The Sikhs in Canada: Migration, Race, Class, and Gender

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From the Jacket :

The passage of Sikhs from India to Canada and their location in the Canadian mosaic constitutes an interesting subject for sociological analysis. This book deals with the migratory patterns and characteristics of Sikh immigrants to Canada, the trials and tribulations faced by them, and their professional and social status in a foreign land.

This volume discusses the self-perception of the Sikhs as an oppressed minority community in India. It analyses their desire to create a space for themselves - politically, economically, and geographically - to safeguard their religious, cultural, and linguistic rights. The authors focus on the historical and contemporary plight of the Sikhs in Punjab, from where most of the Sikhs immigrated, and links it with the formation and politics of the Sikh community in Canada.

The authors go on to discuss the Canadian immigration policy in general and the policies specific to immigration from India. The current socio-economic status of the Sikh immigrants and the participation of Sikh immigrant workers in the Canadian labour force is another vital issue of concern. Racism, racial discrimination, and racist labour policies at the workplace resulted in exploitation of early Sikh workers. The authors recount instances of political activism and anti-colonial and anti-racist activities of 'pioneer' immigrants.

The nature and formation of social and cultural institutions of immigrants are influenced to a great extent by the Canadian immigration policy which had a deep impact on the formation and development of Sikh families and conjugal life in Canada. The book covers race, class and gender issues as they related to the status of the Sikhs in Canada.

This book will be of interest to students and scholars of sociology, anthropology, politics, and history.

About the Author :

Gurcharn S. Basran and B. Singh Bolaria are Professors, Department of Sociology, University of Sanskatchewan, Canada.

Excerpts From Reviews:

"On May 13, 1914, 376 British subjects (12 Hindus, 24 Muslims, and 340 Sikhs) of Indian origin arrived in Vancouver harbour abroad the Komagata Maru, seeking to enter Canada, 352 of the passengers were denied entry and forced to depart on July 23, 1914. This plaque commemorates the 75th anniversary of the unfortunate incident of racial discrimination and reminds Canadians of our commitment of an open society in which mutual respect and understanding are honoured, differences are respected, and traditions are cherished." - Plaque at the Gateway to the Pacific, Downtown Vancouver

"Komagata Maru Incident 75^th Anniversary: Dedicated to the memory of the 376 passengers (340 Sikhs, 24 Muslims, 12 Hindus) who arrived at Burrard Inlet, Vancouver on May 23, 1914, from Indian sub-continent on the ship Komagata Maru (Guru Nanak Jahaz). Due to the racist immigration policy of the Dominion of Canada, they were forced to leave on July 23, 1914. Khalsa Diwan Society, Vancouvr, pays respect to those passengers by commemorating the reprehensible incident." - Plaque in the Vancouver Gurdwara dedicated July 23, 1989