Defence Team Asian Heritage Month 2026 event: From past to present – inclusion matters

July 13, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time: 2:04

Defence Team members gathered in person and online on May 28, 2026, for the first national Asian Heritage Month (AHM) event, hosted by the Defence Team Canadian Asian Network (DTCAN).

The event reflected this year's Defence Team AHM theme, "Celebrating Asian Heritage: Many Cultures, One Defence Team," while also aligning with the Government of Canada's 2026 AHM theme, "Honouring Asian Canadians: Stories that Built Canada."

Emcee and Champion of the DTCAN, Colonel (Col) Chung Wong, opened the event with a land acknowledgement and by welcoming participants. Col Wong's remarks highlighted the diversity of Asian identities represented across the organization as well as the Defence Team's shared commitment to building an inclusive culture where everyone can serve with pride and belonging.

A fireside discussion brought forward powerful reflections. Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Prem Rawal shared the story of Sergeant Masumi Mitsui, a decorated First World War veteran whose courage in service for Canada was marred by injustice and exclusion when he was sent to an internment camp in the Second World War. LCol Rawal invited participants to consider how quickly decisions can be made that are based on fear, prejudice, and ignorance. Tamara Pittis then reflected on the legacy of Force 136, a unit which included more than one hundred Chinese Canadians and was a branch of the British Special Operations Executive during the Second World War. Her remarks underscored that inclusion is not only about being invited into a space, but about being fully valued once there, without having to leave part of oneself behind. Master Warrant Officer (Retired) Stephanie Abdon brought the conversation into the present by speaking about the "bamboo ceiling" and "sticky floor," giving language to barriers that can quietly limit advancement and recognition in workplaces.

Together, the panelists' stories, which included personal anecdotes, showed that AHM is not only about recognizing past contributions, but also about understanding the realities that continue to shape people's experiences today. They reflected on mentorship, allyship, empathy, active listening, and everyday actions that build and reinforce a sense of belonging, with a direct and positive impact on the Defence Team.

In his closing remarks, Rear-Admiral Jacques Olivier, Defence Team Military Champion for Racialized Persons, noted that "One Defence Team" does not mean sameness or assimilation; rather, it means building an institution strong enough to value difference as a source of cohesion and strength. As the event concluded that message stood out clearly: a stronger Defence Team is one where people can contribute fully, lead authentically, and feel a genuine sense of belonging. This inaugural national event marked an important milestone, highlighted that culture impacts operational effectiveness, and is shaped by formal commitments and everyday acts of respectful curiosity, courage, allyship, and respect.

If you missed this year's event, you could view auto-generated video recordings:

Live sound (Accessible only on the National Defence network)

English Only (Accessible only on the National Defence network)

French Only (Accessible only on the National Defence network)