This May, we recognize Asian Heritage Month. From the 1880s to today, thousands of people migrated from Asia, made Canada their home, and established families. Today, half of Metro Vancouver’s three million residents identify as Asian (Statistics Canada, 2021). For Stratford Hall, this diversity provides a rich tapestry for all community members to share perspectives, values, and traditions with each other.

At the same time, the history of Asian people in Canada has not always been a happy one. In 1908, Canada forbade immigration from India, citing the fear of labour competition with white Canadians. In 1923, Canada prohibited Chinese immigration due to fears that it would threaten the identity of a white Canada. In 1942, persons of Japanese descent were detained in internment camps out of fear that they would compromise the security of the country during the war. It took decades to reverse these policies, however their effects linger to this day.

What does it mean to commit to inclusion and belonging within a diverse community? On the one hand, every family and employee is a full member of the Stratford Hall community simply by being here. We celebrate personal identity, teach the International Baccalaureate, and welcome SHPA’s efforts to celebrate cultural days. On the other hand, we acknowledge that true inclusion requires building relationships across cultural differences. This is not always comfortable and requires patience, understanding, and risk taking.

This week, the Filipino community particularly needs our support. Let us show our unity by looking out for each other during this difficult time. We share a special quality in common. We are all Stratford Hall.