South Asian Canadian Legacy Project: Unveiling a Tapestry of Heritage and History

Kamloops, BC 03/16/24

Contact: Dr. Satwinder Kaur Bains, Director South Asian Studies Institute, University of the Fraser Valley ,satwinder.bains@ufv.ca ,604-854-4547

  • Founders: The South Asian Canadian Legacy Project (SACLP) was conceived and started by Dr. Tzu-I Chung, the history curator at the Royal BC Museum, and Dr. Satwinder Kaur Bains, the director of the South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) at the University of the Fraser Valley.
  • Geographical Scope: To ensure a thorough portrayal of South Asian Canadian experiences throughout the province, the project was implemented in seven regions located in British Columbia, Canada.
  • Objective: With a focus on the value of inclusivity and community involvement, the goal of SACLP was to record, conserve, and disseminate the history, heritage, and accomplishments of South Asian Canadians in British Columbia
  • Key Initiatives: The SACLP included six ground-breaking projects, including as a digital archive, labour history documentation, a travelling museum display, a public social history book, and a tour of historic locations.
  • Cultural Enrichment: By showcasing the many traditions, practices, and accomplishments of the South Asian Canadian community, SACLP programmes have helped to enhance the cultural landscape of British Columbia and promote a better understanding and appreciation of different cultures among the general public.
  • Community Engagement: With the active participation of a variety of stakeholders, such as community organisations and young volunteers, SACLP was propelled by the community’s desire to investigate, document, and disseminate South Asian Canadian history.
  • Collaborative Partnerships: In order to guarantee that a variety of viewpoints and experiences within the South Asian Canadian diaspora are represented, the initiative promoted cooperation between educational institutions, cultural institutions, and community members.
  • Youth Involvement: Young people who volunteered for SACLP were integral to many parts of the project. They brought their perspectives and ideas to research, event organising, and archive work.
  • Legacy and Impact: By providing educators, scholars, and the general public with essential educational materials, SACLP programmes help to build a more inclusive society in British Columbia and beyond by encouraging a greater knowledge and respect of the South Asian Canadian experience.
  • Continued Legacy: The South Asian Canadian Legacy Programme (SACLP) continues to have an impact on communities, educators, and politicians by working to preserve and promote South Asian Canadian history for next generations.