5 Ways to Celebrate Asian Heritage in the Southern Gulf Islands
The variety of cultures and heritages that have contributed to our communities make for vibrant tapestries of social connection and meaning. In honour of Asian Heritage Month, we encourage you to explore Asian heritage in the Southern Gulf Islands year-round. While early Japanese settlers had an especially strong influence on the islands, many Asian communities, including Chinese and Pacific Islanders, have contributed to the region’s rich diversity. Here are five ways to celebrate while you’re here:
Treat your tastebuds to Asian cuisine
On Salt Spring, try OM-SUBI (om SUE bee), a favourite Japanese “fast” food from Roly Poly Rice Ball, available in the local grocery stores. Get your sushi fix at either Express Sushi 2 Go or Arigato Sushi (or both!) Enjoy southeast Asian-style curries and boba teas at Salt Spring Wok Bar, and favourite Chinese staples at Golden Island Restaurant. For a more intimate or interactive experience, Taiwanese-Romanian Chef Haan Palcu-Chang offers private dinners, catering, and workshops. And at the Salt Spring Saturday Market, don’t miss Salt Spring Gaia, where Aki combines traditional Japanese recipes with international flavors like chimichurri and chili oil. You’ll also find plenty of specialty Asian products at Harbour Food Market.
On Galiano, Chef Elmark Endres blends locally caught Penelakut seafood and produce from the island with the southeast Asian flavours of his Filipino upbringing at Lola on Galiano. Local grocers The Corner Store and the Galiano Garage are also Asian-owned with a broad assortment of Asian condiments, noodles, rices, and packaged foods.
Find Tranquility in a Japanese Garden
An iconic symbol of Japanese culture, these traditional gardens can be found on both Mayne and Salt Spring Island. Located in Dinner Bay Park, the Mayne Island Japanese Memorial Garden commemorates the Japanese people who settled and worked on the island between 1900 and 1942. Find paths, ponds, streams and bridges, and a plethora of plants and shrubs including some cherry trees and other plants that were donated by the Nagata and Otzuki families. The first were early immigrants to Mayne.
On Salt Spring, the Japanese Garden Society created the Heiwa Garden for peace and reconciliation in 2009. This beautiful piece of Ganges is a space to reflect on the complex histories, the vibrant and generous contributions of the Japanese community members past and present. If you find yourself wanting to know more, the Society has put together a collection of histories of the island’s Japanese Canadian residents. You can also find Ganbaru: the Murakami family of Salt Spring Island at the local library, written by Rose Murakami, one of the society’s members.
Visit Charcoal Pit Kilns
Charcoal pit kilns can be found throughout the Southern Gulf Islands. These kilns provided charcoal to the fish canneries on the Fraser River in the early 1900s. Efforts to maintain and repair the kilns, led by Galiano Island, means some can be visited to learn about the Japanese Canadian pioneers who operated them. Find one in Mouat Park on Salt Spring Island, Bluffs Park on Galiano Island, and a replica in the Japanese Garden on Mayne Island.
Moved to support the ongoing maintenance and repairs of this piece of island heritage? Consider donating to the Japanese Garden Society.
Attend a Hanami Celebration on Salt Spring
Each May, the Japanese Garden Society of Salt Spring Island and the local Japanese community co-host a Blossom Festival at Heiwa Garden in Ganges’ Peace Park. Picnic-style and full of activity, you might find a martial arts demonstration, music, a costume contest, a paper airplane flying contest, and TA-TE (Samurai swordplay) performance, with activities varying from year-to-year. You might also be able to try origami ninja star-making, ninja star target shooting, go fish yo-yo water balloons, and omikuji fortune slips. Don’t miss the home-style Inari sushi, okonomiyaki, baked goods and more.
Write a Haiku
After celebrating and learning more about Asian influences in the Southern Gulf Islands, find a quiet sit-spot and reflect by writing a haiku. These poems are often used to describe nature as it appears in the various seasons, with an intention of evoking an emotional response. And since the islands provide creative inspiration for many, you might find yourself compelled to put your feelings and observations into words.
~
No matter the time of year, learn and honour the history of the place and the people who have been part of it. Being a respectful and considerate visitor is always important, no matter where we roam. For more tips and information on how to travel with care in these islands, plan ahead.
Written by Hannah Spray
