. . . an exhibit on the Indo-Canadian community in Abbotsford, created by the MSA Museum Society with assistance from the Canadian Museums Association, the Department of Canadian Heritage, the British Columbia Arts Council, and the local Sikh community.  Copyright 2001, Matsqui- Sumas- Abbotsford Museum Society.

            As one enters the Fraser Valley from the east, the vista of Sumas Mountain appears as a sleeping elephant.  This sight is perhaps an appropriate reminder that, until recently, a vital part of Abbotsford's history lay dormant and a significant cultural community had been referred to as "forgotten pioneers."  A temporary exhibit, The Sleeping Elephant, taken from the original 1996 Our Forgotten Pioneers, is available for loan.  Please contact the MSA Museum for terms of loan.

Introduction   Also See - Click Here -->   Indo-Canadian History   

            Indo-Canadians have settled in the Abbotsford area since c. 1905.  Mill companies like the Hartnell Lumber Mill and the Abbotsford Lumber Company attracted many Indo-Canadians, especially Sikh men, to this area.  The Sikhs brought with them their culture, religion and lifestyle; as a group, they have made a significant contribution to the development of Abbotsford.  After the construction of the Abbotsford Gurdwara in 1911, their community life has been centered around the temple.  The Gurdwara also attracted many other Sikh immigrants to our area.  Indo-Canadian pioneers describe Abbotsford as being mostly tolerant of different racial groups, although for many years the Sikhs endured systematic racism under the federal government's immigration legislation.        

In the years since 1905, the Indo-Canadian community in Abbotsford has contributed to our city’s social, cultural, and political life.  They have also helped the economy to grow – especially through logging, farming and retail business.  There is a sizable Indo-Canadian community in Abbotsford today.  In the early 1900's, there were between 50 and 100 Sikh men residing in Abbotsford.   By 1991, there were 6,075 residents who identified themselves as having an Indian cultural background.  As do other immigrant communities, Indo-Canadians celebrate their heritage and contributions to Canada with pride.  Canada is the country where they have made a living, have become involved in their community, and have raised their children with a high level of education.  One of our pioneers, Indar S. Gill, wrote in his memoirs: "I regard Canada as my home and my country . . . I feel that Canada is everyone's country.  It belongs to no one ethnic group.  By working hard, every person has the chance to have a happy life and satisfied life here in Canada."  To him, and many others, Canada is truly "everyone's country."

                                                
Sikh culture
Immigration to Canada
Settlement in Abbotsford
The Gurdwara (temple)
Family histories 

The Sleeping Elephant, copyright Matsqui- Sumas- Abbotsford Museum Society