Toronto Multicultural Calendar Blog

268. Families with Children from China

torontomulticulturalcalendar — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:21:47 +0000

8 year old Mei Li with parents Bob Isaacson and Ginny Stearns

Over 10 years ago, I accompanied then 8-year old Mei Li and her adoptive parents back to China. We went to the tree under which the authorities had found her. We visited the welfare organization that had cared for her and other abandoned children, mainly girls. We saw other babies waiting to be adopted.

On that trip, the American couple who had adopted Mei Li encouraged her to write a note in Chinese. She was taking Chinese lessons then. With the help of a local social worker, she wrote to her “first” family that she was well and happy in the U.S. They tied the note, along with her baby picture, onto the tree. They hoped someone would tell her birth mother that she had done the right thing by giving her up.

It was a memorable, heart-wrenching trip on which I learned about the organization Families with Children from China. The Chinese ask adoptive parents to teach Chinese culture to their China-born children. Mei Li today not only speaks fluent Mandarin but she has been back to China on school trips several times since our journey together. One summer she lived with a Chinese family and “got a taste of being a Chinese daughter, and helped in a daycare place for orphans,” wrote Ginny Stearns, her adoptive mother this week. On the other hand, Mei Li “ loves art, dance (mainly Afro-Cuban, West African and Capoiera)…” Mei Li just finished her freshman year at a U.S. college.

Mei Li is not the only such child who has re-visited China. I get the feeling that families like hers have become a sub-culture. They get together with other adoptive families for a meal during the Chinese New Year’s and Moon Festivals. The parents also learn about Chinese culture. Many take part in annual picnics, culture camps, mah-jong lessons, tee-shirts, etc. Take a look at its web-site: www.fcctoronto.org

This Sunday, May 27 at 2pm, Cindy Boates, president of the Toronto Chapter of Families with Children from China will speak at the Annual General Meeting of the Toronto Canada-China Friendship Association. She has two adopted daughters.

She will be at the Fairview Library, 4th floor, 35 Fairview Mall Drive. It’s at Sheppard West and Don Mills and it’s free.

The Toronto Canada-China Friendship Association web-site is: www.TCCFA.org .

267. This weekend in Multicultural Toronto.

torontomulticulturalcalendar — Tue, 22 May 2012 21:36:30 +0000

This coming weekend May 25-27, there’s Doors Open, an opportunity to visit any of 135 buildings including a Turkish mosque, an exquisite Tibetan temple, and a Hindu temple. There’s also a Greek Orthodox church, a Chinese Baptist church, and a First Nations sweat lodge and long house. Entries and guides are free.

The Carassauga festival has 60 countries represented with performances in traditional costumes, foods to sample, and souvenirs to buy. People in its pavilions will answer questions about their cultures. That festival only costs $12 for adults for the whole three days.

The Royal Ontario Museum has a Iranian heritage day with seven different dance troupes, a Persian “wedding,” and a puppet show. It will highlight its archaeological displays, show two Persian films, and have a related program for children. These are all included in the ROM’s usual adult entry fee of $15.

People can also choose from a free recent Hong Kong movie, a talk on Families with Children from China, and at least one Buddhist temple’s celebration of Buddha’s birthday.

A free exhibit about Japan’s living cultural icon Tomasaburo Bando has been going on for the last five months and will close on June 22. He’s the kabuki theatre star who specializes in playing women’s role.

These are all I’ve found so far, and I’ll add more as I find them. Please let me know of any events I’ve missed and any such events you’ve attended. The problem for fans of multiculturalism is one of choice. How can we see everything we want to see?

Details of these events are on my web-site: www.torontomulticulturalcalendar.com . I eagerly await your reaction.

266. Japan’s Tomasaburo Bando Poster Exhibit Ends Soon

torontomulticulturalcalendar — Sat, 19 May 2012 16:08:12 +0000

Onnagata Playing Heron Maiden. Courtesy Japan Foundation.

P. Anne Winter writes about the famous Japanese onnagata actor.

The free poster exhibit at the Japanese Foundation on Japan’s living cultural icon Tomasaburo Bando is closing next month on June 22. This ends six months of expanding exhibits and new movies every week honouring this extraordinary artist.

The final event that accompanied this show was a movie “The Painted Face” by Daniel Shmid. It showed the range of versatility of this Number One onnagata or male actor who plays female roles.

Tomasaburo Bando. Courtesy Japan Foundation.

In this movie, we were able to see him relaxed while talking to his young son about a ninja game on a smart phone. We see him leaping into his early performances. From there we watch him build his reputation while gathering experience in the top Japanese Kabuki theatres. Included is some precious footage of a charming nine-year-old Tomasaburo performing in full gaudy costume. His own response to that performance was that his Geisha life was short lived. He has a very young face and it is hard to believe that he has many years of well-earned fame behind him while still performing internationally.

The theme in many of his performances is the fragility of woman and how they must silently suffer their fate whether it be the loss of a lover, the loss of home, or loss of life. For me, it was wonderful to see most of “Heron Maiden” for the umteenth time. The maiden, Tomasaburo, is forlorn. She dies after losing her lover to a younger woman. She turns into a Heron and makes other unsuccessful changes to win him back. She fades into the snow, her wings covering her face forever. After years of watching the theatre with many sad endings, I still find this one of the most moving performances I have ever seen.

This fragility theme is repeated also in Tomasaburo’s various roles as a Geisha.

The film also shows an odd performance set at the turn of the century where Tomasaburo plays a courtesan entertaining two poker-playing gangsters. Each is interested in her. She cannot show favouritism to either as it could be too dangerous. However in the end, the “better” one whom she truly likes, declares his interest. She agrees to run away with him. Then she realizes that she can only bring him sorrow due to her profession. While watching at the designated rendezvous spot she hides so that he leaves alone. Such is true Japanese sentiment with a new twist, that of gun-toting gangsters.

We must bid farewell to the poster show in one month but not to Tomasaburo forever. Thank goodness there are many films with this artist. They can be borrowed for free at the Japanese Foundation, 131 Bloor Street West, Suite 213. Tel. 416-966-1600.

See: http://www.jftor.org/whatson/index.php for more information on Tomasaburo Bando. On the web, there’s: http://bit.ly/oHoCp .

Please inform P. Anne Winter about other free or almost free Japanese cultural events in Toronto at: annesjapaneseblogs@gmail.com .

265. Multicultural Doors Open

torontomulticulturalcalendar — Sat, 19 May 2012 15:13:50 +0000

Image courtesy of Riwoche Tibetan Buddhist Temple

Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27. 12-5pm. Some buildings close earlier.

Over 135 buildings in the GTA are open to the public on either or both days, for free. Most of them will expect visitors and have a guide on hand to explain the history, architecture, and customs. Someone should be able to answer your questions. Doors Open is a highly recommended festival.

Among the buildings that might be of interest to fans of multicultural Toronto are many places of worship. They include the Canadian Turkish Islamic Heritage Association and the exquisite Riwoche Tibetan Buddhist Temple in the Junction. The ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple, the British Chapel of St. Alban, and the Periya Sivan Hindu Temple in Scarborough are on the list. So are St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, and the Chinese Baptist Church. There is also the Buddhist Kadampa Meditation Centre.

Please take advantage of the chance to visit the Native Child and Family Services on College Street. It has a roof-top sweat lodge and sweet-grass garden. On the ground floor is a long house.

The Japan Foundation at Bloor and Avenue Road is open and you might want to visit the International School at Lawrence and Bayview. It was formerly the French School.

The list is long and I’d welcome other suggestions though you won’t have time for all of these. The buildings, addresses, open times, photo policy, parking and washroom facilities are on: http://bit.ly/JXF0of . We’re anxious to hear about your adventures there. It’s not just a chance to see the architecture, it’s an opportunity to meet people of another culture.

The website is http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen2012 .

264. Carassauga Festival, One of GTA’s Best

torontomulticulturalcalendar — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:45:19 +0000

With 60 countries represented in 26 pavilions at 12 locations across Mississauga, this is a not-to-be missed multicultural event. Festivals in other parts of the GTA have nothing of this quantity and variety. It’s on May 25, 26 and 27.

This festival is so big, you need to do some planning if you want to see everything. Believe me, three days might not be enough but what can you do? If you haven’t been there before, my first question is: do you want to visit as many countries as possible? Or, do you just want to see a few specific ones?

If you want quantity, aim first for the Hershey Centre Main Arena, 5600 Rose Cherry Place (North of Matheson Blvd East, one block east of Kennedy Road.) Then there’s the Tomkin Twin Arenas at 4495 Tomken Road relatively close by, but you need wheels. Other locations host only one country and are spread throughout Mississauga. Maps are on: http://bit.ly/JRtxDs .

Jose Rizal, Philippine National Hero. Carlos V. Francisca, Painter.

An adult can buy a passport at your first stop for $12. (Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by a passport holder.) One passport covers entries to all pavilions for all three days. During the Festival operating hours, passport holders ride free on the Carassauga Shuttle and MiWay, the new Mississauga Transit. The Shuttle takes you to many pavilions.

If you want to be flexible and not be delayed by a bus schedule, it’s best to drive. But you might want to take a good GPS.

The web-site http://bit.ly/KtvkO7 has a list of Pavilions. Besides the location, it will also tell you when the performances are on. Even if you can’t fit a performance into your schedule, you can look at the exhibits, sample the food, and chat with the people there. In addition to entrees and snacks, each pavilion offers an authentic ethnic dish for $2 each to sample. This web-site lists some of the dishes so you can think of what you want ahead of time. Don’t get so full that you won’t have a chance at your favourite. The site also gives telephone numbers if you need help.

If you want to see only one or two specific pavilions, I’ve been told that Hawaii’s is one of the best. I haven’t seen it yet, though. You could ask your Mississauga friends what they like. I hope some of you will tell us what you think is best and why.

The line-up this year is: Africa, Bangladesh, Canada, Caribbean (about 23 countries), China, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Italy, Jamaica, Latin America (several countries), Lebanon, Macedonia, Malta, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Turkey & Ukraine.

For our review of Carassauga last year, click on: http://bit.ly/LciVmw

Please tell us about your Carassauga adventures. Our e-mail is: ruthlormalloy@yahoo.com .

263. Multicultural Victoria Day Weekend

torontomulticulturalcalendar — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:17:58 +0000

Lots happening in multicultural Toronto this holiday weekend May 19-21 that’s free or nearly free. Details are on www.TorontoMulticulturalCalendar.com .

On Saturday, from 12 to 5pm, Colborne Lodge has a Victoria Day Family Scavenger Hunt and Victorian treats, (free with admission, see: http://bit.ly/eMInuf ).

Mississauga’s Carassauga Festival kicks off at 2pm with its free Parade of Nations, multicultural Dance of Nations, and official Opening Ceremony. (The three day Carassauga goes full blast on May 25, 26 and 27.) At 3pm this Saturday May 19, a free showing of the film “Chinese Restaurants: Song of the Exile” will be at Innis Town Hall. This is the story of the Chinese diaspora told through family-run Chinese restaurants in Israel, South Africa and Turkey. A Q & A with the director follows. If you like Chinese food, this is for you, but you have to RSVP to make sure of a seat.

On Sunday, the children’s hunt at Colborne Lodge continues from noon to 5pm. From noon to midnight, Markham International Sedan Chair races for charity will be at Markham Civic Centre, along with a carnival, parade and fireworks. It’s free, unless you are racing. From 4 to 7pm, there’s English Country Dancing in High Park with live fiddle and flute. Pay what you can but $5 is the suggested minimum.

On Monday, with offices, banks, schools, and most stores closed for Victoria Day, the sedan chair races continue in Markham from noon to 5pm. Christie Pits Park will be jumping loudly with Summer Sintings, a free celebration of Jamaica’s 50th years of independence with music, dance and more. See

www.bit.ly/JI7Hlx for the full program schedule. Parking nearby will be impossible. It’s best to take the subway to Christie station.

Let me know of your adventures at any of these for this Blog.

262. Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Bazaar, a Report

torontomulticulturalcalendar — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:40:52 +0000

P. Anne Winter writes about this recent JCCC event

As I’ve known from previous bazaars, this one earlier this month started with a line-up that went around the building. Everyone waited there with much excitement and laughter until the doors opened. One elderly man entertained us with “White Cliffs of Dover” on his harmonica. It felt very bizarre and very Toronto.

The bazaar’s reputation for offering superb bargains did not disappoint. Among other goodies I bought was a new Obi sash for my summer Yukata. I also fell for a beautiful orange cotton hanging with some very dramatic black characters that have yet to be deciphered.

A huge area was devoted to Noritaki dinnerware. Many buyers lined up just to get near enough to grab something. One room had only Japanese CD’s, DVD’s and literature. Other rooms had exquisite wrapping paper as well as second hand but well cared for Kimonos and Haori jackets. A whole room was devoted to electronic entertainment equipment.

Of course the food was very popular. Even though the main hall was devoted to different Japanese food stalls, there were line-ups. Looking very appetizing were unique buns stuffed with different fillings, various types of bento boxes, and of course delicious sushi.

My friends the Murakami’s bring in an amazing array of goodies to sell at each festival. In the past I have purchased some very unusual items. What comes to mind is a beautiful glass Sake set and a box full of toothpicks. The toothpicks are so decorative it is impossible to know what they are without being told. Then there were the chop stick holders with delicate orange bows and sparkles.

I could see many smiling folks boasting about their finds while children enjoyed a special booth with games.

When I ate lunch with one of the volunteers, he said that this sale helps keep the Centre financially viable more than any other activity throughout the year.

What an exhilarating way to start the spring season!

Please contact Anne at annesjapaneseblogs@gmail.com regarding other free or nearly free Japanese events in Toronto.

261. Traditional Japanese Puppets in Toronto

torontomulticulturalcalendar — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:09:08 +0000

P. Anne Winter writes about the Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo Puppets.

Even though it was outside our usual free or nearly free guidelines, I decided to write about this very important opportunity in Toronto.

In late 19th century Japan, the Koryu family created a new form of puppetry. Today, the 5th generation of Koryu puppeteers entertains and informs the world about this intriguing art.

Nishikawa Koryu V did not disappoint those of us who were fortunate to see his performance.

The Japanese-Canadian Cultural Centre’s Kobayashi Hall was filled to capacity as we sat entranced. One after another puppet glided smoothly from one position to another. The puppeteer was able to move eyebrows, mouths, delicate fingers and wrists. The changes of expression in seconds was astonishing.

Nishikawa Koryu V performed scenes from plays. In between scene changes, he talked about the musician who was using a traditional shamisen, which is like a very sophisticated guitar. He spoke of the Gidayu or chanter. That musician had a deep, specialized voice similar to what I’ve heard in Noh and Kabuki performances. Nishikawa said that this is accomplished by wrapping a very thick band around the singer’s diaphragm that forces the voice to drop. Surtitles in English helped us understand the stories.

The puppeteer sat on a very small box with three wheels under it. The wheels made it super easy to move around the stage in all directions. He manipulated the puppets smoothly in many directions with sticks from their backs.

Nishikawa explained about the loud stomping in the performance. Apparently in Bunraku, the older style of puppeteering, the puppets have to be held above the floor. They are thus not able to make a sound with their feet. It is believed that the stomping noise cleanses the theatre and brings in good fortune to the performers and audience. It also showed off the new Koryu technique.

I was sitting beside a Caucasian couple who had lived for years in Japan. After they left Japan, a friend there had told them that if Nishikawa Koryu V ever came to Canada they must be sure to see him. I certainly am glad that I did.

260. Big Drum Social at the Native Canadian Centre

torontomulticulturalcalendar — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:09:59 +0000

Janice Chan writes about her first experience at the Big Drum Social

A few weeks ago, I went to the Big Drum Social at The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto for the first time. I wanted to join the program because I’m thinking of teaching up North in Aboriginal communities. I thought it would be a great experience to make some new friends and learn about the Native culture. It was an eye-opening experience.

First of all, I realized that there are diversities within this ethnic group! They have a wide range of eye and hair colours. If they didn’t tell me where they came from, I wouldn’t have thought they were from the same culture! Of course, they were many non-Native visitors there as well. Therefore, I couldn’t make any assumptions about anyone’s ethnicity.

Secondly, I was amazed by how parents had passed on their cultures to their next generation. It was impressive to see people of different generations sitting around the big drum, beating the drum, and singing songs with such unity. How often do we see that in our modern Canadian society?

Finally, came the dance, my favourite part of the program. It was the body language that allowed everyone to bond with one another. Although I have several First Nations friends, this was the first time that I got to experience their culture physically. At the beginning, I didn’t know many people at the Social and I didn’t know how to start a conversation about Native culture. However, after joining everyone in the dance, several people taught me how to do it. They gave me the chance to understand more about the relationship between dance, music and their beliefs.

It was a great experience and I will visit again with my sister next time because she’s keen on drums!

Note: the Big Drum Social takes place at 16 Spadina Road (Spadina Subway Station) every Thursday evening 6-9pm. Everyone is welcome. Telephone for information 416-964-9087. Native Canadian Centre web-site: http://www.ncct.on.ca .

259. Sikh Khalsa Day Report

torontomulticulturalcalendar — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:03:55 +0000

The Khalsa Day event was fantastic as usual. The Sikhs are so well organized. At the CNE, volunteers served great vegetarian food to thousands of people in an amazing assembly line. Garbage clean-up was almost instantaneous. The parade left on time. It arrived at Nathan Phillips Square 1 1/2 hours later. More food was available there: in addition to the vegetarian dishes, there were hot dogs, masala tea, and a wide variety of desserts. Another army of cheerful volunteers also served these and insisted on giving out more than anyone could possibly eat. The food was ready an hour before the parade arrived for early birds.

It was a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy. With the great weather, people were not hiding their brightly coloured Punjabi costumes under coats. The men wore brilliant orange or blue turbans. The women were in gold, yellow, pink, red, blue — all colours of the rainbow.

The prayers were in Punjabi, I think. But a description of Khalsa was in English. Most of the floats had signs in English. “Sikh values are Canadian values,” said one. As I stood in the crowd watching, my neighbours answered my many questions. Only one didn’t, and she couldn’t speak English, but she tried. She said she was there because it was “my religion.”

There were also signs about the 30,000 Sikhs killed in India in 1984 and one loud-speaker blaring out “Khalistan!” I suggested to the woman next to me that this movement for a Sikh state, separate from India, was now a dead issue in India. She explained that most Sikhs in Toronto still supported it, and that it was illegal in India to promote it. She said that support was open in Canada, where there is freedom.

It was a sad note to an otherwise perfect day, as thoughts of the 1985 Air India bombing filled my head. But it is obvious that non-violence has prevailed in Toronto.