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![Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel, [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0011_002.jpg?width=280)
Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19607
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Subseries
- Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Rajdeep Interviewee: Kanwal Singh Neel Interview Date: July 5, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 50 min., 32 sec. Recording Device: Zoom video communication platform
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and career, how his three-year grandson has been an inspiration and how important it is to educate yourself in different ways. 00:06:48 - 00:19:02 Kanwal talks about the diversity in the schools that he’s encountered over the years as a student and as an educator and shares his experiences getting hired as an educator on public television and being known as "the math guy". 00:19:03 - 00:46:39 Kanwal talks about the “Friends of Simon” tutoring out-reach program and his involvement. 00:26:40 - 00:30:24 Kanwal shares his experiences officiating the Canada Summer Games, the Harry Jerome Track Classic, the Commonwealth Games and other world class sporting events. 00:30:25 - 00:38:58 Kanwal describes a typical day while working at Simon Fraser University as Associate Director of Professional Programs, as a sports official and his involvement with Friends of Simon. Kanwal speaks about the importance of finding a balance between staying connected, finding your purpose and carrying on the passions that you enjoy. Kanwal talks about some of his favourite places in Burnaby including Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake and Central Park. 00:38:59 - 00:43:31 Kanwal talks about the changes that he’s seen in the lower mainland over his life time including; diminishing agricultural land, the fishing industry, public transportation, housing and retail infrastructure and homelessness. 00:43:32 - 00:50:32 Kanwal talks about his involvement with the Punjabi Cultural Association, the introduction of Punjabi language courses in public schools and his involvement in a Bhangra event. Kanwal imparts a final message to youth of today emphasizing the importance of, building relationships, giving back to your community, learning through education and being respectful of your own journey and others.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Kanwal Singh Neel was born in Mombasa, Kenya in 1953 and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1969. For the first few weeks after immigrating the family stayed at the Sikh Temple on Second Avenue before moving into a house which they rented. Kanwal attended Kitsilano Secondary School and later transferred to Steveston High School when his family moved to Richmond. In 1972, Kanwal and friends formed a bhangra group "Punjab Cultural Association" and in 1974 they performed at the World Exposition in Spokane, Washington. The group performed at various venues including the Pacific National Exhibition and other cities in the Province. In 1973, Kanwal was an officiate during the Canada Summer Games at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. Kanwal obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from University of British Columbia in computer science and mathematics and got his first teaching job in 1977. In 1978, he was an officiate of the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the next ten years he devoted himself to becoming an educator and during this time he became more involved with the B.C. Math Teachers Association. Kanwal and his wife Nancy married in 1982 and have two daughters. In the early 1990's, Kanwal joined Simon Fraser University as a faculty associate to work, train and mentor student teachers. Kanwal became President of the B.C. Math Teachers Association and travelled throughout the province to help solve issues being faced by students. In 1993, he co-hosted a TV show "Math Shop" on The Knowledge Network and he later co-authored a textbook series titled "Math Makes Sense". Kanwal continued to advance his knowledge in the field of mathematics obtaining a Doctorate from Simon Fraser University in 2008. Kanwal developed his doctoral work in Haida Gwaii, studying the mathematics that the Haida peoples used in day to day life, applying the applications and integrating the mathematics concepts with their cultural knowledge. Kanwal also worked with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and the Stó:lō Nation in helping to develop resources for them. Kanwal has been recognized with various awards and honours including being awarded an honorary doctorate by Kwantlen Polytechnic University and in 2017 as an inductee in the Sports Wall of Fame in Richmond for his outstanding contribution to amateur sport as an International Athletics Official. Since retirement, Kanwal continues to be involved in a project at Simon Fraser University "Friends of Simon" where university students go out and mentor and tutor immigrant and refugee children from South Asia and Africa and other countries. Interviewer biography: Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Education
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Sports
- Events - Competitions
- Housing
- Performances
- Names
- Neel, Kanwal Singh
- Simon Fraser University
- Friends of Simon
- Canada Summer Games
- Swangard Stadium
- Punjabi Cultural Association
- Responsibility
- Rajdeep
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Central Park
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.11
- Date
- [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
Images
![Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel, [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0011_002.jpg)
Looking east along Dominion street to corner of Douglas Road and Dominion Street
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91876
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Dominion Street, looking east. The houses are largely obscured by tall hedges and bushes. The photograph was taken from the north side of the street, opposite 5496 Dominion Street.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-057
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Dominion Street, looking east. The houses are largely obscured by tall hedges and bushes. The photograph was taken from the north side of the street, opposite 5496 Dominion Street.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.19"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "2016 / Looking East along Dominion St to corner of Douglas Rd. and Dominion St."
- Photograph 620-056 taken from the same vantage point
- Geographic Access
- Dominion Street
- Street Address
- 5538 Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking southwest from corner of Douglas Road and Dominion Street
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91878
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the houses and trees situated on the southwest corner of Douglas Road and Dominion Street. The large oak, hemlock, and fir were planted as part of the original landscaping of the Roberts' property in the 1920s. The photograph was taken from the Douglas Road and Dominion Street inter…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-059
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the houses and trees situated on the southwest corner of Douglas Road and Dominion Street. The large oak, hemlock, and fir were planted as part of the original landscaping of the Roberts' property in the 1920s. The photograph was taken from the Douglas Road and Dominion Street intersection.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.21"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "Looking southwest from corner of Douglas Rd. and Dominion St. / Oak Tree Hemlock Tree Fir Tree / planted in late 1920's"
- Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "April 2015"
- The oak tree is the same tree as in photographs 620-007, 620-014, 620-015, and 620-016
- Geographic Access
- Dominion Street
- Douglas Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking west along Dominion Street from across the street from 5496 Dominion Street
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91874
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- July 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the houses along the south side of Dominion Street with cars parked along the curb. In 2009 sidewalks were installed and the street was repaved under a neighbourhood local improvement request to the City. The photograph was taken from the north side of the street, opposite 5496 Dom…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- July 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-055
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the houses along the south side of Dominion Street with cars parked along the curb. In 2009 sidewalks were installed and the street was repaved under a neighbourhood local improvement request to the City. The photograph was taken from the north side of the street, opposite 5496 Dominion Street, looking west.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.17"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "Dominion St. infilled with houses on 33' lots / Photo July 2016"
- Geographic Access
- Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Looking west from back yard of 5496 Dominion Street
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91866
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 1, 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the backyard at 5496 Dominion Street, looking west, with the houses on Norfolk Street (left) and Dominion Street (right) visible in the background.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 1, 2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. copy print ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-047
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the backyard at 5496 Dominion Street, looking west, with the houses on Norfolk Street (left) and Dominion Street (right) visible in the background.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.10"
- Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "April 1, 2015"
- Geographic Access
- Dominion Street
- Norfolk Street
- Street Address
- 5496 Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
