South Asian Canadian Legacy Project: Unveiling a Tapestry of Heritage and History
Kamloops, BC, 03/16/24
The South Asian Canadian Legacy Project (SACLP), which unveiled a number of programmes aimed at preserving and honouring the rich legacy of South Asian Canadians in British Columbia (BC), shines as a light of cultural preservation and education. Leading the charge on this joint project to document the complex path of South Asian immigrants and their offspring in the province are Dr. Tzu-I Chung, Curator of History at the Royal BC Museum, and Dr. Satwinder Kaur Bains, Director of the South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) at the University of the Fraser Valley.
Over the last seven years, SACLP has explored seven locations of British Columbia in order to thoroughly document the historical, cultural, and social contributions made by South Asian Canadians. Driven by a common goal to uncover and disseminate the unseen tales of the South Asian Canadian community, Dr. Bains and her team painstakingly chronicled stories of migration, settlement, and advocacy.
The six innovative projects that make up SACLP are all aimed at amplifying the experiences and voices of South Asian Canadians:
1.The bilingual travelling museum display “Haq and History” explores topics of family life, labour experiences, community festivities, trans-Pacific travel, and campaigning for rights and justice. The exhibit, which is currently on view at the Surrey Centre Library, will travel the province adding local content to enhance the historical narrative.
2. Public Social History Book: Diverse viewpoints on South Asian Canadian experiences throughout British Columbia are provided by the publication of an extensive social history book. The book is an essential tool for comprehending the nuances of South Asian Canadian identity, with contributions drawn from the research and archives of the South Asian Studies Institute.
3. K–12 Teaching Resources: “Saffron Threads” offers instructors a collection of materials that delve into the history, culture, and heritage of South Asian Canadians for use in K–12 classrooms. These tools, which were created in partnership with Open School BC, support inclusive learning environments and are in line with provincial curriculum standards.
4. Digital Archive: From early immigration to modern experiences, the South Asian Canadian Digital Archive (SACDA) is a searchable online resource highlighting the history of the South Asian Canadian diaspora. The purpose of SACDA is to promote a better understanding of South Asian Canadian heritage through images, records, and personal stories.
5. History of Labour: SACLP, in collaboration with the BC Labour Heritage Centre, records the labour movements’ impact on South Asian Canadians. This culminates in the release of “Union Zindabad!” and an online display that is showcased in SACDA. The contributions made by South Asian Canadians to labour action in British Columbia are highlighted by this project.
6. Tour Historic Sites: This interactive map gives you an overview of important monuments and communities in British Columbia by highlighting historic sites that are recognised by the province and are connected to South Asian Canadian heritage.
A significant turning point in the preservation and promotion of South Asian Canadian history and heritage has been reached with the introduction of SACLP projects. According to Dr. Bains, “Our goal is to ensure that South Asian Canadian stories are not only preserved but also celebrated and shared widely.” This statement highlights the significance of community involvement in crafting the project’s narrative.
SACLP’s influence is expanding beyond provincial lines as it develops, igniting important discussions and fostering cultural appreciation across the country. The South Asian Canadian community’s tenacity and vigour are demonstrated by the legacy of SACLP, which guarantees that their historical legacies will be preserved for many more years.
Please visit South Asian Canadian Legacy Project (SACLP) – South Asian Canadian Legacy Project (southasiancanadianheritage.ca) to learn more about the projects of the South Asian Canadian Legacy Project. Or contact us
Dr. Satwinder Kaur Bains
Director South Asian Studies Institute
University of the Fraser Valley
satwinder.bains@ufv.ca
604-854-4547
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