Opening reception at the Toronto Hakka Conference

Just back from the Toronto Hakka Conference 2012.  This past weekend I spent time with Hakka Chinese from all over the world learning about our shared culture and history.

The keynote speaker Professor Shiu Loon Kong said that Hakka is a spirit, not a people. It dominates and facilitates people’s thinking and behavior. Hakka people were open-minded, proud, and strong. They emigrated all over the world. You could see that in the attendees who had migrated from India, Mauritius, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Trinidad, Surinam, Taiwan, and  Malaysia.

In sessions we learned about the Hakka life in these countries. Speakers introduced how to trace our family tree and make lei cha (pounded tea).  I showed a slideshow of Hakka food from around the world. We heard traditional mountain songs as well as Hakka pop music.

Thanks especially to chairs Carol Wong and Professor Keith Lowe for organizing such a thoughtful and educational conference. It was truly a special experience for the “guest people” who built China.