KOREAN HERITAGE MONTH MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED IN THE SENATE OF CANADA

OTTAWA, ON – Senator Yonah Martin’s Motion “That the Senate recognize the month of October each and every year as Korean Heritage Month given the contributions that Korean Canadians have made to Canadian society and the deep-rooted friendship and bilateral ties between Canada and Korea and importance of Korean heritage and culture within the fabric of Canadian society” was adopted in the Senate of Canada on June 4, 2024.

Motion 187, co-sponsored by Senator Amina Gerba, Senator Hassan Yussuff and Senator Rebecca Patterson, received unanimous support and passage. The Korean Heritage Month motion follows the Ontario government’s enactment of October as Korean Heritage Month (in 2017), in a Senate Motion. The unanimous passage of Motion 187 is a significant milestone in Canadian history for the Korean Canadian communities across Canada.

In her statement in the Senate Chamber, Senator Martin stated,

“Korean peoples like cultures around the world have endured and accomplished much. The Canadian chapter of the Korean people is one rich in stories of love, survival, sacrifice, resilience, family, community and success. Canada is home to a sizable and dynamic Korean-Canadian population with communities thriving across the country, from bustling urban centres to picturesque rural towns…

“I want to take a moment to shed light on the importance of recognizing cultures through designated heritage months. In our increasingly diverse societies, where people from various backgrounds coexist and contribute to the tapestry of our communities, it’s crucial to celebrate and honour the rich cultural heritage of different ethnic groups. Heritage months provide us with the valuable opportunity to do just that. One of the key benefits of celebrating a heritage month is the promotion of cultural diversity and cultural pride. When individuals see their cultural heritage being acknowledged and celebrated on a broader scale, it instills a sense of pride and belonging within the community. It validates their identity and reaffirms the importance of their cultural heritage in shaping who they are…

“Honourable Senators, the Korean-Canadian community is a shining example of the richness and diversity of Canada’s multicultural mosaic. Through their entrepreneurship, cultural contributions and community engagement, Korean Canadians enrich our society, strengthen our community and inspire us to embrace the values of diversity, inclusion and mutual respect. As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Korean-Canadian community, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable and welcoming Canada for all.”