At last night's regular board meeting, the board of directors proclaimed May 1-31 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, stating:
THIS RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NORTHWEST REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT IN CLATSOP, COLUMBIA, TILLAMOOK, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES, OREGON, RECOGNIZES MAY 1ST TO MAY 31 ST, 2026, AS ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH, CELEBRATING THE HERITAGE, CULTURES, AND HISTORY OF ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITIES.
WHEREAS, May is recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, an annual observance honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the recognition of AAPI Heritage Month began in 1978 as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week, was expanded to a month in 1990, and was officially designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 1992 — commemorating historic events such as the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant on May 7,1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10,1869, built with the labor of Chinese immigrant workers; and
WHEREAS, the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States is shaped by profound contributions and by struggles — including exclusionary immigration laws, wartime internment, the impact of weapons testing in the Pacific, and the rise of anti-Asian harassment and violence (including a surge of anti-Asian xenophobia during the COVID-19 pandemic); and
WHEREAS, AAPI communities are richly diverse - representing dozens of ethnicities and hundreds of languages - and are an integral part of the cultural, civic, and economic life of the region served by NWRESD; the NWRESD region includes sizeable AAPI populations among students, families, and residents, and NWRESD is committed to centering their voices and experiences in district work; and
WHEREAS, the Board affirms the importance of culturally sustaining instruction, family partnership, staff professional learning, mental-health supports responsive to cultural context, support for AAPI-led community partners, and proactive strategies to prevent and respond to anti-AAPI harassment and hate; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northwest Regional Education Service District Board of Directors:
1. Proclaims May 1 -31,2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and encourages students, staff, families, and the broader community to celebrate and learn from AAPI histories, cultures, and contributions.
2. Affirms that honoring AAPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to teach accurate history (including both achievements and injustices), to uplift AAPI voices, and to actively counter xenophobia, racism, and harassment.
3. Supports staff professional learning and student learning by supporting teachers with ready-to-use, grade-appropriate resources and primary sources so AAPI history is taught as part of ongoing curriculum, not as a token month.
4. Urges all individuals to participate in celebrations, educational events, and community activities that honor the achievements, resilience, and cultures of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
This Resolution is effective immediately upon adoption this 8th day of April, 2026
Read the signed and adopted resolution: Resolution 26-013 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Core classroom / teacher resources (free / classroom-ready)
● Library of Congress: AAPI Heritage – Lesson plans & student activities. 🔗 Website
● EDSITEment! AAPI Heritage & History – Teacher’s guide for incorporating AAPI topics in curriculum. 🔗 Website
Books & Literature
● "Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning" – Cathy Park Hong
● "The Making of Asian America" – Erika Lee
● "They Called Us Enemy" – George Takei
● "We Are Here: 30 Inspiring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Have Shaped the United States" – Naomi Hirahara
Podcast, Media & films for classroom use
● PBS — Asian Americans (documentary/educational companion materials) 🔗 Website
● Asian Enough (LA Times) – Discussions on identity and race. 🔗 Website
● Code Switch (NPR) – Race and culture in America. 🔗 Website
● Self Evident: Asian America’s Stories – Personal narratives from API communities. 🔗Website
Support Organizations & Community Resources
● IRCO Pacific Islander and Asian Family Center (PIAFC) – Portland-based center serving diverse API communities. 🔗 Website
● Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) – Advocacy, leadership development, and organizing. 🔗 Website
● Asian Health & Services Center – Mental health, wellness, and social support for API communities. 🔗 Website
● API Forward – Leadership and civic engagement programs. 🔗 Website
● Lan Su Chinese Garden – Traditional Chinese garden & cultural programs. 🔗 Website
● Portland Chinatown Museum – Preserving Oregon’s Chinese American history 🔗 Website
● Japanese American Museum of Oregon – History & resilience in Oregon. 🔗 Website
