Voices Rising: Asian Canadian Cultural Activism.

Karen Danielson, Ph.D., is a research consultant at Laurentian
University who specializes in leisure, textiles, family life, and Japan.

Xiaoping Li distinguishes between Asian-Canadian cultural activism and the importation of either popular commercial or traditional art forms from Asia. Cultural activism is about identity, community-building, racial equality, and social justice. These issues were important as marginalized Asian Canadians began to participate in cultural production after 1970.

The influence of Asian-American activism, the clarification of a Canadian identity, the limitations of bilingualism and biculturalism policies, and the challenges arising from their own bicultural and biracial identity are discussed. Activists were engaged in representing their history in Canada, responding to injustice, eliminating stereotypes, supporting communities threatened by urban renewal, eliminating barriers to cultural funding, gaining access to institutional space and dealing with charges of reverse racism. They also worked beyond ethnicity with the binding effects of shared experiences, values, and visions.

The core of the book includes 20 interviews with activists who are predominantly Chinese and Japanese. Among them is Harry Aoki, who works in a cross-cultural mode with musicians. They play together using unique instruments from their respective countries and he notes that this is different from multiculturalism, which tends to involve taking turns. Keith Lock discusses decisions about which language to use and whether to cast actors who speak with an accent. Kyo Maclear suggests that we are entering a new phase where social and environmental forces including globalization are affecting everyone’s identity.

In conclusion, Li expresses concern about the absence of Asian-Canadian studies programs. The younger generation lacks historical knowledge. Compared with the United States, progress has been slow. Canada’s colonial past, the emphasis on First Nations studies, and the English-French issues have contributed to the marginalization of racial minorities. Public institutions do not yet reflect the pluralism of Canada.

This is useful resource material for anyone involved in the future of Canadian cultural activities. It contributes to the debates about multiculturalism, heritage activities, and education. Members of any marginalized group can take inspiration from many of the interviews.