant gratification on our mental health and wellbeing.
- Transforming negative emotions that arise in our daily lives into opportunities towards greater understanding, wellness & meaning.

Reception follows

Workshops on Japanese Tea Ceremony, Taoist Tai Chi and Sufi Dikhr

Date: Sunday June 7, 2015
Time: Whole day
Venues:
Morning: Japanese Tea Ceremony at Tea Room of Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Court
Map at http://www.jccc.on.ca/en/contact/
Directions by TTC: Take the 100 Flemingdon bus from Eglinton or Broadview subway station
1 pm - 4:15 pm: Tai Chi and Sufi Dikhr at Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto
Map at https://www.agakhanmuseum.org/visit/location-parking
Directions by TTC: The 100 Flemingdon Park bus, available at Broadview and Eglinton subway stations, stops on Wynford Drive right at the Aga Khan Museum (stop: Garamond Court; travel time approx. 25–30 minutes). The 25 Don Mills bus, available at Pape subway station, stops at Don Mills Road and Wynford Drive (stop: Wynford Drive; travel time approx. 20 minutes). The Museum is a short walk along Wynford Drive (approx. 5 minutes).

Japanese Tea Ceremony at Tea Room of Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Court
Date: Sunday June 7th, 2015
Time: Morning
Presenters:
"The Historical Context of Zen and the Tea Ceremony" by Professor David Waterhouse, East Asian Studies, University of Toronto
Practice session of tea ceremony
Presenter on Japanese Tea Ceremony: Ms. Helen Kong
Date: Sunday June 7th, 2015
Time: 9am-11:30am

SECTION I: JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY AT JAPANESE CANADIAN CULTURAL CENTRE
9AM-11:30AM

MUSIC
Japanese music
PRESENTATION
"The Historical Context of Zen and the Tea Ceremony" by Professor David Waterhouse, East Asian Studies, University of Toronto

MEDITATION
Zen in motion/stillness exercises

TEA CEREMONY
Tea ceremony demonstration at Tea room
Members of the Urasenke Tankokai Toronto Association

SECTION II: TAOIST TAI CHI AND SUFI DHIKR AT AGA KHAN MUSEUM
1PM-4:15PM

Taoist Tai Chi
1 pm-2:30 pm, Friday June 12
Presentation and Practice session of Tai Chi:
Dr. Lien Chao, famous Tai Chi Artist Henry Ho and Ashley Poy
Performance:
Henry Ho's Tai Chi Chinese Calligraphy

Sufi Dhikr
2:45 pm-4:15 pm
Presentation:
"Sufism: Path of Universal Love" by Dr. Reza Tabandeh, University of Toronto
Performance: Dhikr with the Canadian Sufi Cultural Centre
Practice Session

Synopsis of the talk on "Sufism: Path of Universal Love" provided by Dr. Reza Tabandeh, University of Toronto

Description: One of the major schools within all religions is the school of mysticism who have tried to find a solution for the crisis that religious fanaticism and materialism have created for humanity in the 21st century. Mystical experiences has always been the most important phenomenon for the creation of Art, poetry and literature, which would motivate human emotions toward spirituality for the recognition of universal divinity in all creatures or in all being. Sufis are the mystics of Islam. In this talk , there will be a short introduction of Sufism and its philosophy. It will be explained how this school, which the prominent scholar of Islamic Studies, Dr. Sayyid Hossein Nasr, called "Heart of Islam", evolved to a school, with the fundamental philosophy of Universal Love.
Sufi Ceremonies:

The ultimate goal of a Sufi is to be annihilated in the Beloved (God), which means being in union with the Beloved in reality. There are number of Sufi practices and sessions, which Sufis believe that these sessions help them to reach the state of union.
Remembrance of God (Dhikr) is a fundamental practice of meditation by Sufis, which must be constant and there are number of different ways of practicing remembrance. The twomost important divisions of remembrance are Silent Dhikr (which is more base on meditation in mind and breathing) and the second type is loud Dhikr, which is more practiced in Sufi lodges.

Sema is another spiritual practiced by Sufis and in the west, it is known as whirling which is not the only practice of Sema. The literal meaning of Sema, is listening, which refers to listening to a rhyme of music, dhikr or poems.

Hindu Yoga & The Path of Indian Classical Music and Interfaith Dialogue
Date: Friday June 12
Time: 7 pm-9:30 pm
Location: Multi-Faith Centre, University of Toronto
Map at http://www.multifaith.utoronto.ca/Contact-Us-Book-Space.htm#Directions

Location: Multi-Faith Centre, University of Toronto
Date: Friday June 12
Time: 7 pm-9:30 pm

Hindu Yoga & The Path of Indian Classical Music
Presentation by Gauri Guha: "Hindu Yoga & The Path of Indian Classical Music"
Performance & Workshop Gauri Guha: "Experiencing Yoga Practice Through BREATH & SOUND" Abstract PDF

Interfaith Dialogue
Presenters: from various wisdom traditions
Sufism and Sufi Dance: Dr. Reza Tabandeh, University of Toronto
Taoism and Tai chi: Dr. Lien Chao and famous Tai Chi Artist Henry Ho
Hinduism and Hindu Yoga: Gauri Guha
Zen Buddhism and Japanese Tea Ceremony: Ashley Poy, Helen Kong, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
Mindfulness Practice & Public Education: Dr. Melanie Viglas

Presented by Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
Co-presented with
York Centre for Asian Research; York Centre for Education and Community; Canadian Studies Program, University College, University of Toronto; Department of Social Justice Education, OISE, University of Toronto; Asian Heritage Month Festival 2015; Social Services Network; Buddhist Education Foundation for Canada; Aga Khan Museum; Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre; Japan Foundation

Asian Heritage Month Festival 2015 is partially funded by the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University, Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, Citizenahip and Immigration Canada and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

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5. Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibitions at City Hall Rotunda 

Featured Exhibitions:
An Eclectic Display of Photographic Images by Dr Neville Poy
Photographs by Mr. Stephen Siu, President of Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto 
Photographs by Award-Winning Photographer Mr. Tam Kam Chiu

FREE ADMISSION
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 to Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Venue: City Hall Rotunda

Please click here for details and the Event Poster

Description:
The Featured Exhibitions are-
An Eclectic Display of Photographic Images by Dr Neville Poy
Photographs by Mr. Stephen Siu, President of Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto
Photographs by Award-Winning Photographer Mr. Tam Kam Chiu

This event will explore the fusion of two types of visual art: painting as an imaginative reproduction of reality, and photography as a realistic representation of life. In juxtaposing these two visual art forms, the innovative ways Asian artists manipulate the multicultural setting of Canada can be seen, such as applying oil painting techniques on Chinese themes, or using Chinese brush painting to show Canadian themes. How photography aspires to be a verisimilitude of life and an imaginative interpretation informed by Asian philosophy will also be shown. Dr. Lien Chao will work with the Artists Association, and the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto will feature their members' works. During the festival weekend, the artists and photographers will be present to talk about Asian art media and demonstrate their techniques; these educational activities aim at helping the public to develop necessary knowledge and critical skills to appreciate Asian art.
Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists' Group; ORBIS; Social Services Network
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, Citizenahip and Immigration Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

6. Artists Workshop at Toronto District School Board

Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists' Group; ORBIS; Social Services Network
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, Citizenahip and Immigration Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

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7. Artists Workshop at Toronto Catholic District School Board

Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month-Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists' Group; ORBIS; Social Services Network
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, Citizenahip and Immigration Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

8. Asian Heritage Month Film Festival

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2015
Time: 2pm to 8pm
Venue: Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto
Map at http://www.utoronto.ca/townhall/contact.html
FREE ADMISSION Please register at asianheritagecanadian@yahoo.ca
Programmed by ReelWorld Film Festival

Click here for Details

For free admission, register by e-mailing asianheritagecanadian@yahoo.ca

Schedule:

Location:
Innis Town Hall, Innis College, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue

3 pm Feature Documentary: "Everything Will Be" by Julia Kwan + Q and A
This feature documentary by Sundance award-winning director Julia Kwan captures the subtle nuances of a culturally diverse neighbourhood-Vancouver's once-thriving Chinatown-in the midst of a transformation that plays out across many ethnic enclaves in North America. The community's oldest and newest members offer their intimate perspectives on the shifting landscape as they reflect on change, memory and legacy. Night and day, a neon sign that reads "EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT" looms over Chinatown. Everything is going to be alright. The big question is-for whom?

4:30 pm Panel Discussion on "Insight and Inclusion"
Asian Canadian Second and Third Generation Filmmakers talk about how they brought their stories to the screen, sharing their challenges and successes.
Moderator: Bobby Del Rio
Panelists: Keith Lock, Jag Parmer, Faisal Lutchmedial, Amanda Joy

6 pm Feature Film: "Dowry" by Jag Parmer + Q and A with the Director
Synopsis: Mausam, from an underprivileged family, is finally getting married. Hers is the only anticipated wedding as her sister, Gia, is wheelchair-bound. They only need to arrange for one dowry. But Gia also falls in love and demands a dowry for her own marriage. A family feud erupts between the sisters. Gia's only teetering support is her mother. The wedding must go on and Mausam pays the price for a dowry that's simply not enough.

Presented by:
Asian Heritage Month--Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc., Social Services Network in partnership with ReelWorld Film Festival

Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; ReelWorld Film Festival; Canadian Studies, University College, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University; Social Services Network; Bata Shoe Museum
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, Citizenahip and Immigration Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

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List of Supporters of Asian Heritage Month 2015

Canadian Heritage Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program
Citizenahip and Immigration Canada Inter-Action Program
Acqua Technologies Inc.
Aga Khan Museum
Asian Institute, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto
Bata Shoe Museum
Buddhist Education Foundation for Canada
Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture
Canadian Studies Program, University College, University of Toronto
Chi Ping Dance Group
Chinese Canadian Photographic Association of Toronto
Chinese Collective Arts Association
City of Toronto
Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University
Japan Foundation
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
Justin Poy Agency
Moon Pointer Production Inc.
OISE, University of Toronto
ORBIS
Reel Asian Film Festival
ReelWorld Film Festival
Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library
Social Services Network
tiger princess Productions
Toronto Catholic District School Board
Toronto District School Board
Toronto Public Library
WE Artists Association
York Centre for Asian Research, York University
York Centre for Education and Community, York University

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