About Asian Heritage Month
Asian Heritage Month at the University of Saskatchewan honours the legacy and contributions of members of the Asian communities that span East Asia, South East Asia, South Asia, Western Asia and Central Asia. It is a time to listen to and learn about these broad and diverse communities that span across our campus, province, and beyond. Everyone is welcome to join USask during the month of May for activities and learning opportunities about Asian Heritage Month.
The 2025 theme for Asian Heritage Month at USask is coming soon. Together, we can uplift and celebrate the unique stories, contributions and achievements of the Asian community in our province, country and world.
Attend an event
2025 event list is coming soon.
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Leung Far Eastern Studies Collection
A gift-in-kind from former USask professor Dr. Man-Kam Leung to the University Library, The Leung Far Eastern Studies Collection honours both Dr. Man-Kam Leung and the origins of East Asian studies at the University of Saskatchewan within his original academic department in the College of Arts & Science—the Department of Far Eastern Studies.
The collection consists of approximately 45,000 print items including monographs and individual journal issues. Dr. Leung collected the material during frequent research trips to Asia over the course of his career, bringing back to Canada material not only reflective of Chinese history, but relating to a broad range of far-eastern history and culture, including material relating to Japan, Mongolia, Malaysia, and Tibet.
This collection remains one of the largest and most significant Chinese book collections in Canada.
Dr. Man-Kam Leung (1937 - 2019) was born in China and attended the University of Hong Kong where he majored in Chinese history, philosophy, and literature. He graduated in 1963 with high honours and went on to the University of Hawaii, where he obtained his MA and PhD. In 1965, he joined the newly founded Department of Far Eastern Studies at the University of Saskatchewan, teaching Chinese and Japanese history, classical and modern Chinese, Southeast Asian history, Chinese philosophy and Chinese literature. In 1984, he transferred to the History department, where he taught Chinese and Japanese history until his retirement in 2005. He eventually relocated to Ottawa in 2013 following the 2010 passing of his wife, Joan, to live closer to his daughter, Elaine, and her family.
Enjoy a rich mix of Asian literature, art, and history from the Leung Far Eastern Studies Collection on the Ground Floor and the First Floor during the month of May 2024. Visit Murray Library at any time during operating hours to explore the collection, or browse the collection in the Library's online catalog.
Visit other USask library locations to explore more resources and learning opportunities during Asian Heritage Month:- Science Library: Dive into the innovative contributions of Asian scientists.
- Law Library: Learn about the fight for justice and equality for Chinese Canadians.
- Education Library: Discover different Asian Folklore.
Virtual Museum of Asian Canadian Cultural Heritage
The Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture has curated a selection of exhibits and collections to enable Canadians to learn more about the historical contributions made by Asian Canadians and to celebrate their achievements in Canada. Their mission is to persistently, explore, support and promote artistic expressions and creativities pursued and produced by Asian Canadian artists.
Significant events in the history of Asian communities in Canada
Explore significant events in the history of Asian communities in Canada with just a few examples of the numerous diverse communities of Asian heritage which trace their ancestry back to more than 40 different countries, each with their own unique history and lived experiences.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
As our University Plan 2025 states, our ambition is to be the university the world needs, and the world needs safe and welcoming spaces for everyone. This is a commitment outlined in our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy. The university believes equity, diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation, and creativity in all domains.
In March 2024, USask introduced a new website that shares our EDI Framework for Action that has been endorsed by all three USask governing bodies. The goal of USask’s EDI Framework is to bring equity, diversity and inclusion to the core of the university and to make USask a university for everyone – unlocking untapped potential for excellence in teaching, research and outreach.