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Indo-Canadian History
In Abbotsford
The Indo-Canadian community has existed in
Abbotsford for over 100 years. The first Indo-Canadians arrived here about
1902, from the Punjab Province of India.
Many
Canadian cities attracted Indo-Canadian pioneers, such as Paldi and Golden,
but the first community established itself in Vancouver. They were some of the early
pioneers of this area, but have often been forgotten in published histories.
These people came here and braved the trials of an unknown land and made
this place their home. Supporting the Abbotsford Lumber Company (once B.C.’s
third largest forestry employer), Indo-Canadian men made a significant
contribution to our economy and to shaping our community. The
1911 Gurdwara
(Sikh Temple) on South Fraser Way in Abbotsford is Canada’s, and perhaps
North America’s, oldest extant Sikh Temple. It was built with materials
donated by the Abbotsford Lumber Company and carried on the backs of Sikh men from Mill Lake
to the site where the temple was built. The Gurdwara was recognized as a
Canadian National Historic Site in July 2002. This site will introduce the
history of Indo-Canadians in Abbotsford. How To: Interpret the following table. Within each subsection (Old Temple, Family, Economic, etc.) of the Indo-Canadian site there are images that depict the subsection. In addition, the "Location" and "Year" of the images are stated. The "Photo Caption" either represents what is on the back of the photo or what we know of the photo. If you would like a high resolution copy of any of the images they can be identified to the MSA Museum by stating the "Photo I.D." number e.g. P11789. Phone 604-853-0313 or E-mail msamuseum@shawbiz.ca
Note: Click on the thumbnail to enlarge.
Photo I.D.: N/A Location: Museum of Civilization Year: 1999 Celebration of a century of Sikh presence in Canada.
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