Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrates the diverse cultures and vast achievements of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander peoples, cultures and communities. 

Origins and history of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

May is Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the people and cultures of these diverse communities, which represent dozens of ethnicities and exponentially more unique languages and dialects. 

The first presidential proclamation for “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week” was signed in May 1979 by President Jimmy Carter. In 1990, Congress passed a law expanding the observance to a month-long recognition for that year. It became an official month-long observance in 1992. 

The month-long recognition was extended to include Pacific Islanders in 2009 and Native Hawaiians in 2021, which makes the observance not only an immigration story but an Indigenous story, too. Disaggregating “Native Hawaiian” and “Pacific Islander” from the umbrella terminology “Asian/Pacific” recognizes the diverse narratives of Pasifika peoples (Pasifika people are those originating or living in Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia). 

Theme for 2026

As designated by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the national theme for 2026 is “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.” This year’s theme highlights the importance of leveraging collective power, telling stories and being bridge builders in our communities. The council seeks to honor the AANHPI leaders who inspire collaboration and embolden the next generation to build on their legacies.

Resources 

UW Medicine continues to address policies and practices to focus on equity and social and health justice as we strive to become an inclusive organization. UW Medicine’s Office of Healthcare Equity offers regular events, talks and training on the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and justice. The office also supports affinity groups, including the UW Medicine Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Affinity Group. 

Honoring Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander peoples and cultures should happen year-round — and we’ve compiled a list of resources to help you do just that. 

Visit

• Seattle’s International District and support local shops and restaurants 
• Seattle Asian Art Museum 
• Wing Luke Museum 
• Seattle Japanese Garden 
• Asia Pacific Cultural Center 
• Explore South Asian arts at Pratidhwani.org 
• Visit local Asian-owned Small Businesses – Intentionalist  
• Attend Seattle Center Festál’s Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration on May 2  

Read and learn 

• Learn more about the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Community 
• Find books, helpful links and museums and cultural centers through the Burke Museum Asian-American Diaspora Heritage Resource Packet. 
• Visit Seattle’s Support for AA & NH/PI Communities in Seattle 
• Did you know that Polynesian Day is on May 8? That the Cambodian New Year is celebrated in April? Or that Philippines Independence Day is celebrated in June? See more ANHPI cultural celebrations.   
• Did you know that Filipino American History Month is celebrated in October? Learn more about ANHPI cultural celebrations.