05/20/2026
May is ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH ♥️ 
(Long post but I hope you find it’s worth your time)…
In my role as Trustee, I have met and talked with many Asian students who opened up to me about life here, life back home, what they love about living here in Regina, and what they miss from back home 🥺
Talking with the EAL students at Campbell Collegiate and with the grade 5-8 students at École Wilfrid Walker at the Anti-Racism Symposium, have been opportunities that were not only a learning experience for them, but it was also a meaningful way for me to let kids know they are not alone, in their feelings, their worries, their fears. That it’s ok to ask for help and that they should feel safe in school. Whether they’re new to Canada, have been here a few years or many years, I get it. I was in their shoes.
My family came to Canada through Malaysia as Vietnamese refugees. I was 3 when we left Vietnam in a small boat in the middle of the night. My mom was 8.5 months pregnant. We were part of a generation of people who left everything, after the war. They got on boats, not knowing if they would survive the sea, the pirates, or what was waiting on the other side. Between 1978 and 1981, over a million Vietnamese people fled. So many died trying.
Those of us who made it were held in refugee camps. No clean water, food, medicine… people were still dying. My brother was dying, with no milk or much water his first few days of life. My Mom was very close to death. She was still very weak from giving birth to my brother on the boat while at sea, after the pirates robbed us. My Dad worked odd jobs throughout the night just to buy medicine. And spent the days everyday lined up for hours for food and water for us.
And we were the lucky ones. In 1980 Canada opened its doors to us after surviving a year at the refugee camp. Strangers chose us. Specifically a church in Regina. These are incredible, kind, generous people who gave us a chance at a new life here. We wanted to be worthy of that choice.
Moving and changing schools often, I grew up navigating racism, poverty, and the particular loneliness of being the kid who did not quite fit anywhere. I also grew up watching my parents work harder than anyone I have ever known, and build a life with almost nothing. They gave me and my little bro, Nguyen Thai Binh Duong (Pacific Ocean in Vietnamese) everything.
That is what Asian families do. They sacrifice in ways that do not make the news. They build quietly, consistently, and with extraordinary dignity. I am SO PROUD of my parents ♥️
Today, Canadians of Asian heritage represent nearly 20% of our population. In arts, science, medicine, law, business, sport, and government. In classrooms and boardrooms. In kitchens and community organizations. In places you see, and places you do not.
I see so much potential and a beautiful future for students who came here seeking a better life. And I see how they are cared for and supported by our school teachers and all staff.
I’m so happy to be part of the Asian community.
But still, anti-Asian racism and discrimination exist. Honouring Asian Heritage Month means we understand that contribution and hardship are both part of the story.
I share my story because a student or a newcomer of any age, in a Regina classroom or workplace right now might need to see someone who looks like her, who came from where she came from, and who found a way to belong without erasing herself. I want to be a good example ♥️
To every Asian Canadian: YOUR STORY MATTERS. It shapes who you are. Healing and growth happen. I am who I am today because of my experiences, my past, my lessons learned. And because of those who were there for me each step of the way. I am resilient, confident and work hard to give back to my community everyday.
To Regina, to Saskatchewan, to this country that took in a really, really cute little girl 😊 and her family from a refugee camp in Malaysia: THANK YOU from my whole heart ♥️
To my community and all who support me and trust me to give our students, your kids, the best education experience - THANK YOU ♥️
Happy Asian Heritage Month 🇻🇳🇨🇦
