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> For Immediate Release 2012/05/01
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> “Our Stories, Our Histories”: CASSA announces its theme for South Asian Heritage Month 2012
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> [Toronto, ON] Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA) is pleased to announce, “Our Stories.., Our Histories…”, as its official theme for this year’s South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM). During this special month, CASSA acknowledges and highlights the contributions made by South Asians in the social, economic, political and cultural spheres in Canada.
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> “In addition to celebrating our successes and historic milestones, it is important for us to remember and document the stories of our struggles, our resilience and our resistance. This year’s theme will encourage South Asians of all diverse backgrounds to document, archive and share their own stories with others in Canada”, said Neethan Shan, executive director of CASSA.
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> CASSA is a social and economic justice umbrella organization, working in Ontario since 1988. As a non-profit organization, CASSA facilitates economic, social, political and cultural empowerment of South Asians by serving as a resource for information, research, mobilization, coordination and leadership on social and economic justice issues. CASSA recently launched a project titled Brown Canada to document, archive and share histories of South Asians in Canada.
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> “Through the Brown Canada project, we will train and support diverse community members interested in learning more about their histories and encourage people to document and archive our experiences within Canada. Our current collection of stories ranges from those related to the Komgata Maru incident in 1914 to stories of South Asians in Canada today”, explained Anita Khanna, the manager of the project.
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> CASSA’s event and activities for May 2012 include: release of official poster for South Asian Heritage Month, launch of SAHM website, youth leadership conference, community dialogues, Brown Canada Ontario tour, reception and display at Toronto City Hall, launch of a memorial website for Komagata Maru, creative expression workshops across the GTA and many more. On May 12th, 2012, CASSA will host a Gala Dinner with an inspirational keynote speaker, Bhairavi Desai of New York Taxi Workers Alliance and with presentation of eight Excellence in Equity Awards.
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> CASSA invites institutions, community organizations, agencies and individuals to partner in its attempt to bring meaningful celebration of South Asian Heritage Month and offers support through offering to arrange for speakers, workshops, resources and promotion for events that strengthen access, equity and inclusion.
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> To attend, cover, partner, donate or volunteer, please contact us at 416 932 1359 X10 or through cassa@cassa.on.ca
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> For Media Inquiries:
> Neethan Shan – 416 932 1359 X15, 416 824 3399
> Anita Khanna – 416 932 1359 X 13
> www.cassa.on.ca
> cassa@cassa.on.ca
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> ###
> Sincerely,
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> Neethan Shan
> Executive Director
> Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA)
> 2401 Eglinton Ave. East, Unit 212
> Toronto, ON, M1K 2N8
> Phone: 416 932 1359 X 15
> Fax: 416 932 9305
> Website: www.cassa.on.ca
> Email: neethan.shan@cassa.on.ca