South Asians first arrived in Canada at the end of the 19th century, and by 1908 about 5,000 were reported to be residing in British Columbia. That year, the Canadian government introduced the Continuous Journey requirement seeking to prohibit further South Asian migration.
A group of South Asian academics, activists and community groups have come together to organize a week-long series of events beginning Nov. 17, to mark over 100 years of South Asian presence in Canada, and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Continuous Journey requirement.
In 1914, Gurdit Singh, a Punjabi, chartered the Komagata Maru and a group of 376 South Asians passengers sailed to Canada to challenge this racist law. Although they were forced to return to India, they dealt a serious blow to the ‘keep Canada white’ policies of the white settler society.
In 2008, Statistics Canada reported that visible minorities account for 16.2 per cent of the country’s population. South Asians are the largest group, making up 25 per cent of visible minorities.
Events from Nov. 17 to 23 will pay homage to the struggles waged by South Asian communities in the past, celebrate our achievements, and build alliances as we face the challenges of the 21st century.
Organized by Sunera Thobani, RAGA Centre, UBC, Indira Prahst, Langara College and community activist, and Harsha Walia, community activist, the week of events promises to enlighten all.