NPIEN's Asian and Pacific Islander Month Recognition Calendar
May 2023 National Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
How did it start? What countries are involved?
- APIA Heritage Month (Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month) started in 1979 as declared by the federal government to recognize the heritage, culture, and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.
- What are the Pacific Islander nations? They include islands in the island groups of Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Hawaii, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Northern Marianas Islands, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Tokelau, and Vanuatu.
- What are the Asian nations? They include Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- The Government placed us all together, despite our diverse cultures and languages, but it is an opportunity to work together and emphasize that we all value honor, respect, and kindness.
- NPIEN salutes Donna Tang, Equity Education Coordinator for the Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Los Angeles, for ALWAYS reaching out to our community. https://advancingjustice-la.org/who-we-are/education-equity-coordinator
What resources are available?
- Los Angeles County Library Activities for all ages plus virtual programming https://lacountylibrary.org/asian-pacific-american-heritage-month/
- White House Initiative on Asian and Pacific Islanders Learn more about this organization that shares Asian and Pacific Islander needs and concerns with the White House. https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/os/whiaapi
- The Los Angeles County Office of Education, Enjoy these videos by the employees. It was wonderful to note that everyone learned about one another’s culture though song and dance. The Aloha Ukulele Ensemble started here.
- Hula Dance (led by Anne Brache and Dio Brache)
- Hula Lessons (Audience Participation)
- Ukulele
- Long Beach City College: Asian and Pacific Islander Resources
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Los Angeles: Advocacy for Asian American and Pacific Islander in Education
NPIEN Resources
- Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month videos
For Middle School and High School Students
For Elementary School Students - Falanai Ala Speaker Series Falanai Ala was a Facilities Manager in the Long Beach Unified School District, past NPIEN president, and one who believed in providing role models for Pacific Islander students, as we are underrepresented in many professions. https://www.npien.com/guest-speakers-mentors
- Best Colleges: Scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander Students
Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a speaker for your classroom or school.