Canada has long been a part of the Asia Pacific sphere. The Historica-Dominion Institute Asia/Canada web site explores the relationship between East and West from earliest times, when dreams of finding Cathay fired the imaginations of the explorers, to the Asia Canada experience in the present day, when Asians make up an ever more visible presence in the Canadian mosaic and Asia’s economic importance to Canada is growing. The web site discusses the Asian experience in Canada, the evolution of Canadian society itself, from exclusion to greater tolerance and an embrace of diversity, and Canada’s role as a Pacific nation
The narrative and visual resources of the site make it an effective source for teachers, students and the general public about Canadians’ changing perspectives toward Asia and Canada’s economic engagement with the Asia Pacific region. It also speaks to today's youth, recognizing that, while they may be at ease with the concepts of transnationalism and a world that is linked globally, they may not be conscious that globalization is not something new: it has happened through the centuries..

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Jason’s story is one of many. Listen, learn and share at www.passagescanada.ca

Passages Canada is a national storytelling initiative of Historica Canada that nurtures cross-cultural dialogue in Canadian communities. Our volunteer speakers share their personal experiences of identity, culture and immigration with groups of all ages. Passages Canada is generously funded by TD Bank Group and Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

“I was born in Seoul, South Korea. My mom and dad immigrated to Toronto when I was a just 3 months old. They dreamed of becoming entrepreneurs. In 1978 they opened one of the first businesses in Toronto’s Koreatown.

As a teenager, I wanted nothing to do with the family business. I didn't speak Korean; I wasn’t interested in my parents’ Korean culture. I just wanted to be like the other Canadian kids. My mom finally kicked me out of the house.

Five years ago, my dad got sick. I decided it was time to embrace my roots. I started managing the restaurant. I even learned to speak Korean.

I am a Korean-Canadian, proud of what my family has built.”

Passages Canada is a national storytelling initiative of Historica Canada that nurtures empathy and respect across difference. Our volunteer speakers share their personal stories of identity, culture and immigration at local schools and community groups and online in our Story Archive. The program is completely free, thanks to generous funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada and TD Bank. Invite a free guest speaker for Black History Month, Asian Heritage Month, or any time throughout the year. To book or become a speaker, visit www.passagescanada.ca