Influential Calgarians of Asian Background
A few remarkable individuals who help to shape our community - and continue to influence and inspire us today.
CBC Calgary's Asian Changemakers 2024
The University of Calgary is proud to support CBC Calgary's initiative to honour the diverse cultural contributions of Asian Canadians during Asian Heritage Month. This collaboration highlights the series that showcases the significant achievements and stories of the 2024 Asian Changemakers, celebrating the vibrant Asian community in Calgary.
In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, CBC Calgary is showcasing the cultural richness and contributions of Asian Calgarians through a special series featuring profiles of five noteworthy individuals. This initiative, known as the 2024 Asian Changemakers, highlights diverse local figures united by their dedication to community enrichment. After a call for nominations, CBC Calgary, with the guidance of internal and external committees, selected the individuals to be featured as Asian Changemakers for 2024. The profiles of these changemakers were brought to life through interviews filmed and edited by Dyllan Goodman.
In a partnership with the FascinAsian Film Festival, CBC Calgary premiered the series on May 2, 2024. This premiere was accompanied by a panel discussion featuring the Asian Changemakers, hosted by CBC’s Paul Haavardsrud.
Dr. Miwa Aoki Takeuchi
Dr. Miwa Aoki Takeuchi is an Associate Professor at the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, specializing in Educational Studies in Learning Sciences. She completed her PhD at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. She has previously been a research fellow with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. Dr. Takeuchi is renowned for her innovative contributions to experiential service-learning projects, notably the "Soil Camp," which engages local refugee children and youth in land-based education to promote social and environmental justice.
Dr. Takeuchi's academic career is distinguished by her unwavering dedication to blending community engagement with rigorous research. She actively challenges traditional deficit perspectives, using her work to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Her teaching portfolio spans a variety of courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, including specialization courses in Learning Sciences, Mathematics Education, Socio-Environmental Justices, and various research methodologies like Ethnographic Research Approach. She also instructs in STEM education, Early Childhood Education Specialization, and Diversity in Learning.
Currently serving on the Board of Directors at the International Society of the Learning Sciences and as Co-President of the Network of the Learning Sciences in Canada, Dr. Takeuchi is committed to fostering dynamic, porous communities that center equity and justice. Her pedagogical approach is deeply rooted in equity, anti-oppression, and anti-colonialism, aiming to transform educational practices into inclusive and empowering experiences.
Cece Chow
Cece Chow, based in Calgary, Alberta, is a prominent community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for cultural diversity and LGBTQ+ representation. As a transgender woman, Chow has navigated complex challenges within the conservative Chinese community and broader society. Her resilience and dedication to promoting acceptance make her a significant figure in LGBTQ+ and Asian communities. Driven by her passion for social justice and community service, she pursued her education at the University of Calgary, earning a degree in Social Work.
Chow's career began in the nonprofit sector, focusing on community development and outreach programs to support immigrant communities in Calgary. However, her journey took a transformative turn when she ventured into entrepreneurship, running her own business, further highlighting her multifaceted capabilities and commitment to community enrichment.
Despite encountering obstacles, Chow has been a trailblazing figure for LGBTQ+ acceptance, particularly within the Chinese community. Through her involvement in modelling, speaking engagements, and active engagement in LGBTQ+ and Asian communities, she advocates for cultural pride. She encourages others to embrace their identities, contributing to a more inclusive society. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple awards from community organizations and governmental bodies.
Deeply committed to her city, Cece Chow remains a passionate advocate for Calgary's diverse population, striving to ensure every community member receives the support and opportunities needed to thrive in a more inclusive society.
Saeed Abdollahi Alavijeh
Saeed Abdollahi Alavijeh is a multifaceted Iranian architect, photographer, and graduate student in the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Calgary. His photography journey began in 2013 when he initially experimented with a smartphone camera. Over time, he has honed a distinctive style, including portraiture, documentary photography, and capturing unusual items, significantly shaping his professional profile.
Abdollahi's artistic endeavours have propelled him to hold seven individual exhibitions featuring his works in minimalistic, portraiture, and documentary photography genres. He was awarded the prestigious Blue FIAP (International Federation of Photographic Art) Ribbon at Photo Art PRAGUE 2018 in the Czech Republic and the third prize in the series section for his "ZOL" collection at the 16th International Exhibition TULLE in France in 2020. His work has been recognized at numerous other international FIAP exhibitions worldwide. He is an official member of FIAP and holds the distinction of AFIAP, which marks his recognized competence and achievement in the field of photography.
Abdollahi's project "Wage Earner" is a testament to the transformative power of his photography. It illuminates the underemployment struggles of immigrants in Canada, using his photographic talent to foster empathy and advocate for societal inclusivity. Exhibiting at notable events such as the Exposure Photography Festival, his work not only showcases artistic excellence but also serves as a powerful catalyst for social change. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to using art as a tool for advocacy have established him as a respected figure in the artistic and cultural landscapes of Calgary.
Dr. Monty Ghosh, MBT MSc. MPH MD FRCPC ISAM(C) CSAM
Dr. Monty Ghosh is respected in addiction medicine and is known for his innovative and empathetic approach to treatment and care. Based in Calgary, Dr. Ghosh has spearheaded several transformative programs that have significantly impacted the landscape of addiction treatment and care for marginalized populations in Alberta. At the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Dr. Monty Ghosh serves as a course facilitator for the Global Health Course.
A key achievement in his career is the establishment of Calgary's medical respite program, which provides a safe and nurturing environment for individuals facing homelessness and substance use challenges to recover. This program is a testament to his commitment to compassionate care and his understanding of the complex needs of this vulnerable population.
Dr. Ghosh's impact extends beyond the medical respite program. He has also introduced Alberta's first home detox initiative, a game-changer that allows individuals to detoxify in the comfort and privacy of their homes, under the supervision of medical professionals. This initiative has not only made addiction treatment more accessible but has also significantly reduced the fear associated with it, a testament to Dr. Ghosh's unwavering commitment to patient-centered care.
Another notable initiative led by Dr. Ghosh is the National Overdose Response Service (NORS), which provides critical support and immediate response services to individuals experiencing an overdose. This program has been instrumental in saving lives and reducing the stigma surrounding addiction, showcasing Dr. Ghosh's proactive approach to addressing the opioid crisis.
Dr. Ghosh is also involved in Calgary's Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) program, which offers expedited, barrier-free access to addiction medicine services. This program is designed to streamline the process of getting help and ensure that individuals can receive timely and effective treatment.
Sunny Minhas
Sunny Minhas is a dedicated educator and basketball coach at Lester B. Pearson High School, renowned for his commitment to fostering academic and athletic growth among his students. With a passion for education and community development, Minhas has initiated and supported programs that enhance student engagement and success.
One of Minhas's most impactful contributions is the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Memorial Scholarship, a testament to his commitment to community service. This scholarship program, named in honor of a local community leader, not only supports promising student-athletes in their educational and athletic pursuits but also instills in them the values of community service and leadership. Through this initiative, Minhas not only honors a beloved figure's legacy but also fosters a new generation of athletes who excel in sports, academics, and civic engagement.
As a basketball coach, Minhas is known for his dynamic coaching style, which has proven to be highly effective in inspiring and motivating his teams to reach their full potential. His coaching philosophy, which extends beyond the basketball court, is centered on building character, discipline, and teamwork among his players, a testament to his ability to shape not just athletes but also individuals.
Minhas's efforts have greatly enriched the school's environment, impacting his students' lives by providing them with opportunities to grow, succeed, and become well-rounded individuals. His work exemplifies the powerful role educators can play in shaping young people's futures through sports and scholarship.
Influential Asian Background Canadians
Adrienne Clarkson (b. 1939)
Adrienne Clarkson, who is of Chinese origin, served as Canada’s 26th Governor-General from 1999 to 2005. She was the first member of a minority group to host a national television show. She constituted the Governor General’s Northern Medal to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to recognizing the North. Her engagement in Aboriginal cultures was noteworthy, and she brought the issue of indigenous communities to the forefront of a national conversation.
The Blood Tribe of Alberta valued her talent and declared her an honorary chief. She is honoured to be known as the “Grandmother of Many Nations.”
Senator Vivienne Poy (b. 1941)
Before becoming the first Canadian of Asian origin appointed to the Senate of Canada, Senator Vivienne Poy was renowned as a fashion designer and entrepreneur. In her early years, Poy studied in Hong Kong and England. She moved to Canada in 1959 and earned a PhD in history from the University of Toronto. In 1998, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien appointed Poy to the Senate, where she sat with the Liberal caucus and represented Toronto.
In the Senate, Poy was outspoken about Asian-Canadian rights and created a successful motion to designate May as Asian Heritage Month, which the government formally declared in 2002. She served as chancellor of the University of Toronto from 2003 to 2006 and is the author of five books, including a biography of her father, who was a businessman in Hong Kong.
The Honourable Norman L. Kwong (1929-2016)
Norman Kwong became Alberta’s first Lieutenant Governor of Asian heritage in January 2005. However, many people know him as the first Canadian of Chinese heritage to play in the Canadian Football League. He was born in Calgary after his parents immigrated to Canada in the early 1900s from Canton, China, despite having to pay the $500 head tax.
He completed his secondary schooling at Western Canada High School, where he discovered his football talent. In 1948, at the age of 18, he joined the Calgary Stampeders Football Club as a halfback, one year after Canadians of Chinese heritage gained the right to vote. That year, he became the first Chinese Canadian to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the youngest to win a Grey Cup., Known as the “China Clipper,” he played for the Calgary Stampeders for three years before joining the Edmonton Eskimos. He was chosen to receive the “All-Canadian Fullback” award five times and won the Schenley Award as the Most Outstanding Canadian in 1955 and 1956. In 1955 he was also selected as Canada’s Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year.
Kwong was awarded the Order of Canada in 1998 in recognition of his football career.
Dr. Theresa Tam (b. 1965)
Dr. Theresa Tam has been chosen as one of Canadian Immigrant’s 2021 Immigrant Women of Inspiration. She is a hero who has continued to work with courage, confidence and dedication every day of this pandemic, making vital contributions to improving people's lives in Canada. A fierce public health advocate, she has been a key voice in guiding Canadians during this pandemic.
Hong Kong-born Dr. Tam moved to the UK with her family when she was in primary school and obtained her medical degree from the University of Nottingham in the U.K. Like all internationally trained medical professionals, Tam went through the re-qualification process and completed her pediatrics residency program at the University of Alberta before pursuing further sub-specialty training as a pediatric infectious disease fellow at the University of British Columbia.
Dr. Theresa Tam was named Canada's Chief Public Health Officer on June 26, 2017. Dr. Tam has served as an international expert on several World Health Organization committees and has participated in multiple international missions related to SARS, pandemic influenza and polio eradication.
Noteworthy Canadians of Asian heritage
The Government of Canada's Heritage Canada has even more short biographies highlighting some of the many valuable contributions made by Canadians of Asian heritage. They reflect historical and cultural milestones that help define the rich and significant history of communities of Asian heritage in Canada.