Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage in May!

In May of this year, people in the United States are celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (AAPI month), and in Canada, many are similarly celebrating Asian Heritage Month. The AAPI people are a diverse and growing population with a rich culture and heritage. During this month, we pay tribute to the generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that have enriched American and Canadian culture and history.

Celebrate with These Fun and Inspirational Videos

At RootsTech, we’re celebrating by sharing the joy of Asian and Pacific Islander culture, their food, music, and dances. And if you have heritage from this part of the world, RootsTech is full of classes that can help you discover your heritage and your family—and form deeper connections with what it means to be uniquely you.

Asian Pacific Related Videos

Indian Dance

From the traditional Indian music to the vibrant clothing, this piece can deepen your appreciation for Indian culture and dance. Connection to our roots can often be expressed through dance.

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Tastes of Thailand

Traveling to the mainland of Southeast Asia, we bring you the bold flavors of Thai food. These cultural dishes highlight the sweet and spicy, sour and salty flavors so characteristic of this beautiful country.

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Chinese Burials and Tombstones

This is an overview of Chinese burials and tombstones, including the belief system, traditional and current burial practices, columbaria, ancestral tablets, and tombstones.

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Filipino Videos

Discover our videos of inspiration, research help, tips for preservation, and much more, all especially designed for the Philippines or for people with Filipino heritage.

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Molly Yeh—Shaping Her Legacy through Food

TV host and cookbook author Molly Yeh shares her story of self-discovery and how she uses recipes to connect to her family heritage.

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How to Read Your Korean Genealogy

You don’t need to know all Hanja (Chinese) characters to read the complicated-looking jokbo! Dr. Peterson and Korean American Jiwon Moon explain how to read jokbo.

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Want to learn more about this holiday? Read on!

Why Is May Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?

Celebrations for Asian Pacific Islander heritage in the month of May began in the late 1970s in the United States, though it wasn't until 1990 that it became a month-long holiday. This month was chosen in honor of the first Japanese immigrant who came to the U.S. in May of 1843, and to honor the work of the many Chinese Americans who worked on the transcontinental railroad, completed in May of 1869.

Many Asian Canadians have also celebrated Asian Heritage Month in May since the 1990s, though it wasn't officially recognized in Canada until 2002. This was when an official declaration was signed by the government of Canada announcing the holiday.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States

Asians and Pacific Islanders have have always been a vibrant and essential part of the worldwide culture and society. According to the United States government census, as of 2020, there were around 25.6 million people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States (they make up about 7% of the total US population). Around 3% of military veterans have Asian Pacific heritage. And there are an estimated 590,000 employer firms owned by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

Asian Immigration to Canada

Almost half of Canada's immigrant population in 2016 was born in Asia, according to the Canadian census. In more recent years, that number has only increased. Three of the most commonly reported ethnic origins in Canada are Chinese, East Indian, and Filipino. Asian Canadians contribute meaningfully in many important fields of work as well. For example, at the beginning of 2021, "20% of employed Filipino Canadians worked in the health care and social assistance industry, compared with 14% of all workers."

Asian Populations Around the World

The influence of these cultures reaches beyond their contributions to the United States and Canada. People with Asian or Pacific Islander heritage (or both!) live in nearly every country of the world. From Africa to South America, their influence can be felt in the food, music, and dance of people in nearly every country. For example, did you know that Santiago Chile is one of the sushi hotspots in the world? Many also know the influence that Bollywood dancers have had on the worldwide culture. Truly, the influence of Asians and Pacific Islanders is felt the world over.

So, What Countries Are Part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month?

Asian is a term that generally includes people from the Asian continent (including South Asia and sometimes part of the Middle East). Pacific Islander includes islands from Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The term can also include Australia and New Zealand. If you have ancestors among the example list of countries and regions below, May is a good month to celebrate your heritage!

Areas Often Considered Asian

Areas Often Considered Pacific Islander

Do you have any stories, recipes, or traditions from your Asian or Pacific Islander heritage? Please share them with us in the comments!