South Asian Canadian Heritage

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South Asian Canadian Heritage

WELCOME TO
SOUTH ASIAN CANADIAN HERITAGE
WHO WE ARE
South Asian Canadian Heritage (SACH) is dedicated
to highlighting the many projects, databases
and research of the South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) and its partnerships.
PROJECTS
Our research projects support 100+ years of South Asian Canadian history.
We welcome you to browse and explore our projects covering
the vibrant historical record of South Asian communities in Canada.

View our research projects:

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Caste Matters (1)

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Where are the Women?

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Explore 90+ community stories from across British Columbia

Click here

Davinder Singh Dhani

Sukhwinder Kaur

Swarnjit Kaur Neel

Balbir Gurm

Harry Bains

Kirpal Singh Minhas

Jaswinder Johal

Karnail Singh Sidhu

Gurdial Narwan

Navneet Rondeau

Charanjit Singh Sidhu

Deljit Kaur Gill

South Asian Canadian Heritage

Building K
33844 King Road
Abbotsford, BC
V2S 7N8

(604) 851-6325
sasi@ufv.ca
www.ufv.ca/sasi

ufvsasi

What a beautiful opening of the Haq and History ex

What a beautiful opening of the Haq and History exhibit today at Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby! The exhibit shares recent research on the intersection of South Asian and Japanese Canadian communities in Paldi on Vancouver Island.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, until January 25, 2025.
University of the Fraser Valley
South Asian Canadian Digital Archive
Royal BC Museum
#Paldi
#japanesecanadian
#southasiancanadian
#SouthAsianHeritage

✨ Happy Diwali from SASI! SASI wishes you a brig

✨ Happy Diwali from SASI!
SASI wishes you a bright and joyful Festival of Lights filled with love, peace, and harmony! 🌟

October marks Islamic History Month, a time to hon

October marks Islamic History Month, a time to honor the profound contributions of Muslim scholars, artists, and leaders that have shaped Canada.
The South Asian Studies Institute’s (SASI) and the South Asian Canadian Digital Archive’s (SACDA) goal is to be inclusive and representative of all South Asians diasporas in BC. We therefore hope to gather materials incorporating South Asian Muslim heritage to our archival collections. We invite anyone interested in contributing materials to get in touch and email us at sacda@ufv.ca
We are in the process of developing a website for our project, South Asian Muslims in BC. This initiative highlights historic and contemporary presence of Muslim communities, whose contributions to Canadian society deserve recognition.
#IslamicHistoryMonth #CulturalHeritage #UnityInDiversity #MuslimHeritage #HistoryMatters #Inspiration #CommunityVoices #ExploreCulture

The South Asian Studies Institute is tremendousl

The South Asian Studies Institute is tremendously proud; the travelling exhibit Haq and History, The Punjabi Canadian Legacy Project, opens Saturday October 19th at Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby!
The Nikkei National Museum added recent research to the exhibit on the intersection of South Asian and Japanese Canadian communities, focusing on the Toyota, Urabe, and Yano families in Paldi on Vancouver Island.
This exhibit, which debuted at the Royal B.C. Museum in 2020, offers visitors the chance to reflect upon stories from and about South Asian Canadian immigrants, including details about work, home life, and keeping cultural traditions alive. On its travels the exhibit grows, adding local history at every stop.
Please share and join the celebratory opening on November 2nd.
Exhibit dates: October 19, 2024 - January 25, 2025
Opening Reception: November 2, 1-3pm
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Everyone welcome. Admission by donation.
@ufvsasi
@ufvresearch
@goufv
@sacda.sasi

SASI invites you to join us for the online lecture

SASI invites you to join us for the online lecture with Ms. Karimah Rahman on Decolonial Resistance of a Muslim Indo-Caribbean Woman on October 22nd.
Ms. Rahman's lecture will be followed by a Q&A session
Location: Online via Zoom
Date & Time: October 22, from 3:30-5:00 PM
RSVP link can be found in our bio.
The Zoom link will be sent to you a few days before the event.
@karimah__kr
@muslimindocaribbeancollective
@ufvsasi
@goufv
@ufvresearch

What an honour it was to take part in the ceremoni

What an honour it was to take part in the ceremonies that recognized the long and committed journey by Dr. Joan Mayo (93 years old) of Paldi by Vancouver Island University as she received her Honorary Doctorate. Singlehandedly and with great foresight she saved the historical records of Paldi for all of us.
Today the records are archived for public access as part of the South Asian Canadian Digital Archive at the South Asian Studies Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley.
Paldi is the first intercultural town in Canada established by enterprising South Asian men in the early 1900’s as a bustling logging town. Joan was married to Mr. Mayo Singh’s son Rijindi Mayo and today her sons Robin, Devinder and daughter Sherri (along with family) celebrated her with great affection and love.
#southasianstudiesinstitute
#southasianstudies
#universityofvancouverisland
#ufv
#paldi

We thank Dr. Hassan Javid for his amazing, in dept

We thank Dr. Hassan Javid for his amazing, in depth lecture on the 2024 elections in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh at the South Asian Studies Institute last night. Giving the attendees insight in the various factors and historic events that shape the sometimes surprising outcomes!

Join SASI on Oct 15 for the film; I’m Not The R

Join SASI on Oct 15 for the film; I’m Not The River Jhelum.
Dive deep into the heart of Kashmir, and follow the poignant story of Afeefa, a young girl grappling with the trauma and uncertainty of her homeland. This visually stunning and emotionally charged film, produced by Sukriti Khurana and directed by
Prabhash Chandra, reveals the stark realities of Kashmir through a personal lens.
Date: October 15, 2024
Location: Room K167 (or online),Building K (Behind the Event Centre), University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford Campus.
Time: 4:00-7:00 PM
RSVP NOW using the link in bio
@prabhashchandra8 @goufv
#SASIufv #SASIEvents #FilmScreening #Kashmir #Cinematography #SocialIssues #CulturalAwareness #SouthAsia #Documentary #FilmDiscussion #Storytelling #CinematicExperience #EmotionalJourney #CulturalIdentity #KashmirStory

Take the time this weekend to check out SASI's FAL

Take the time this weekend to check out SASI's FALL SERIES of lectures and film screenings!
On Tuesday October 8, Dr. Hassan Javid comes to SASI for a special lecture, 'Challenging Authoritarianism: The 2024 Elections In South Asia'.
Dr. Javid will analyze election dynamics, highlighting the role of civil society, independent institutions, and economic factors in shaping surprising outcomes. Explore the 2024 elections in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh and their impact on authoritarian power and democratic forces.
October 8, from 4 pm-6 pm
Room K155, building K University of the Fraser Valley
Please rsvp: (link in bio)
This is a FREE event.
UFV Research Office
University of the Fraser Valley
UFV International
UFV SCMS
South Asian Canadian Digital Archive
#elections #southasiancanadian #southasia

Please join us on Tuesday, October 8 for a special

Please join us on Tuesday, October 8 for a special lecture 'Challenging Authoritarianism: The 2024 Elections In South Asia'.
Dr. Javid will analyze election dynamics, highlighting the role of civil society, independent institutions, and economic factors in shaping surprising outcomes. Explore the 2024 elections in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh and their impact on authoritarian power and democratic forces.
October 8, from 4 pm-6 pm
Room K155, building K University of the Fraser Valley
Please rsvp: link in bio
UFV Research Office
University of the Fraser Valley
UFV International
UFV SCMS
South Asian Canadian Digital Archive
#elections #southasiancanadian #southasia

Devinder Kaur Johal is an 88 years old woman, who

Devinder Kaur Johal is an 88 years old woman, who immigrated to England in 1965 and later to Canada in 1977, where she worked to support her family. In her 60s, she began writing Punjabi poetry on themes like women’s empowerment and identity, which helped her cope with depression. In 2019, she won the Most Popular Vote at the PICS Golden Glam-Ma Beauty Pageant at 82. She has published eight poetry books, encouraging South Asian seniors to express themselves creatively.
Join us and Devinder on Thursday, September 19 from 4-6pm at Mehfil:
South Asian Folk Music evening at the K Building patio, University of the Fraser Valley (behind the Abbotsford Centre).
Producer: South Asian Studies Institute
Composer: Devinder Kaur Johal
Writer: Devinder Kaur Johal
Singer: Devinder Kaur Johal
Interviewer: Henna Mann
Videography: Thamilini Jothilingam
Studio: Civic Podcast Studio, Kwanthlen Polytechnic
University
Video editing : @_sadhik.__
Translation: @_sadhik.__

Since childhood, Daksh Kubba has found music to be

Since childhood, Daksh Kubba has found music to be his truest form of expression. Born and raised in Vijay Nagar, New Delhi, he moved to Delta, BC, at 18, where his passion for music deepened. A pivotal moment came when he picked up his guitar, Harold, and began to express himself more fully through sound. Daksh joined the band naQsh in 2007, where he learned the art of musical collaboration and harmony.
Over the years, Daksh has performed alongside renowned artists such as Junoon, Quratulain Balouch (QB), Saeen Zahoor, and Adnan Sami, and was honored to perform at the 2010 Winter Olympics. In 2018, he left his corporate job to focus solely on his passion, founding the ‘Koobook School of Arts & Performance’ to unite people through the transformative power of music and performance.
His debut solo album, Not Just a Singer, released in February 2022, explores themes such as inter-religion marriages, homophobia, love, and depression. Now, through his studio, ‘Kubba’s Kitchen,’ Daksh focuses on collaborating with local artists, helping to amplify their voices and stories through composition.
Join us and Daksh on Thursday, September 19 at Mehfil:
South Asian Folk Music evening at the K Building patio, University of the Fraser Valley (behind the Abbotsford Centre).
Producer: South Asian Studies Institute
Writer: Baba Bulleh Shah
Composer: Daksh Kubba
Singer: Daksh Kubba
Interviewer: Hamad Abdullah Nazar
Videography: Thamilini Jothilingam
Studio: Civic Podcast Studio, Kwantlen Polytechnic University Video editing: @_sadhik.__
Translation: @_sadhik.__

Some Panjabi wedding nostalgia here!! Harinder Sa

Some Panjabi wedding nostalgia here!!
Harinder Saini, has been immersed in singing folk songs since a young age. Now, she professionally delights audiences at various wedding events, through @raunkaanevents @hpksaini
Join us and Harinder Saini on Thursday, September 19 at Mehfil: South Asian Folk Music evening at the K Building patio, University of the Fraser Valley (behind the Abbotsford Centre).
Producer: South Asian Studies Institute
Composer: Traditional Panjabi folk song
Writer: Traditional Panjabi folk song
Singer: @hpksaini
Dholak: Lovely
Interviewer: Hamad Abdullah Nazar
Videography: Thamilini Jothilingam
Studio: Civic Podcast Studio,Kwanthlen Polytechnic
University
Video editing: @_sadhik.__
Translation: @_sadhik.__

Gurmukh Singh, born in Nangal, Rupnagar, and raise

Gurmukh Singh, born in Nangal, Rupnagar, and raised in Amritsar, Punjab, developed a deep passion for music early on, influenced by the legendary Mohammad Rafi and his father, who led his own orchestral band. After college, @gurmukh_singh_music formed his own band, Musafir, which performed over 500 shows across India, cementing his place in the music scene.
In 2022, Gurmukh moved to Canada, where the multicultural environment further inspired his artistic growth. He is now set to release his debut album Trapped, blending his Indian musical roots with contemporary sounds, marking a new chapter in his evolving career.
Join us and Gurmukh on Thursday, September 19 at Mehfil: South Asian Folk Music evening at the K Building patio, University of the Fraser Valley (behind the Abbotsford Centre).
Producer: South Asian Studies Institute
Composer: @gurdasmaanjeeyo
Writer: Panjabi folk song
Singer: @gurmukh_singh_music
Interviewer: @_sadhik.__
Videography: Thamilini Jothilingam
Sound Recording: Aaron Levy
Studio: CIVL Radio, University of the Fraser Valley
Video editing: @_sadhik.__
Translation: @_sadhik.__

Instagram post 17893395225072391

Instagram post 17893395225072391

All of us at the South Asian Studies Institute (SA

All of us at the South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) at the University of the Fraser Valley, are so proud that our Director, colleague, and friend Dr. Satwinder Kaur Bains was presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal by Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin and Premier of British Columbia David Eby in Vancouver today!
Satwinder is being celebrated and recognized for her significant contributions and outstanding achievements. Her dedication to service and impressive accomplishments have earned our respect and that of our community and country. The award recognizes Canadians like Satwinder who have had a positive impact particularly in the areas of diversity, sustainability, and the environment.
@goufv @ufv @ufvresearch @joannemaclean.ufvpresident @ufvarts @governmentofbc @musecdn @thecityofabbotsford @ufvenglish @fvcurrent
#canadianhistory #southasiancanadian #bchistory #SouthAsianDiaspora

The 5th Annual Bajwa Dhami Building Bridges Commun

The 5th Annual Bajwa Dhami Building Bridges Community Golf Day is here!
See you on the golf course tomorrow for a day full of camaraderie, golf, and making a difference!
@joannemaclean.ufvpresident
#golf #fundraising #southasiandiaspora #event

(1/2) We are very thankful to our sponsors for 202

(1/2) We are very thankful to our sponsors for 2024 Annual Bajwa Dhami Community Golf Day fundraising event.
Their generous and valuable support will help us raise funds to undertake important research initiatives at the South Asian Studies Institute.
#golf #fundraising #fundraisingevent #southasiancanadian #research

As we commemorate the 78th independence of India a

As we commemorate the 78th independence of India and Pakistan, the recent victories at the Paris Olympics offer a beautiful reminder of our shared humanity. Arshad Nadeem’s gold and Neeraj Chopra’s silver brought immense pride to their respective nations. But perhaps the most touching moment was the words from their mothers, crossing the borders of rivalry and competition. Neeraj’s mother lovingly said that Arshad is like a son to her, and Arshad’s mother echoed this sentiment, expressing that Arshad is like her own child. This heartfelt exchange reminds us that beyond the boundaries drawn by history, there is a deeper bond that unites us as people.
This bond was tested during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, a time of great chaos and pain. As the British rule in the subcontinent ended, a line was drawn that divided families, friends, and entire communities. The partition led to one of the largest mass migrations in human history, with millions displaced and countless lives lost. Despite the tumultuous beginnings, both nations have progressed and evolved over the years, each forging its own path while remaining linked by a shared history and culture.
The second photograph is from Hari Sharma Archives at the Simon Fraser University and marks the coming together of various South Asian communities of B.C in 1997 for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Independence.
#independenceday #arshadnadeem #neerajchopra #14thaugust #15thaugust

We are very pleased to announce SASI director, Dr.

We are very pleased to announce SASI director, Dr. Satwinder Bains, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by B.C Premier, David Eby. This medal celebrates and recognizes 30,000 Canadians who have had a positive impact on their communities and country. This award is a testament to Dr. Bains’ lifelong contributions and services to the South Asian communities of Abbotsford, B.C and beyond. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Bains for this outstanding achievement.
#kingcharlescoronation
@goufv @ufvresearch @sacda.sasi

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