Personal Journeys: A Cross‑Cultural Storytelling Event at Library and Archives Canada

Personal Journeys will bring together some of Ottawa’s most compelling cultural and academic voices for an evening dedicated to lived experience, shared understanding, and the power of storytelling.

Organized by the Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society in collaboration with Library and Archives Canada, the event invites the public to reflect on how personal histories shape identity, belonging, and community life in Canada. The program takes place on Friday, May 29, 2026, and is designed as an open space for dialogue, connection, and cross‑cultural learning.

At the heart of Personal Journeys is the belief that storytelling remains one of the most effective ways to bridge differences and uncover common ground. The event aims to encourage honest conversation and to highlight the experiences that often go unheard in mainstream public forums.

Organizer, Ms. Monica Wu, explains: “This is the first time in our Personal Journeys series that we are bringing Indigenous, African, Muslim and Asian communities together with the broader public. Over the past 22 years, we have seen a growing desire to connect across cultures. Like food, personal stories have the power to bring people together to start conversations, build understanding, and form meaningful connections. When we hear each other’s stories, we begin to see our shared humanity: the values and emotions that connect us. That is where understanding begins.”

The panel features a distinguished group of speakers whose work spans media studies, Indigenous programming, and international music performance. Professor Boulou Ebanda de B’Beri of the University of Ottawa brings expertise in media, cultural memory, and representation. His research has long explored how communities understand themselves through narrative and how stories shape collective identity.

Ms. Tasha Simon, Senior Specialist of the Indigenous Program at the University of Ottawa, will contribute perspectives rooted in Indigenous knowledge, lived experience, and community‑based storytelling traditions. Her work focuses on the importance of narrative as a tool for cultural continuity and intergenerational learning.

The evening also includes the participation of Grammy‑nominated and Juno Award–winning flutist and composer Ron Korb. Known internationally for his cross‑cultural musical influences, Korb’s work blends global traditions into compositions that are deeply narrative in nature. He will also perform a fifteen‑minute musical program during the event, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience his artistry in an intimate setting.

The conversation will be moderated by Professor Adrian Harewood of Carleton University, a respected journalist, educator, and retired CBC Ottawa News anchor. Harewood’s long career in public broadcasting and community engagement positions him well to guide a discussion focused on lived experience, identity, and cultural understanding. His new current affairs podcast “In Bed with the Elephant” is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube

In addition to the panel and performance, Personal Journeys will feature an art display showcasing the work of five distinguished local artists: Andy Ahkanga, Emily Akikodjiwan Brascoupé‑Hoefler, Maya Hum, Don Kwan, and An Nguyen. Their pieces reflect a wide range of cultural backgrounds and artistic practices, adding a visual dimension to the evening’s themes of identity, memory, and personal narrative.

Light refreshments from the Indonesian Canadian community will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the speakers and artists following the formal program. The event reflects the Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society’s ongoing commitment to fostering cultural dialogue, celebrating diversity, and creating spaces where communities can learn from one another.

Wu notes, “The Society is honoured to collaborate with Library and Archives Canada. It is a fitting place to gather and share stories that reflect the diversity and richness of our communities.”

Event Details

Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Venue: Pellan Room, 2nd Floor, Library and Archives Canada
Address: 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa
Admission: Free Registration: RSVP required • Use this link to register