The Asian Canadian Writers’ Workshop (ACWW) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Community Builders Award, honouring individuals whose vision, advocacy, and tireless dedication have significantly advanced Asian Canadian arts and literature. This year’s honourees are Winnie Cheung, Larry Wong, and Bonnie Nish—each recognized for their extraordinary commitment to fostering inclusive cultural spaces and empowering marginalized voices.
Winnie Cheung has long been a driving force in Vancouver as an educator, curator, arts administrator, and champion of intercultural dialogue. Her leadership at organizations, including the Pacific Canada Heritage Centre Museum of Migration (PCHC-MoM), explorASIAN, and ACWW, has helped amplify underrepresented narratives in the arts, supporting generations of Asian diasporic artists.
Larry Wong, historian, writer, and community advocate, has been instrumental in preserving and sharing the stories of Chinese Canadians through decades of work. As a founding member of the Chinese Canadian Historical Society of British Columbia (CCHSBC) and the ACWW, and the author of Dim Sum Stories and the play Empress of Asia, Larry has used storytelling to challenge historical amnesia and inspire pride in community heritage. His mentorship and oral history work continue to influence emerging writers and researchers.
Bonnie Nish, Executive Director of Pandora’s Collective and Word Vancouver, is celebrated for her powerful vision in making literature accessible to all. Her work has broken down barriers to literary participation through initiatives such as prison writing workshops, poetry outreach programs, and community festivals. Bonnie’s leadership reflects a deep belief in the healing and connective power of the written word.
“These three remarkable individuals exemplify what it means to build community through words, action, and heart,” said Allan Cho, Executive Director of ACWW. “Their work not only uplifts Asian Canadian artists from underrepresented identities, but also creates space for the kind of storytelling that heals, teaches, and unites."
The Community Builders Award recognizes sustained, behind-the-scenes efforts that may not always make headlines but have profoundly shaped Canada's arts and literary landscape. The award presentation took place during the LiterASIAN Festival, where each winner was honoured for their legacy and continued impact.
About ACWWThe Asian Canadian Writers’ Workshop is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the development and recognition of Asian Canadian writers and artists. Through programming, advocacy, and community partnerships, ACWW cultivates literary talent and fosters dialogue on equity, identity, and storytelling across generations. Over the years, ACWW has honoured individuals, community organizations, and educational institutions that have made significant contributions to the community. Past recipients of the ACWW Community Builders Awards include Roy Mah, Wayson Choy, Paul Yee, Harvey Lowe, Roy Miki, Fred Wah, The Bulletin (National Association of Japanese Canadians), Joy Kogawa, Scott McIntyre, Gim Wong, Evelyn Lau, Tradewind Books, Brian Lam, and Barbara Lee.
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