Abbotsford Connection to Komagata Maru
Abbotsford Connection to Komagata Maru
Panels located outside the Gur Sikh Temple.
Panels designed by Faria Firoz
Panels designed by Faria Firoz
The Gur Sikh Temple, National Historic Site is both a gurdwara and a testament to the enduring spirit of Sikh migration in North America. Established in 1908, it was founded by early Sikh settlers who sought better opportunities in Canada, despite facing discrimination and hardships. The gurdwara’s architecture reflects rich Sikh traditions and has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada for its role in Sikh immigration history.
The gurdwara also played a significant role during the Komagata Maru tragedy, raising funds and providing a hub for cultural, political and spiritual engagement for Sikh immigrants who faced discrimination. This tragedy, along with the Gur Sikh Temple's legacy, contributed to changes in immigration policies and racial equality in Canada, improving the treatment of South Asian immigrants in the country.
The Fraser Valley community collaborated to honor these efforts, with an exhibit initiated by the City of Abbotsford and Mr. Raj Singh Toor. On July 22, 2023, a section of South Fraser Way was renamed Komagata Maru Way, reflecting Abbotsford's commitment to understanding its rich history.
The South Asian Studies Institute created a permanent exhibit, titled "Challenge and Denial-Komagata Maru 100 Years Later 1914-2014," to be displayed at the Sikh Heritage Museum within the National Historic Site, Gur Sikh Temple. The exhibit launched on January 26th, 2014, and attracted over 100 community members, emphasizing the enduring importance of the Komagata Maru tragedy and its impact on the Sikh community's history and identity. Today, the gurdwara remains an active hub for the Sikh community in Abbotsford, showcasing the resilience, faith, and unity of Sikh immigrants in Canada's multicultural tapestry.
Please refer to the information below to plan your visit to the Gur Sikh Temple, National Historic Site, and explore the Sikh Heritage Museum
Gur Sikh Temple, 33089 South Fraser Way,
The Reach Gallery Museum, N294
The Reach Gallery Museum, N294
A Short Documentary on the Gur Sikh Temple, National Historic Site and Sikh Heritage Museum by South Asian Studies Institute, UFV
Schedule your visit now!
Visit canadiansikhheritage.ca/book-a-tour/for more information
Click below to book a guided temple and museum tour