Historical research documenting the 40-year struggle for South Asian voting rights (1907-1947)

This 2017 exhibit, created for Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations, reveals a lesser-known chapter of Canadian democracy. Despite having a significant presence since 1897, South Asians were stripped of voting rights in 1907 and fought for four decades to regain them. Through intensive archival research, this project documents the lobbying, community organizing, and protests that finally secured the franchise in 1947.

The research culminated in a comprehensive exhibit launch that drew strong community support and a visit from Prime Minister Trudeau to the Gur Sikh Temple.

Explore how academic research is uncovering the overlooked struggles that shaped Canadian citizenship and democracy.