Centennial Celebration proposals
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62858
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of proposals put forward from various groups in hopes that their event be included in Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations. Included in the file are proposals from the Northwest Opera, the Burnaby Volunteer Centre, the Swinging Singles Dance Club and the New Vista Society.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-027
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of proposals put forward from various groups in hopes that their event be included in Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations. Included in the file are proposals from the Northwest Opera, the Burnaby Volunteer Centre, the Swinging Singles Dance Club and the New Vista Society.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Centennial Celebration proposals
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62859
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of proposals put forward from various groups in hopes that their event be included in Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations. Included in the file are proposals from the Red Cross, the Vancouver 86ers Soccer Club and the Burnaby Cactus and Succulent Club as well as a planting plan for the …
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-028
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of proposals put forward from various groups in hopes that their event be included in Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations. Included in the file are proposals from the Red Cross, the Vancouver 86ers Soccer Club and the Burnaby Cactus and Succulent Club as well as a planting plan for the Burnaby Mountain Centennial Rose Garden from the Parks and Recreation Department.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Centennial Celebration proposals
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62861
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of proposals (most with thank you letters attached) put forward from various groups in hopes that their event be included in Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations. Included in the file are responses from the Boy Scouts of Canada, the Burnaby Beautification Committee and United Way.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-030
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of proposals (most with thank you letters attached) put forward from various groups in hopes that their event be included in Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations. Included in the file are responses from the Boy Scouts of Canada, the Burnaby Beautification Committee and United Way.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Centennial Celebration proposals
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62862
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of proposals (most with thank you letters attached) put forward from schools in hopes that their event be included in Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations. Included in the file are three pieces of correspondence from the Burnaby School Board.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-031
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of proposals (most with thank you letters attached) put forward from schools in hopes that their event be included in Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations. Included in the file are three pieces of correspondence from the Burnaby School Board.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Centennial certificates
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91561
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1993
- Collection/Fonds
- Doreen Lawson fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of certificates of participation and appreciation received by Doreen Lawson for her contributions to the British Columbia Centennial Celebrations of 1996, Canadian Confederation Centennial Celebration of 1967, and Burnaby's Centennial 1992. File also contains one certificate recogniz…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1993
- Collection/Fonds
- Doreen Lawson fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS071-006
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- 2003-30
- Scope and Content
- File consists of certificates of participation and appreciation received by Doreen Lawson for her contributions to the British Columbia Centennial Celebrations of 1996, Canadian Confederation Centennial Celebration of 1967, and Burnaby's Centennial 1992. File also contains one certificate recognizing Doreen's involvement in Canada's 125th anniversary.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on content of file
Centennial Committee correspondence
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62839
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of correspondence between the Centennial Committee and Sherritt Limited regarding children's coins, silver coins for collectors, and silver, gold and bronze coated coins designed for Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-008
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of correspondence between the Centennial Committee and Sherritt Limited regarding children's coins, silver coins for collectors, and silver, gold and bronze coated coins designed for Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Centennial Committee meeting minutes
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62834
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of meeting minutes of the Centennial Steering Committee and Centennial Executive Committee during the organization of Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations. Also included in the file are proposed budgets for the Committee produced by City Council.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-003
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of meeting minutes of the Centennial Steering Committee and Centennial Executive Committee during the organization of Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations. Also included in the file are proposed budgets for the Committee produced by City Council.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Centennial Executive Committee meeting minutes
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62833
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of meeting minutes of the Centennial Executive Committee during the organization of Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-002
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of meeting minutes of the Centennial Executive Committee during the organization of Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Centennial Executive Committee meeting minutes
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62835
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of meeting minutes of the Centennial Executive Committee during the organization of Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-004
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of meeting minutes of the Centennial Executive Committee during the organization of Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Centennial Executive Committee meeting minutes
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62836
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of meeting minutes of the Centennial Executive Committee during Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-005
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of meeting minutes of the Centennial Executive Committee during Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Centennial Steering Committee meeting minutes
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62837
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of meeting minutes of the Centennial Steering Committee during the organizing and execution of Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-006
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproductions subject to FOIPPA
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of meeting minutes of the Centennial Steering Committee during the organizing and execution of Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Civic ceremonies, awards and special events series
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription157
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1919-2004
- Collection/Fonds
- Mayor's Office fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- Scope and Content
- Series contains records created by the Mayor’s Office during the Mayor’s participation in civic ceremonies, awards presentations, or other special events undertaken in or for the City of Burnaby. Records include: photographs, correspondence, memoranda, speeches, reports, newspaper clippings, progr…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1919-2004
- Collection/Fonds
- Mayor's Office fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- Scope and Content
- Series contains records created by the Mayor’s Office during the Mayor’s participation in civic ceremonies, awards presentations, or other special events undertaken in or for the City of Burnaby. Records include: photographs, correspondence, memoranda, speeches, reports, newspaper clippings, programmes, agendas, proclamations, plaques, itineraries, invitations, and ceremonial certificates and memorabilia. As the official representative for the citizens of Burnaby, the Mayor hosts and attends numerous ceremonies and special events throughout his/her term in office. Included in this series are records from events such as the 1984 and 1997 B. C. Summer Games, the 1992 Burnaby Centennial celebrations, and the 1971 Royal Visit from Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. During the course of these events, the City of Burnaby often is presented with ceremonial plaques, letters, or certificates that commemorate the special occasions and this material is included in the series. The Mayor is also responsible for seeing that awards are bestowed upon other deserving parties and ensures that achievements and special occasions are formally recognized by the City of Burnaby. Each year the Mayor presents the Kushiro Cup Award – which is named after Burnaby’s Sister City Kushiro, Japan – to an outstanding Burnaby resident and hosts such functions as municipal appreciation dinners. The records that are produced while carrying out these activities include criteria lists, resumes, correspondence, proclamations, and certificates.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
Clown
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription81246
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- October 21, 1998
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 14 x 20.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a Moscrop student dressed up as a clown with other students standing around.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- October 21, 1998
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 14 x 20.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 535-1390
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2012-11
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a Moscrop student dressed up as a clown with other students standing around.
- Subjects
- Clothing - Costumes
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Bartel, Mario
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Note in blue ink on recto of photograph reads: "Bartel Bby 2066 8 1/4 x 5 1/2"
- Trim marks and/or reproduction instructions on recto (scan is cropped)
- Accompanying caption reads: "Oct 21, 1998 2006: / Celebrations underway as Moscrop is transformed into an 8-12 school."
Images
Commemorative coin donation
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62866
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of papers pertaining to Royal Bank's donation of nine thousand, five hundred dollars for commemorative coins to be given to the school children of Burnaby (as part of the Centennial Celebrations).
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-035
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of papers pertaining to Royal Bank's donation of nine thousand, five hundred dollars for commemorative coins to be given to the school children of Burnaby (as part of the Centennial Celebrations).
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Education Committee papers
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62852
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of reports produced by the Education Committee for Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-021
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of reports produced by the Education Committee for Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Responsibility
- Submitted by Les Lee Lowe
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
![Esther Love Stanley photograph album 1, [1900-1928] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Images/2022/2022_0032_0001_003.jpg?width=280)
Esther Love Stanley photograph album 1
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19284
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1900-1928]
- Collection/Fonds
- Esther Love Stanley fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph album (429 photographs)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph album consists of photographs of various members of the Love family, relatives, friends and descendants including the members of the Brandrith, Stanley, Whiting and MacKenzie families. Album includes photographs taken by family members as well as portrait photographers that document even…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Esther Love Stanley fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph album (429 photographs)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph album consists of photographs of various members of the Love family, relatives, friends and descendants including the members of the Brandrith, Stanley, Whiting and MacKenzie families. Album includes photographs taken by family members as well as portrait photographers that document events, celebrations, gatherings, travels throughout British Columbia, various residences and vacation homes. Album and annotations were created by Esther Love Stanley and descendants.
- Creator
- Stanley, Esther Love
- Accession Code
- BV022.32.1
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1900-1928]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of album
- Individual photographs within album are described at item level BV022.32.2 to BV022.32.430
- Duplicate photographs within album were not accessioned or described
Images
![Esther Love Stanley photograph album 1, [1900-1928] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Images/2022/2022_0032_0001_003.jpg)
Documents
George Jeffery subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription57762
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1899-1959
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and photographs
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of personal and professional records, notebooks and papers pertaining to George Jeffery. Also included in the subseries are May Day programmes, invitations, and photographs of May Day, Diamond Jubilee of Confederation celebrations, and the Burnaby Police department.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1899-1959
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- George Jeffery subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and photographs
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of personal and professional records, notebooks and papers pertaining to George Jeffery. Also included in the subseries are May Day programmes, invitations, and photographs of May Day, Diamond Jubilee of Confederation celebrations, and the Burnaby Police department.
- History
- George Jeffery was a well-respected Burnaby police constable, having served first as a solider. Upon joining the police force in 1912, he was appointed to patrol the Central Park district, a position he held for 22 years. From his experiences confronting young shoplifters, he determined the reason groups of boys were getting into trouble was due to a lack of recreational activities on offer. He established the Burnaby Athletics Association in an old barn behind the Royal Oak Hotel to combat this, turning it into a competitive boxing ring and gym. George and his wife Harriet lived most of their married life in Central Park district with their three daughters: Patricia, a teacher in Burnaby prior to her marriage; Winnifred, Burnaby's 1929 May Queen; and Elsie who excelled at badminton. Patricia married William Poole; Winnifred married Fred Shaughnessy; and Elsie married Art Winteford. In 1935, when the BC Provincial police replaced the Burnaby Police, George quit the force in order to stay in Burnaby and worked at Oakalla Prison farm. He retired in 1945.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Creator
- Jeffery, George
- Notes
- Title based on contents of subseries
- MSS013, PC013
Hats Off Day Parade administrative papers
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62864
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of administrative papers pertaining to the special Hat's Off Day Parade organized as part of Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-033
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of administrative papers pertaining to the special Hat's Off Day Parade organized as part of Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
History and Heritage Committee papers
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62851
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of reports produced by the History and Heritage Committee for Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations. Included in the file are progress reports for the "Cable 4 Centennial Series - Stories of My Early Life" as well as the Heritage video for schools entitled "A Lesson for the Future."
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1991-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS098-020
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Accession Number
- BHS2001-12
- Scope and Content
- File consists of reports produced by the History and Heritage Committee for Burnaby's Centennial Celebrations. Included in the file are progress reports for the "Cable 4 Centennial Series - Stories of My Early Life" as well as the Heritage video for schools entitled "A Lesson for the Future."
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Responsibility
- Submitted by Harry Pride and Les Lee Lowe
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19347
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 sound recording (m4a) (118 min., 39 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (115 min., 20 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an oral history interview with Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill and their daughter, Prem Kaur Gill conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep. The interview is conducted in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The three members of the Gill family share the…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 sound recording (m4a) (118 min., 39 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (115 min., 20 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewers: Anushay Malik, Rajdeep Interviewees: Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill Location of Interview: Gill family residence on Warwick Avenue in Burnaby Interview Date: November 11, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:58:39) Digital master recording (m4a) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an oral history interview with Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill and their daughter, Prem Kaur Gill conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep. The interview is conducted in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The three members of the Gill family share their ancestral background, their personal experiences immigrating to Canada, living in Burnaby and working in British Columbia as South Asian immigrants. 00:00 – 27:34 Santokh “Gurmail” Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill share their migration stories and experiences living and working in British Columbia as South Asian immigrants and their eldest child, Prem Kaur Gill shares her own experiences as a child of South Asian immigrants and growing up in British Columbia as a South Asian Canadian. Gurmail Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar and Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in Hoshiapur of the Indian state of Punjab. Gurmail describes how he moved from India to England with his family in 1957, immigrated to Canada from England in 1966, married his wife Mohinder in England in 1968 and brought his family (parents and two siblings) to Canada from England in 1970 and other relatives including his wife’s family in the 1970s and 1980s. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill recollect their arranged marriage in England in 1968, their immigration process and explain how they arrived in Burnaby residing with a cousin at 4649 Georgia Street until they were able to purchase their own home after a few years. Gurmail shares names and connections to the relatives that came to British Columbia before him. Gurmail and Mohinder tell how they lived in the basement of the house and rented out the upper floor to save money. The couple recall what they brought with them when they immigrated to Canada and Mohinder Kaur Gill tells of how before leaving India, she and her mother made a special rajai for her to take with her. Mohinder describes the process of making a rajai (a quilted blanket that was made by hand). Gurmail and Mohinder Gill talk about the challenges that they’ve experienced as new immigrants including not being fluent in English, the cold weather and not having very many family or friends nearby to provide support. They attended the Gurdwara on Ross Street or Akali Singh Sikh Society Gurdwara on Skeena in Vancouver. They explain how there was limited access to grocery stores that supplied Punjabi and Indian spices and other cooking supplies. They talk about how they used a food mill and mortar and pestle to grind their own spices and flour and how Mohinder often made traditional sweets like barfi and laddo and pakoras using pea flour when they couldn’t get Besan flour. 27:35 – 36:11 Gurmail provides more details on his family’s immigration story, including names of relatives, how his six siblings and parents all immigrated to British Columbia in 1970 and how in the early 1970s and mid 1980’s Gurmail and his family sponsored approximately 70 friends and relations from India (including Mohinder’s family) to immigrate to Canada. When Mohinder’s family arrived they lived with them in their house until they were able to purchase property next door and build their own home. Children in the families all attended elementary and high school in Burnaby which now amounts to three generations. 36:12 – 59:28 Gurmail and Mohinder Gill talk about their experiences of racial discrimination. Gurmail recalls members of the South Asian community, Dr. Hari Prakash Sharma, Harinder Mahil and Charan Gill starting the British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism. Gurmail tells of how he got involved contributing some of his union dues as a member of CAIMAW (Canadian Association of Industrial Mechanical and Allied Workers Union- Local 15) and as a friend of Charan Gill and Raj Chouhan of the Canadian Farm Workers Union. Gurmail Gill explains how he was a founding member of CAIMAW and treasurer until the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union (in 1991). Mohinder and Gurmail tell of how people from the South Asian community were discouraged from wearing Punjabi dresses or head coverings for fear of being yelled at with racial slurs and how it was often scary to go outside. Many from their community often avoided attending the Akali Singh Gurdwara since a head covering was required and people were afraid of being a target. Gurmail provides details about his work with A1 Steel, how different unions were formed pertaining to various skillsets and jobs per company and how he became a member of CAIMAW Local 15 (foundry workers). Mohinder recollects her experiences as a mother, the daily tasks involved and friends that she made who’d also emigrated from Punjab. Mohinder describes how she designed and sewed many Punjabi dresses using her electric sewing machine and how she learned English by attending adult classes at a church on Commercial Drive. Mohinder and her mother attended the classes for two hours per day for six years at a cost of twelve dollars for ten weeks. Once Mohinder could speak a little English, she started working and was able to practice more. 59:29 – 1:06:08 Mohinder, Gurmail and Prem talk about some of their favourite traditional foods including corn roti and spinach curry and how they grow many of their own vegetables including peppers, eggplant, saag (spinach), onions, garlic, cilantro, zucchini, squash and fenugreek. Mohinder reflects on how access to Punjabi clothing and fabric stores in Vancouver has changed and that ready made food is now more available. Traditional foods were previously made from scratch with women gathering together and cooking for hours and now it’s gotten easier but more expensive and less of a community feel. 1:06:09- 1:55:20 Mohinder and Gurmail Gill discuss and share their perspectives and experiences on raising a family in the past versus today. Gurmail imparts that all of his siblings became educated and secured professional careers while he continued to work in the trades. Prem Kaur Gill shares her own experiences growing up and attending school in Burnaby. Gurmail and Mohinder Gill recall the type of suitcase that they brought with them when they immigrated and how they recently they got rid of it. Gurmail and the group reflect and discuss the confusion with racial identity terms that have been used in this country. They comment that South Asians were referred to as “Hindu” and “East Indian” and Indigenous peoples were referred to as “Indian” and the controversy and racism behind some of these terms. The group discusses the impact of the caste system and other discriminatory experiences and compare their experiences of living in England to living in Canada. Prem comments on how it’s just recently that South Asian customs, celebrations and practices have been recognized and celebrated here in Canada, like Diwali and yoga. They comment on how much of the language, culture and customs have been retained in Surrey where many can still communicate in Punjabi and don’t need to be fluent in English. The group discusses how many South Asians immigrants first lived and worked in Vancouver but with rising property prices many moved to Surrey expanding and establishing a much larger South Asian community with resources. The group discusses and compares the differing travel routes that many of them and their relatives took when immigrating and travelling between India and Canada. The group talks about Rajdeep’s ancestral village in India which is near the Gill village of Firozpur. Gurmail explains the origins and details behind his family name that was changed from “Shergill” to “Gill” and the name “Santokh” from his maternal side.
- History
- Interviewees' biographies: Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar in Punjab, India. Gurmail moved to England with his family in 1957 and immigrated to British Columbia in 1966. Gurmail married his wife, Mohinder Kaur Gill in England in 1968 and she immigrated to British Columbia from England soon after. Gurmail first lived with a cousin in Burnaby before purchasing a home of his own in Burnaby where he raised his family. Gurmail worked in the steel industry and was a member and treasurer of the CAIMAW before the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union. Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in the Hoshiapur in Punjab, India. She married her husband Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill in England in 1968 and immigrated to Burnaby, British Columbia to join her husband. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill have four children, all born in Burnaby. Prem Kaur Gill was born in Burnaby in 1969 and is the eldest child of Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill. Prem grew up and attended school in Burnaby. Interviewers' biographies: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. 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
- Clothing
- Foods
- Indigenous peoples
- Buildings - Religious - Temples
- Food Processing Tools and Equipment
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Migration
- Occupations
- Organizations - Unions
- Responsibility
- Rajdeep
- Malik, Anushay
- Accession Code
- BV022.29.2
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcript available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum
- Indian Family System Reference notes: Baba = informal way to say grandfather; old man Bibi = informal way to say grandmother; old woman Dada= paternal grandfather Dadi= paternal grandmother Dadke= paternal family members; paternal side (Various spellings might exist for the following terms) Thaiyya= father’s elder brother (uncle) Thaiyyi= father’s elder brother’s wife (aunt) Chacha= father’s younger brother (uncle) Chachi= father’s younger brother’s wife (aunt) Bua= father’s sister (older or younger) (aunt) Phuphar= father’s sister’s husband (uncle) Nana= maternal grandfather Nani= maternal grandmother Nanke/nanka= maternal family members; maternal side Mama= mom’s brother (older or younger) (uncle) Mami= mom’s brother’s wife (aunt) Maasi= mom’s sister (older or younger) (aunt) Maasard= mom’s sister’s husband (uncle)
Audio Tracks
Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill, [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill, [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0002_002.mp3