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lands and resources, and the lack of treaties in British Columbia. Delegates were chosen from the Cowichan, Secwepemc, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations to undertake this long journey. However, these efforts did little to stop the alienation of local Indigenous people from their lands

1 image 1 digital book

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Digital Reference Collection

Material Type: Digital Resource

Accession Code: BV019.64.1

Call Number: 971.100497 BVM

Edition: First

Author: Burnaby Village Museum; Fortney, Sharon

Contributor: Kwantlen First Nation; Sḵwx̱wú7mesh First Nation; Tsleil-Waututh First Nation; ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation

Place of Publication: Burnaby, BC

Publisher: City of Burnaby

Publication Date: 2019

Library Subject (LOC): Indigenous peoples--British Columbia; Indigenous peoples--British Columbia--History; Indigenous peoples--Canada--History

Subjects: Indigenous peoples - British Columbia; Indigenous peoples - British Columbia - Languages; Indigenous peoples - British Columbia - Societies, etc.

Name Access: Burnaby Village Museum

Object History: 2019 version of working document developed by Burnaby Village Museum in collaboration with a number of First Nations partners over the course of several years. We recognize that Burnaby falls within the shared, ancestral and unceded territories of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking people. We equally respect each of the Nations who share territory in Burnaby, and invite and welcome their ongoing participation in developing the contents of the Indigenous History in Burnaby Resource Guide.

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Digital Books

Man turned to stone : T'xwelátse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1452

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Author: T'xwelátse; Stó:lo Nation; Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford

Publication Date: c2012

Call Number: 971.1004 TXW

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Reference Collection

Material Type: Book

ISBN: 9780987966100

Call Number: 971.1004 TXW

Author: T'xwelátse; Stó:lo Nation; Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford

Place of Publication: Abbotsford, B.C.

Publisher: Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford

Publication Date: c2012

Physical Description: 71 p. : ill. (some col.), maps, ports. ; 36 cm

Library Subject (LOC): T'xwelátse; Stó:l¯o Indians--History--Pictorial works; Spirituality--Indigenous--North America; Cultural property--Repatriation--British Columbia--Pictorial works

Subjects: Indigenous peoples; Indigenous peoples - British Columbia

Notes: Includes bibliographical references; Published in conjunction with the exhibition, Man turned to stone: T'xwelátse, held at the Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford, April 14-May 29, 2011; Oversized book

Price paid : the fight for First Nations survival

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7446

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Author: Sellars, Bev, 1955-

Publication Date: c2016

Call Number: 971.00497 SEL

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Reference Collection

Material Type: Book

ISBN: 9780889229723; 0889229724

Call Number: 971.00497 SEL

Author: Sellars, Bev, 1955-

Place of Publication: Vancouver, BC

Publisher: Talonbooks

Publication Date: c2016

Physical Description: 209 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.

Library Subject (LOC): Indigenous peoples--Canada--History; Indigenous peoples--Legal status, laws, etc.--North America; Indigenous peoples--Legal status, laws, etc.--Canada

Subjects: Indigenous peoples - British Columbia

Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index; "Foreword and excerpts by Hemas Kla - Lee - Lee - Kla (Hereditary Chief Bill Wilson)" -- title page.

Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 1 & Group 2 - Burnaby, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Mission and Map of Port Simpson Harbour

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription7080

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [190-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 9 plans : 3 plans : blueprint ink on paper + 4 plans : black ink and graphite on linen + 2 plans : graphite on paper mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with five plans in New Westminster District, Group 1 mounted on one side and three plans in New Westminster District, Group 1 and a map of Port Simpson Harbour mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. Plan: blueprint on paper ; 30 x 20 cm. Title reads: "Plan of / Subdi…

2 images 2 zoomable images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Series: Survey and Subdivision plans series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 9 plans : 3 plans : blueprint ink on paper + 4 plans : black ink and graphite on linen + 2 plans : graphite on paper mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Material Details: Scales vary (One chain equals 792 inches); Indexed number on tape on edge of board reads "111"

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with five plans in New Westminster District, Group 1 mounted on one side and three plans in New Westminster District, Group 1 and a map of Port Simpson Harbour mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. Plan: blueprint on paper ; 30 x 20 cm. Title reads: "Plan of / Subdivision of Part of D.L.172.GR.I.N.W.D." Scale: 200 feet = 1inch. dated, Feb.22, 1908, signed by land surveyor "Noel Humphreys" (Geographic location: District Lot 172, Burnaby) 2. Plan : graphite and blue crayon on paper ; 21.5 x 22 cm. Title in blue crayon reads: "N.E.1/4 & NW 1/4 Sec.25 / Tp 18". Scale: 10 chains=1 inch (Geographic location: Mission) 3. Plan : graphite on paper ; 31.5 x 16 cm. Title in blue crayon reads: "Lot 350_ Gr.1" with initials "RB". Scale : 3 chains = 1 inch. (Geographic location: Port Moody) 4. Plan ; graphite on linen ; 40 x 54 cm. Title in blue crayon reads: "Lot 190_Gr.1" with initials "RB". Plan covers area in Lot 190 including streets identified as; McInness Street, First Street, Second Street, Third Street, Fourth Street running through District Lot. (Geographic location: Port Moody) 5. Plan: blueprint on paper ; 50.5 x 57.5 cm. Title reads: "Plan of / T.F. Sinclair's Quarry Site. / SituateOnPittRiver.Sec.122T.P.40. / East of Coast Mer." Scale: 5 chains = 1inch. dated June 30 1908 [sic] Plan covers site of T.F. Sinclair's quarry in Section 22 of Township 40 on the shore of Pitt River. (Geographic location: Coquitlam ) Side B: 1. Map : blueprint on paper ; 50 x 38 cm. Scale: 40 chains - 1 inch. Title reads: "Map of Land on / Port Simpson Harbor". Scale : 40 chains = 1 inch Map covers subdivided land on the North Coast of British Columbia on the Tsimpsean Pennisula bordered by water identified as "Work Channel" to the west, "Port Simpson Harbour" to the east and land identified as "Indian Reserve" [Lax Kw'alaams] to the south. Names of property owners are identified in subdivided sections and area of land along the shore of "Work Channel" is identified as "Goverment Reserve". Blueprint includes inset "Key Map" with location of Port Simpson Harbour and Tsimpean Pennisula on the North Coast of British Columbia. 2. Plan : graphite on linen ; 24.5 x 46 cm. Title reads: "Portion of Lot 470 / Group 1" Scale : 2 chains = 1 inch. Plan covers a subdivided portion of District Lot 470, New Westminster District, Group 1 with streets identified as; "Pleasant Street", "Metta Street" and "Clarence Street". (Geographic location: Port Moody) 3. Plan : black ink on linen ; 40 x 30.5 cm. Title reads: "Plan / of / A Portion of the Foreshore / of / Lot 201 GR.2 / N.W.D. / Showing / Mill-Site". Scale : 100 feet = 1 inch. Plan is stamped in red ink: "Albert J. Hill, M.A., / Civil Engineer / And / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C.". Survey notes in black ink read: "Surveyed Oct 9th 1908 for Messrs. / Roe & Abernathy and plan (duplicate / of this one) sent Oct. 8th / G.K. Burnett". (Geographic location : Port Moody) 4. Plan : black and red ink on line ; 63 x 29.5 cm. Title reads: "Port Moody / Butchard's Property". Scale : 200 feet = 1 inch. Plan covers subdivided lot into 16 parcels numbered I to XVI along the north shore of Burrard Inlet in Port Moody. Streets are identified as; George Street, Bruce Street, Norval Street, Nora Street, Elm Street, Pine Street, Orr Street and Orchard Street. Roads are identified as; West Road and East Road. (Geographic location : Port Moody)

Creator: Hill, Albert James

Subjects: First Nations reserves - British Columbia; Indigenous peoples - Indian Territory

Accession Code: HV977.93.111

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [190-]

Media Type: Cartographic Material

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-06-26

Notes: Title based on contents of file

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Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 1 & Group 2 - Burnaby, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Mission and Map of Port Simpson Harbour, [190-]

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1977_0093_0111_004

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Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 1 & Group 2 - Maple Ridge, Surrey, ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription7051

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [190-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 10 plans : graphite and ink on paper and linen; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with five plans in New Westminster District (Group 1 & Group 2) mounted on one side and five plans in New Westminster District (Group 2) mounted on the other side. Side A: 1.Plan : black ink on paper ; 48.5 x 33 cm. Title reads: "Plan of / The Subdivision of / The /…

2 images 2 zoomable images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Series: Survey and Subdivision plans series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 10 plans : graphite and ink on paper and linen; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Material Details: Scales vary (One chain equals 792 inches); Indexed number on tape on edge of board reads "82"

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with five plans in New Westminster District (Group 1 & Group 2) mounted on one side and five plans in New Westminster District (Group 2) mounted on the other side. Side A: 1.Plan : black ink on paper ; 48.5 x 33 cm. Title reads: "Plan of / The Subdivision of / The / S.E. 1/4 of S.W.1/4 / Sec.35, TP. 2 / N.W.DIST." Scale 200 feet = 1 inch Stamp in red ink on plan reads: "Albert J. Hill, M.A., / Civil Engineer / And / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." Annotation in blue crayon reads "RB_also Board 81" (Geographic location: Surrey) 2. Plan : black ink on linen ; 40 x 32 cm. Title reads: "Subdivision / of / N.W. 1/4 of Section 19, Group 2 (crossed out to read "Township 2) / New Westminster District , B.C." Sudivision includes lots in Section 19 to the east of Mud Bay Road. Stamp in red ink on plan reads: "Albert J. Hill, M.A., / Civil Engineer / And / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." Scale: 5 Chains = 1 Inch (Geographic location: Surrey) 3. Plan : graphite on paper ; 37.5 x 21.5 cm. Title reads:"Portion of Lot 51, Group 2, New Westminster District". Scale: 500 feet = 1 inch. (Geographic location: Surrey) 4. Plan : graphite on paper ; 24 x 17 cm. Title reads: "Lot 401, G1" Includes area identified as "Brickyard" Scale: 3 chains = 1 inch. Annotation in blue crayon reads: "Lot 401 GR. 1_RB" (Geographic location: Maple Ridge) 5. Plan : ink on paper ; 58.5 x 36.5 cm. Title reads: "Sketch plan / of / Cloverdale and Vicinity / from Nicomekl River / to McLellan Road". Plan identifies lot owners and land marks as; Robinson, Cloverdale Hotel and station, I.B. Fisher, D.W. McKenzie, A. Milton, T. Shannon, Johnson, O. Gummitt, F. Shannon, Murphy, D. McKenzie, J. Armstrong, W. Bell, R. Ludlow, J. Appel. Includes directional and natural flow of water in ditches and collecting basin. Annotation in blue pencil reads: "Sec. 5 Twp". (Geographic locaiton: Surrey) Side B: 1. Plan : black ink on linen ; 24 x 33 cm. Title reads: "Prop Outfall from River Road" (in blue crayon with initials RB). Plan refers to the proposed outfall of water from River Road to Fraser River and running through Lots 1, 2, B & A. Plan includes route of the proposed bridge approach on the south shore of the Fraser River. (Geographic location: Surrey) 2. Plan : black ink on linen ; 22.5 x 22.5 cm. Title reads: "Plan / of Proposed Outfall / from / River Road / to / Fraser River" Annotation in blue crayon reads: "Prop outfall from River Rd." and is initialed "RB". Scale: 132 feet = 1 inch. (Geographic location: Surrey) 3. Plan : black ink on paper ; 45 x 56 cm. Title reads: "Plan of South Half Sec.18, TP1 / Surrey Municipality". Plan includes subdivision of lots in Section 18, Township 1, bordered by Semiamu Bay [sic] (Semiahmoo Bay) to the west. (Geographic location: Surrey) 4. Plan : black ink on paper ; 45 x 30 cm. Title reads: "Plan of the / Subdivision of the / S.E. 1/4 Sec. 2, TP.7. / N.W.D." Subdivided lots north of the International Boundary are identified with names: "Rodgers, Fish & Hayward and Reid" Scale 5 chains = 1 inch. Stamp in blue ink reads: "I, ALBERT J. HILL / a British Columbia Land Surveyor, certify..." Signed by "Albert J. HIll. B.C.L.S." (Geographic location: Surrey) 5. Plan : black ink on linen ; 22.5 x 22.5 cm. Title reads: "ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Ind. Res" (in blue crayon). Plan refers to an area of land on the south shore of the Fraser River in District Lot 1, identified as "ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Reserve" in Group 2, New Westminster District. Scale: I inch = 4 chains (Geographic location: Surrey)

Creator: Hill, Albert James

Subjects: First Nations reserves - British Columbia; Indigenous peoples - Indian Territory

Names: ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)

Accession Code: HV977.93.82

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [190-]

Media Type: Cartographic Material

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-06-26

Notes: Title based on contents of file

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Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 1 & Group 2 - Maple Ridge, Surrey, ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), [190-]

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1977_0093_0082_004

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Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 1 & Group 2 - Port Moody, Surrey

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription7042

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1898-1910]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 10 plans : graphite and ink on paper and linen; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with four plans in New Westminster District mounted on one side and six plans mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. Plan : black ink and graphite on paper ; 46.5 x 37.5 cm. Title reads: "Bon Accord Hatchery / Sec 6 B5N R1W". Signed by Albert J. Hill P.L.S. August 1…

2 images 2 zoomable images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Series: Survey and Subdivision plans series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 10 plans : graphite and ink on paper and linen; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Material Details: Scales vary (One chain equals 792 inches); Indexed number on tape on edge of board reads "73"

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with four plans in New Westminster District mounted on one side and six plans mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. Plan : black ink and graphite on paper ; 46.5 x 37.5 cm. Title reads: "Bon Accord Hatchery / Sec 6 B5N R1W". Signed by Albert J. Hill P.L.S. August 12, 1903. Plan covers land identified as Section 6, Section 7, Located along the south shore of the Fraser River in Port Mann (Geographic location: Surrey). 2. Plan : black ink and graphite on paper ; 36 x 31 cm. Title reads: "Survey of Portions of Sec. 20 B5N R2W". Plan is stamped in red ink: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer". Scale 4 chains = 1 inch. 3. Plan : black ink on linen ; 14 x 23 cm. Title reads:"Port Moody". Plan covers sections in Lot 191 (District Lot 191) bordered by Burrard Inlet to the west and Lot 235 and Lot 233 to the south. Streets identified include Water Street, Beauregard Street, Yonge Street, Clinton Street and Oxford Street. 4. Plan: graphite and ink on paper ; 43.5 x 64.5 cm. Title reads: "Sketch Plan Approved by Council [sic] / _[sic]1898". (No identifying geographic landmarks provided) Side B: 1. Plan : graphite on paper ; 53.5 x 31 cm. Title reads: "Plan of Lot 13, Gr. II, N.W. Dist". Sketch plan covers area along the Fraser River in District Lot 13, New Westminster District, Group 2. District Lot 13 is bordered by District Lot 14 (to the west) and Lot 12 (to the east). Natural geographic features within District Lot 13 are noted as "dense brush and fallen timber / sallal / rough spruce and cedar / swamp / fine alder / sallal / fine alder bottom land / fine brook". Scale: 3 chains = 1 inch (Geographic location: Surrey) 2. Plan : black ink on paper ; 50.5 x 34.5 cm. Title reads: "Indian Reserve / Opposite / New Westminster". Plan covers area on the south shore of the Fraser River in New Westminster District Group 2 in an area known as Brownsville. Lots are identified as District Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 18, 17 and 8 and Sections A and B. Two areas of land are noted as "Indian Reserve"; one 6.3 acre parcel and one 104.25 acre parcel, both within District Lot 1. Note on plan reads: "N.B. this plan shows reserves and adjacent properties as they are on the ground". (Geographic location: Surrey) 3. Plan : black and col. ink on paper ; 19.5 x 31.5 cm. Title reads: "Bon Accord Road". Plan shows elevation. "Average section 10 feet = 1 inch". Plan is stamped in red ink: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer and Provincial Land Surveyor, New Westminster, B.C." (Geographic location: Surrey) 4. Plan : black and col. ink on linen ; 16.5 x 25.5 cm. (no formal title) Plan covers area of Section 35, south of Yale Wagon Road and east of Quible Road. Plan is signed by "Albert J. Hill / B.C.L.S." (Geographic location: Surrey) 5. Plan: black and col. ink on linen ; 22.5 x 22.5 cm. (no formal title) Plan covers area between Yale Road and Townline Road in Surrey. Scale: 4 chains = 1 inch. Plan is signed by Albert J. Hill B.C.L.S. [190-] (Geographic location: Surrey) 6. Plan : graphite on paper ; 24 x 54 cm. (no formal title) Plan covers sectioned areas along Bon Accord Road. Sections are identified as " Sec. 8 / T.F. Patterson"; "Sec. 9 / Russell"; "Elliott_Burnett_Crean / Sec. 16"; "Dom. Govt. / Sec. 17". (Geographic location: Surrey, beneath the Port Mann bridge)

Subjects: First Nations reserves - British Columbia; Indigenous peoples - Indian Territory

Names: ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)

Accession Code: HV977.93.73

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1898-1910]

Media Type: Cartographic Material

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-06-26

Notes: Title based on contents of file; Note re plan 2B: The sight of Brownsville was also the former site of the Qayqayt First Nation and one of the main summer villages of the Kwantlen and ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) peoples

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Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 1 & Group 2 - Port Moody, Surrey , [1898-1910]

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1977_0093_0073_004

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Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 2 - Surrey and Map of Surrey Municipality

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription7063

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [190-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 5 plans : blueprints on paper ; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with two plans in New Westminster District (Group 2) mounted on one side and three plans in New Westminster District (Group 2) mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. Plan : blueprint on paper ; 75.5 x 64.5 cm. Title reads: "South Westminster / Plan/ of Subdivision of…

2 images 2 zoomable images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Series: Survey and Subdivision plans series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 5 plans : blueprints on paper ; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Material Details: Scales vary (One chain equals 792 inches); Indexed number on tape on edge of board reads 94"

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with two plans in New Westminster District (Group 2) mounted on one side and three plans in New Westminster District (Group 2) mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. Plan : blueprint on paper ; 75.5 x 64.5 cm. Title reads: "South Westminster / Plan/ of Subdivision of / Lot 440, G2, E1/2Sec36, NE1/4Sec25, N1/2ofSE1/4Sec25, T4.NW1/4S31,T2.". Subdivision plan covers subdivided property in Lot 440 and Section 36, Section 25 in New Westminster, Group 2, Township 4 (Delta) and Section 31 in Township 2 (Surrey). Includes inset map noting property in "South Westminster". Map is bordered by Burrard Inlet to the north and Mud Bay to the south. (Geographic locations: North Delta and Surrey) 2. Plan : blueprint on paper ; 22.5 x 59.5 cm. Title reads: "Plan / Shewing part of / Section 10 Block 5 North R.I.W. / New Westminster District / Lying North of B.C.S.Railway". Scale: 2 chains = 1 inch. Signed by A.S. Colton, District Land Surveyor. March 1, 1900. Plan covers property in Section 10, Block 5 North in New Westminster District, Group 2, along the south shore of the Fraser River with the Great Northern Railway running through. (Geographic location: Surrey) Side B: 1. Map : blueprint on paper ; 69 x 53 cm. Title reads: "Map / of / Surrey Municipality". Scale: 5 chains = 1 inch. Creator and surveyor of map is identified as "Albert J. Hill, M.A., Civil Engineer / And / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C.". Map identifies property divisions including lots with names of property owners, Sections, Townships, Wards, waterways, major roads, railways and the Semiahmoo Indian Reserve on the shore of "Semiahmoo Bay" and an indian reserve (I.R.) located in Lot 1 along the south shore of the Fraser River. 2. Plan : blueprint on paper ; 21 x 40.5 cm. Title reads: "Plan / of / Sudivision of / Section 32, / Block 5 North Range 1 West, / District of New Westminster, B.C.". Scale: 4 chains = 1 inch. Sudivision plan is signed by Albert J. Hill, B.C. Land Surveyor. Plan covers Section 32, subdivided into 28 parcels. Section 32 is bordered by Section 29 (north), Section 33, Johnston Road (east), Section 34, Township 2, Town Line Road (south) and Section 31 (west). (Geographic location: Surrey) 3. Plan : blueprint on paper ; 49.5 x 37 cm. Title reads: "Traverse of the Waterline / in front of / Lots 3 and 4 Group 2 / N.W.D. / with G.N. Railway Rt of Way". Scale: 100 feet = 1 inch. Annotation on board below plan reads: "also see Boards 87 & 93 & 110". Location south of the Fraser River with old wharf identified and Great Northern Railway running east to west along the river. (Geographic location: Surrey)

Subjects: First Nations reserves - British Columbia; Indigenous peoples - Indian Territory

Names: Great Northern Railway

Accession Code: HV977.93.94

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [190-]

Media Type: Cartographic Material

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-06-26

Notes: Title based on contents of file

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Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 2 - Surrey and Map of Surrey Municipality, [190-]

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1977_0093_0094_004

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Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 2 - Surrey, Delta

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription7047

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1898-1910]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 10 plans : graphite and ink on paper and linen; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with four plans in New Westminster District mounted on one side and six plans mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. Plan : black ink on paper with colour (no formal title). Plan covers area in New Westminster District, Group 2 situated along the south shore of the …

2 images 2 zoomable images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Series: Survey and Subdivision plans series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 10 plans : graphite and ink on paper and linen; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Material Details: Scales vary; Indexed number on tape on edge of board reads "78"

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with four plans in New Westminster District mounted on one side and six plans mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. Plan : black ink on paper with colour (no formal title). Plan covers area in New Westminster District, Group 2 situated along the south shore of the Fraser River identified as "Indian Reserve / Turner 1868" situated in District Lot 1 between District Lot 2 identified as "Mohun's Line" and "Herring's Line" bordered by lots B and A. Includes note "see plan of subdivision of Lots 3 & 4 Gr. 2". (Geographic location: Surrey) 2. Plan : graphite on paper ; Title reads: "B5N R2W, Sec.26_Sec. 28 / Sec. 35_Sec.36". Plan covers a 60 acre parcel in Sec. 35 with Yale wagon road to the south. Scale: 6 chains = 1 inch (Geographic location: Surrey) 3. Plan : black ink on paper ; Title reads: "Survey for Proposed Highway in Indian Reserve Surrey". Plan covers area of land to the northwest of Lot 2 along the shore of the Fraser River and identfies route of proposed highway, proposed tramway as well at the Great Northern Railway and bridge. Scale: 2 chains = 1 inch 4. Plan : black ink on red lined graphing paper ; Title reads: "Sketch Plan Showing Section of Great Northern R. of W. at Point of Crossing of Proposed Ditch". Plan covers area of Lot 2 in New Westminster District, Group 2. (Surrey) Scale: 1 inch = 5 feet. (Geographic location: Surrey) Side B: 1. Plan : black ink on paper ; Title reads: "Plan of Subdivision of a Portion of Section 13, TP2, Surrey Municipality, New Westminster District, B.C.". Plan covers land bordered by Coast Meridian Road (to the east), Bose Road (to the south) and Pike Road (to the west). Surveyed for D.S. Bayners, Nov. 24, 1908. Scale: 5 chains= 1 inch 2. Plan : black ink on linen with colour ; Title reads: "Traverse of the Waterline in front of Lots 3 and 4, Group 2, New Westminster District with G.N. Railway Right of Way". Plan covers area along the southern shore of the Fraser River with a road crossing the Great Northern Railway and leading to a wharf. Scale: 100 feet = 1 inch (Geographic location: Surrey) 3. Plan : black ink on paper ; Title reads: "Survey of the South Boundary of Sec. 12, Township 2, New Westminster District". Plan covers area south of Bose Road and west of Coast Meridean Road and north of McClellen Road. Scale: 400 feet = 1 inch. Sec.12 (Geographic location: Surrey) 4. Plan : graphite on paper ; Title reads: "Plan of Subdivisioin of a part of S.E. 1/4 of Sec. 7, TP 8". Plan covers area of Section 7 in New Westminster District, Group 2, Township 8. Streets are identified running through lot including, Langley Ave., Robinson Ave, Melrose Ave., Hawthorne Ave., Broadway, Bond Ave., Mable Ave., Breene Ave. and McLelland Ave. and Clover Valley Road. Scale: 200 feet = 1 inch. Note in black ink reads: See Bd. 166 for blue print. (Geographic location: Surrey) 5. Plan : graphite on linen ; Title reads: "Sec.20, B5N R2W". Plan covers area north of Yale Road and is subdivided into parts identified as A, B, C, D, E, and unknown. (Geographic location: Surrey) 6. Plan : black ink and graphite on paper ; (no formal title) Plan covers lots surveyed along Ladner Road identified as A, B and Lots 13, 12 and 11. [Geographic location: Delta]

Subjects: First Nations reserves - British Columbia; Indigenous peoples - Indian Territory

Accession Code: HV977.93.78

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1898-1910]

Media Type: Cartographic Material

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-06-26

Notes: Title based on contents of file; Note re plans 1A & 3A: The sight of Brownsville was also the former site of the Qayqayt First Nation and one of the main summer villages of the Kwantlen and ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) peoples; Scale is measured in chains and feet. (One chain equals 792 inches)

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Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 2 - Surrey, Delta , [1898-1910]

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1977_0093_0078_004

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Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 2 - Surrey, ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Reserve

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription7055

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [190-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 12 plans : graphite and ink on paper and linen; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with twelve plans (six plans mounted on each side). All plans are located in New Westminster District, Group 2, covering geographic areas within Surrey. Side A: 1. Plan : black ink on paper ; 20.5 x 57.5 cm. Title reads: "Extension of Tram Line / Hospital to Distill…

2 images 2 zoomable images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Series: Survey and Subdivision plans series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 12 plans : graphite and ink on paper and linen; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with twelve plans (six plans mounted on each side). All plans are located in New Westminster District, Group 2, covering geographic areas within Surrey. Side A: 1. Plan : black ink on paper ; 20.5 x 57.5 cm. Title reads: "Extension of Tram Line / Hospital to Distillery St." Scales: Hor: 100 feet = 1 inch; Vert: 20 feet = 1 inch. tram line, hospital to distillery street; 2. Plan : black ink on linen ; 55 x 46.5 cm. (no title). Plan covers New Westminster District, Group 2, Lots 1,2, 3,4, A and B and the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Reserve (1868).along the south shore of the Fraser River opposite City of New Westminster. Portion of land is highlighted in blue along the west border of the "ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Reserve" and between Lot 2 and Lot 1 and survey lines identified as "Mohun's Line" and Hill's Line. Stamp in red ink on plan reads: "Albert J. HIll, M.A. / Civil Engineer / and Provincial Land Surveyor / New Westminster / B.C." (Geographic location: Surrey also formerly known as Brownsville) 3. Plan : black ink on paper ; 34.5 x 23 cm. Title reads: "Lot 51, Gr.2" (in blue crayon). Plan covers area in New Westminster, Group 2, District Lot 51, north of Mud Bay with the Victoria Terminal Railway and Great Northern Railway lines identified. (Geographic location: Surrey) 4. Plan : graphite on paper ; 16.5 x 18 cm. Title reads: "Sec.20, B5N R2W" (underlined in blue crayon). Sketch plan covers and area in New Westmninster District, Group 2. Plan includes initials "RB" in blue crayon. Scale: 5 chains = 1 inch (Geographic location: Surrey) 5. Plan : graphite on paper with annotations in black ink ; 17 x 21 cm. Title reads: "N.W.1/4 Sec.12 TP2" (in blue crayon). Plan covers an area in New Westminster District Group 2 in Section 12, south of Bose Road. Identifying land marks include names: "Bose", "Smith" and "Church Land" Scale: 8 chains = 1 inch (Geographic location: Surrey) 6. Plan : graphite on paper ; 38 x 26.5 cm. (no title) Sketch plan covers areas in Lot 1 and Lot 2 with land identified as "Dominion Government". (could be survey for ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Reserve) (Geographic location: Surrey also formerly known as Brownsville) Side B: 1. Plan: black ink on paper ; 53.5 x 38 cm. Title reads:"Plan of Subdivision / of / Section 27, / Block 5 North, Range 2 West / New Westminster District". Scale: 4 chains = 1 inch. Includes area subdivided into 18 lots, south of Hjorth Road (104th Avenue) and west of Quible Road with Yale Road running through. Note in blue crayon reads: See also Bd.93) (Geographic location: Surrey) 2. Plan : black ink on paper ; 35 x 28 cm. Title reads: "Plan / of / Block A - L387A / Surrey". Scale: 2 chains = 1 inch. Annotaion in blue crayon reads: "Blk A / Lot 387a_Gr. 2". Plan covers New Westminster District Group 2, Block A, Lot 387 A, south of Parsons Slough and east of Latimer Road (192nd Street). Stamp in red ink on plan reads: "Albert J. HIll, M.A. / Civil Engineer / and Provincial Land Surveyor / New Westminster / B.C." (Geographic location: Surrey) 3. Plan : black ink on linen ; 50 x 42 cm. Title reads: Plan / of part of / Campbell River / running through / the South portion / of N.E. 1/4, Section 8, / Tp. 7, East of Coast Meridian / also / Showing location / of Shingle Mill and Dam". Scale: 100 feet = 1 inch. Plan covers the area in New Westminster District, Township 7, Section 8 with Hall's Prairie Road (184th Street) running through and intersecting with Campbell River. Vegetation, buildings, bridge, shingle mill are identified. (Geographic location: Surrey) 5. Plan : black ink on linen ; 21.5 x 16.5 cm. Title reads: "Sec.32, B5N R2W". Scale: 10 chains = 1 inch. Signed by "Albert J. Hill / B.C.L.S. / Dec. 23, 1908". Note on survey reads: "No actual survey / 40 ac. surveyed". (Geographic location: Surrey) 6. Plan : graphite on paper ; 22 x 15.5 cm. Title reads: "Position 'A5' Subjects / by _McKenzie" [Geographic location: Surrey]

Creator: Hill, Albert James

Subjects: First Nations reserves - British Columbia; Indigenous peoples - Indian Territory

Names: ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)

Accession Code: HV977.93.86

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [190-]

Media Type: Cartographic Material

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-06-26

Notes: Title based on contents of file; Numeric stamp on edge of board reads: "86"

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Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 2 - Surrey, ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Reserve, [190-]

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1977_0093_0086_004

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Survey plans in New Westminster District Group 1 - Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription7074

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [190-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 6 plans : graphite and ink on paper and linen; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with three plans mounted on one side and two on the other side. All plans are located in New Westminster District, Group 2, covering geographic areas within Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Side A: 1. Plan : black ink on linen ; 34 x 86 cm. Title reads: "Survey / of / …

2 images 2 zoomable images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Series: Survey and Subdivision plans series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 6 plans : graphite and ink on paper and linen; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Material Details: Scales vary (One chain equals 792 inches); Indexed number on tape on edge of board reads "105"

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with three plans mounted on one side and two on the other side. All plans are located in New Westminster District, Group 2, covering geographic areas within Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Side A: 1. Plan : black ink on linen ; 34 x 86 cm. Title reads: "Survey / of / Dyke and Waterfront / Sec's 9, 10, 11, 13 & 14 / B5N R1E". Scale: 400 feet = 1 inch. Stamp in red ink on plan reads: "Albert J. Hill, M.A., / Civil Engineer / And / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." (Geographic location: Pitt Meadows) 2. 2 plans : black ink and graphite on paper ; 34.5 x 51 cm. Titles read: "Survey / For Highway / in / Section 4, Township 15, / New Westminster District. / For Maple Ridge Council." and "Survey / for Highway / in / Section 5, Tp. 15, / New Westminster Dist. / For Maple Ridge Council." Survey plan in Section 5, Township 15, covers SW quarter of Sec. 5, Tp. 15 with "Indian Reserve" (Whonnock Indian Reserve No. 1 - Kwantlen First Nation) identified. Stamp in red ink on plan reads: "Albert J. Hill, M.A., / Civil Engineer / And / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." Scales vary per drawing: 4 chains = 1 inch and 2 chains = 1 inch. (Geographic location: Maple Ridge) 3. Plan, black ink and graphite on paper ; 41 x 34 cm. Title reads: "Plan / of Subdivision / of / Fractional S.E. Quarter / of Sec. 6, TP. 15 / New Westminster District". Scale: 4 chains = 1 inch tamp in red ink on plan reads: "Albert J. Hill, M.A., / Civil Engineer / And / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." . Annotation in blue crayon reads: "also Board 122. (Geographic location: Maple Ridge) Side B: 1. Plan : black ink and col. red ink on linen ; 25.5 x 16 cm. Title reads: "Plan of Survey in Lot 398 Gr. 1 / For Lougheed & Abernathy". Scale: 3 chains = 1 inch. Plan is signed by "G.K. Burnett" September 25, 1907. (Geographic location: Maple Ridge) 2. Plan : graphite on paper with annotations in blue ; 91 x 67 cm. Title on survey plan reads: "Lot 441, 439, 438, 440, Gr. 1 / Showing bank of Stave River" (in blue crayon). Survey plan includes lot numbers and identifies "Indian Reserve" (Whonnock Indian Reserve No. 1 - Kwantlen First Nation) (Geographic location: Maple Ridge)

Creator: Hill, Albert James; Burnett, Geoffrey K.

Subjects: First Nations reserves - British Columbia; Indigenous peoples - Indian Territory

Accession Code: HV977.93.105

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [190-]

Media Type: Cartographic Material

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-06-26

Notes: Title based on contents of file

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Survey plans in New Westminster District Group 1 - Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, [190-]

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1977_0093_0105_004

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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…

1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries

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

Names: Gill, Prem Kaur; Gill, Mohinder Kaur; Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0002_002.mp3

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12337

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. …

1 image 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Josephine Chow Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: February 7, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:43:19

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. The farm is situated in the Big Bend area along Marine Drive and is still in operation today. 0:00-08:45 Josephine Chow provides some historical background on the history of “Hop On Farm” and her family in British Columbia. She tells of how her grandfather Gay Tim Hong and three partners pooled money together to purchase twelve acres on Marine Drive in 1951. Prior to this, most of them farmed on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation Reserve for 20-30 years. It all began when her great grandfather Sui Wing Hong, first came to Canada from China and slowly brought over her grandfather, father and other members of the family. Her grandfather, Gay Tim Hong went back and forth between Canada and China at least four times since he and her grandmother had four children including her father, who was born in 1931. Her father came to Canada at 10 years of age to live with his father. Josephine’s great grandfather came to Vancouver from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). 8:46- 14:20 Josephine provides the names of her siblings from the eldest to the youngest; Pauline, Josephine (herself), Catherine, Noreen, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. She describes what life was like on the farm with her parents working from sunrise to sunset. The family farmed vegetable produce taking orders from local stores in the lower mainland. Often the children helped their parents with the orders starting at eight or nine years of age. Other workers on the farm travelled by bus from Vancouver’s Chinatown. She also tells of how her father was an animal lover and raised chickens, pigeons, geese, koy, goldfish and dogs. 14: 21 – 16:56 Josephine describes what Burnaby was like during the time that she grew up in the late 1950s. She explains that Burnaby was very quiet with nothing being open on Sundays. On the farm, she and her siblings would entertain themselves by playing games like soccer, baseball and kick ball or also by catching frogs, snails, caterpillars and ladybugs. There were neighbours living on Marine Drive and almost every house had someone who we went to the same elementary school. The neighbourhood children would often come to play with them on their farm. 16:56- 26:47 Josephine describes how when they were young there were farms all around them and how on Sunday drives with her father, they would go to feed horses or look at the cows. Josephine shares that her elder sister Pauline was the only one born in China and how when she first arrived that she lived on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations Reserve with their parents before they moved to Burnaby. Josephine recollects that most of her friends were farmer’s kids from the neighbourhood but while in school, she had more Caucasian friends. Josephine and her siblings attended Glenwood Elementary on Marine Drive and later Junior Secondary at McPherson Park (grades 8-10) and Burnaby South Senior Secondary (grades 11-12. ). She shares some of her experiences while attending school. She said that there were about a dozen Asians in school with her, mostly from farming families in the “Flats”. 26:48- 30:45 Josephine describes what life was like for her and her siblings after school. They often helped on the farm when they got home, usually taking care of orders for green onions. Her mother made dinner and did all of the cooking for family and workers on the farm as well as working in the fields. Her father did all of the grocery shopping in Vancouver’s Chinatown two or three times per week where he purchased meat and fish. She says that her grandfather, often travelled by bus every Saturday or Sunday to meet up with friends in Chinatown. Extracurricular activities for her and her siblings included volley ball and soccer as long as it didn’t interfere with their work schedule on the farm. 30:46- 37:03 Josephine describes what occurred while living at home, the food they ate, shopping and attending Chinese school. Her mother cooked only Chinese food, she didn’t know how to cook “Western food”. For school lunches, the kids made their own sandwiches. She tells of a Chinese language school arranged by Mrs. Joe [sic] who lived on Gilley Road and was Canadian born Chinese. Mrs. Joe [sic] also arranged an English class for farmer’s wives on Tuesday nights in which her mother attended. Josephine recollects learning Mandarin from Mrs. Joe [sic] a few days a week after her regular school. Chinese school took place at Riverway School on Meadow Avenue in Burnaby. Mrs. Joe also taught them a lot about Chinese culture including Kung Fu, Chinese Dance and Chinese brush painting. 37:04- 39:39 Josephine describes Medical Care for her and her family in the 1950s and 1960s. She tells of a female Chinese doctor in Vancouver, Dr. Madeline Chung. Dr. Chung was responsible for delivering a lot of Chinese babies including Josephine. The family also visited herbalists in Vancouver Chinatown. They would often buy herbs for colds etc. Josephine also tells of how her parents stayed in touch with family in China by writing letters. Her mother’s family, including her parents and siblings were still in China while most of her father’s family were here in Canada. 39:40- 43:19 – In closing, Josephine shares how life is much busier now and of how she misses the quietness of her days growing up. She briefly describes her life on the family farm now and how different it is from when her parents worked the farm. She explains how farming methods have changed and how they don’t have to work as hard as her parents did.

History: Interviewee biography: Josephine Chow (nee Hong) is the second eldest child of Chan Kow Hong and Sui Ha Hong. In 1925, Josephine's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong immigrated to Canada from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). In 1952, her father, Chan Kow Hong joined his father, Gay Tim Hong and by 1953, he established "Hop On Farms" in the Big Bend area of Burnaby near Marine Drive. Josephine grew up on the farm with her parents and six siblings; Pauline, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. In 1969, Josephine's elder sister Pauline and her husband Jack Chan took over the family farm and in 1972 their father and grandfather moved to Kamloops to open a restaurant. As an adult, Josephine worked in several different areas including owning and running her own Aesthetics business. Josephine eventually retired and returned to the farm to assist her siblings. The farm is still in operation. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Agriculture - Farms; Education; Buildings - Schools; First Nations reserves - British Columbia

Names: Chow, Josephine; Glenwood Elementary School; McPherson Park Junior Secondary School; ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)

Responsibility: Fong, Denise

Geographic Access: Byrne Road

Accession Code: BV020.6.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Big Bend Area

Related Material: See also BV017.36*

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 12/3/2017

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of interview; Photograph info: Gary Hong and Chan Kow Hong harvesting celery at Hop-On Farms [1969]. BV017.36.4

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020, [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0001_001.mp3

Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District, Group 2 - Surrey, ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Reserve

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription7068

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [190-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 11 plans : graphite and ink on paper and linen + blueprint ; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with eleven plans in New Westminster District (Group 2) mounted on one side and five plans in New Westminster District (Group 2) mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. Plan : black ink on linen ; 19.5 x 32 cm. Title reads: "Yale Road / Sec.9 & 10 / B5N R2W" (in blue …

2 images 2 zoomable images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Map collection

Series: Survey and Subdivision plans series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 11 plans : graphite and ink on paper and linen + blueprint ; various sizes mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm

Material Details: Scales vary (One chain equals 792 inches); Indexed number on tape on edge of board reads "99"

Scope and Content: File consists of a large board with eleven plans in New Westminster District (Group 2) mounted on one side and five plans in New Westminster District (Group 2) mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. Plan : black ink on linen ; 19.5 x 32 cm. Title reads: "Yale Road / Sec.9 & 10 / B5N R2W" (in blue crayon). Scale: 400 chains = 1 inch. Initals in blue crayon: "RB". Survey plan of Yale Road running through Sections 9 and 10 in New Westminster District, Group 2. (Geographic location: Surrey) 2. Plan : blueprint on paper ; 35.5 x 77.5 cm. Title reads: "Victoria Terminal Railway & Ferry Co. / Plan showing / Proposed Change of Wagon Road through White Rock, B.C" Scale: 400 feet = 1 inch. "H.C. Brice / Engineer in charge / New Westminster, B.C.". February 1906. Signed by "Walter Wilkie B.C.L.S.". Annotation in blue crayon reads: "Sub. of Parts of Sec. 10 & 11 / Tp. 1". Semiahmoo Indian Reserve, Washington Ave., Feb. 1906; 2. Yale Road, Sec.9, 10, B5N R2W, River Rd.; (Geographic location: White Rock) 3. Plan : graphite on paper ; 34 x 94 cm. Title reads: "Tp 7 / NW District" (in graphite) and "Campbell River / in Twp. 7" (in blue crayon). TP7, New Westminster District, Campbell R. in TP4, Coast Meridian, Bamford; (Geographic location: Surrey) Side B: 1. Plan : black ink and col. ink on paper ; 28 x 38.5 cm. Title reads: "G.N.R. / South approach to Wests bridge" (in blue crayon). Scale: 2 chains = 1 inch. Signed by Albert J. Hill, B.C.L.S. Plan covers land in Lot 2, Group 2 and ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Reserve with approach to bridge running through. (Geographic location: Surrey) 2. Plan : black ink and col. ink on paper ; 26.5 x 44.5 cm. Title reads: "Plan / of / River Frontage / across / Lot 1 BI.N.R.2W. and Lot 6, B.I.N.R.I.W. / N.W.D." Scale: 6 chains = 1 inch. Stamp in red ink reads: "Albert J. Hill, M.A., / Civil Engineer / and / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." (Geographic location: Surrey) 3. Plan : graphite and ink on paper ; 27 x 44.5 cm. (no formal title) Plan covers area between Yale Road, (north), Quible Road (west) and Townline Road (south). Scale: 4 chains = 1 inch. Signed by Albert J. Hill, B.C.L.S. Annotations in blue crayon read: "also Board 83 / Cancelled" (Geographic location: Surrey) 4. Plan : graphite on paper ; 35.5 x 21.5 cm. Title reads: "Sec 33 B.5N. R2W / see finished drawing Board 125". Initials in blue crayon "RB". Plan certifified by B.C. Provincial Land Surveyor in blue ink "Albert J. Hill". 5. Plan : black ink and col. ink on linen ; 15.5 x 22 cm. Title reads: " Lot 167 Gr. 2" (blue crayon). Scale: 200 feet = 1 inch. Signed by Albert J. Hill, Provincial Land Surveyor. Survey of aarea north of Cloverdale & Guichon Railway with area identified as "Gravel Pit". "Cancelled" in upper left corner of plan. (Geographic location: Surrey) 6. Plan : graphite on paper ; 27 x 27.5 cm. Title reads: "South Half / of / S.W.1/4 Sec.31 TP7 / N.W.D.". Scale: 5 chains = 1 inch. Other title at top of plan reads; "Edward Parr [sic] / Cloverdale". Covers area east of Coast Meridian Road in Section 36. (Geographic location: Surrey) 7. Plan : graphite on paper ; 20.5 x 16 cm. Title reads: "Survey of [sic] Sec. 16, Tp 1[sic] / ..." Other title in blue crayon reads: "N.E. 1/4 Sec. 16 / Twp. 1". (Geographic location: Surrey) 8. Plan : graphite on paper. ; 26.5 x 35 cm. (title is illegible) Plan covers are in New Westminster District, Group 2 along the south shore of the Fraser River. (Geographic location: Surrey)

Creator: Hill, Albert James

Subjects: First Nations reserves - British Columbia

Accession Code: HV977.93.99

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [190-]

Media Type: Cartographic Material

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-06-26

Notes: Title based on contents of file

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Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District, Group 2 - Surrey, ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Reserve, [190-]

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1977_0093_0099_004

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Interview with Jagandeep "Jag" Nagra

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19605

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1984-2023 (interview content), interviewed 5 Jun. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (wav) (47 min., 26 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (47 min., 27 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Jagandeep "Jag" Nagra interviewed by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 – 00:04:31 The interview opens with introductions and biographical details about Jag Nagra. The interviewer shares information about Jag Nagra…

1 document 1 audio

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 sound recording (wav) (47 min., 26 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (47 min., 27 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: James Binks Interviewee: Jagandeep "Jag" Nagra Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: June 5, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 47:27

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Jagandeep "Jag" Nagra interviewed by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 – 00:04:31 The interview opens with introductions and biographical details about Jag Nagra. The interviewer shares information about Jag Nagra’s art career and the many art projects and commissions that Jag has worked on. Jag shares information about her parents, providing details about their immigration to British Columbia from Punjab and the places that Jag and her family have lived over the years. 00:04:32 – 00:12:38 Jag talks about what inspired her to become interested in art, her art education and how her artistic practice and expression have developed over time. Jag describes how she first started in graphic design, how she’s become more involved in public art and her experience working in design. Jag touches on her experiences of being a South Asian growing up and living in a predominantly white neighbourhood and provides information about her parents, Avatar Singh Nagra and Rajwant Kaur Nagra and their migration to Canada. 00:12:39 – 00:20:03 Jag talks about her inspiration in creating her work, her involvement with the revitalization of the Punjabi Market in Vancouver, the Punjabi Market Collective and other public art projects that she’s been involved with focusing on the South Asian community and LGBTQ+ issues. 00:20:04 – 00:41:09 Jag talks about her involvement with the Burnaby Village Museum’s exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. The interviewer and Jag take a walk throughout the exhibit while Jag describes the art work that she created for the exhibit and her creative process. Jag reflects on her own experiences being involved in the exhibit. 00:41:10 – 00:47:27 Jag talks about her own experiences as a South Asian Queer artist reflecting on her experiences within the art community. In closing Jag reflects on the impacts of the exhibit that celebrates South Asian culture in Burnaby.

History: Interviewee biography: Jagandeep "Jag" Nagra is a queer Panjabi Visual Artist passionate about community development, making art accessible and ending stigma against LGBTQ+ people within the South Asian community. Nagra has worked with clients such as the Vancouver Canucks, Tim Hortons and Microsoft and is currently serving as Vice Chair of the Punjabi Market Collective. She is featured in the internationally acclaimed, award wining LGBTQ documentary Emergence: Out of the Shadows. Her artworks are part of the Museum of Vancouver’s permanent collection and have been commissioned for the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit "Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby". Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Migration; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Persons - LGBTQ+; Occupations - Artists; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Social Issues - Discrimination

Names: Nagra, Jagandeep "Jag"

Responsibility: Binks, James

Accession Code: BV023.16.9

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1984-2023 (interview content), interviewed 5 Jun. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby

Documents

2023_0016_0009_003

Audio Tracks

Interview with Jagandeep

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0009_002.mp3

Interview with Richard Liu

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20283

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1936-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 Sep. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 3 sound recordings (wav) (153 min., 33 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (152 min., 59 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Richard Liu conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 11, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:26:39 Richard Liu shares biographical information about himself and his family in China. He talks about his family being forced…

1 document 1 audio

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: 3 sound recordings (wav) (153 min., 33 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (152 min., 59 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Richard Liu Location of Interview: Love farmhouse at Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: September 11, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: 02:33:33 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto three separate audio tracks, edited and merged together into one track and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Richard Liu conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 11, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:26:39 Richard Liu shares biographical information about himself and his family in China. He talks about his family being forced out by the communist regime in the early ‘50s and their experiences immigrating to Hong Kong, Europe and Canada. 00:26:40 - 00:32:59 Richard talks about his parents’ experiences living in Toronto, Victoria and Burnaby and shares some of his father’s business accomplishments including establishing the first direct flight to Beijing in 1987 and the first sister city between China and Canada. 00:33:00 – 01:13:59 Richard talks about living in Burnaby and his educational experiences at Thomas More Collegiate. He recalls his experience of travelling to North Korea in 1988 and being a student at Peking University in Beijing during the student-led demonstrations in Tiananmen Square and the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. 01:14:00 – 01:26:16 Richard talks about his education and reflects on how his experiences in Beijing influenced his education and career choices including working in the Prime Minister’s office on trade missions to China and talks about the importance of leaning French. 01:26:17 – 01:48:35 Richard shares his memories and experiences of; being on the Canadian Paralympic Committee during the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in China, supporting Rick Hansen during his visit to China for the 25th anniversary of the Man in Motion World Tour and working with Team Canada in China for the 2022 Olympic Games. 01:48:36 – 01:52:22 Richard talks about his life in Burnaby after moving back from China in 2014 and the changes he’s noticed since being away. Richard talks about his involvement with St. John Ambulance, his role as the Honorary Brigade Division President and his role as Heritage Commissioner for the City of Burnaby. 02:14:32 – 02:29:27 Richard talks about his investiture to the Order of Saint John in 2023 and reflects on the accomplishments of his great uncle Dr. Shin-Shu Liu (China’s first Ambassador to Canada). 02:29:28 – 02:32:59 In closing Richard imparts some words of wisdom for future generations.

History: Interviewee biography: Richard N. Liu was born in 1970 in Toronto and raised in British Columbia. Richard's family has distinguished Canada-China ties for three generations. His Great-Uncle, Dr. Liu Shih-shun, was China's first Ambassador to Canada in 1942 and his father, Dr. Liu Dun-ren, built relations in education, culture and tourism for three decades including establishing the first Twin Sister City between Canada and China with Victoria and Suzhou in 1980. Richard's maternal great-grandfather, Dr. Wu Han-chi (1872-1913) played an active role in uprisings that shaped the future of modern China, was an elected member of the lower house of the first formal parliament in 1913 and was assassinated on political grounds. Dr. Wu's daughter, Dr. Wu Chi-mei served Dr. Sun Yat-sen, was elected as a Guangzhou City Councillor and visited Vancouver in 1929 and 1932. After graduating from St. Thomas More Collegiate in Vancouver, Richard Liu moved to China to begin his studies at Peking University but in 1989, following the Tiananmen Square protest and massacre, he was evacuated from China and returned to Canada. While back in Canada, Liu completed a BA in East Asian Studies from the University of British Columbia and in 1993, he returned to China to continue his Chinese studies at Peking University and continued to live in China for twenty years. In 2008, Richard worked as Team Canada’s Attaché for the Paralympic Summer Games that took place in Beijing. In 2014, Liu returned to Canada and made his home in Burnaby with his wife and two children. In 2022, Liu returned to Beijing to serve as Mission Staff member for Team Canada at the Winter Olympics. Richard has also played a leading role with the Terry Fox Run, Special Olympics and Rick Hansen's visit to Beijing in 2011. Liu’s areas of expertize include; public relations, diplomacy, major events organization and education. Liu works as an advisor in East Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia and is a MA Candidate at Peking University. Richard founded the Canadian Alumni Network that connects over 16,000 alumni in China who’ve attended Canada's post-secondary institutions. Liu has been a commissioner with the City of Burnaby’s Heritage Commission (2018-2023) and sits on various boards advising companies and organizations on a variety of sectors pertaining to Asia. In 2019, Liu was appointed the Honorary Brigade Division President for St. John Ambulance and was among 13 UBC Alumni to be recognized and awarded the 2018-2019 UBC Alumni Builder Award “For his service, dedication, and contribution to UBC and its alumni community. For his long record of service fostering connections with alumni and students in Beijing and Asia as well as dedication to mentoring students in the Faculty of Arts.” On June 24 2023, Richard was formally invested into the Order of St. John, one of five national orders in the Canadian Honours System. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Migration; Officials; Education; Protests and Demonstrations; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Sports; Travel; Religions - Christianity

Names: Canadian Paralympic Committee; Chak, Dr. Po Tin; Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC; Liu, Richard N.; Liu, Dr. Dun-ren; Liu, Dr. Shih-Shun; Gigli, Beniamino; Hansen, Richard Marvin "Rick"; Olympic Games; Paralympic Games; Peking University; St. John Ambulance; St. Thomas More Collegiate; Tiananmen Square; University of British Columbia

Responsibility: Fong, Denise

Accession Code: BV023.16.17

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1936-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 Sep. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; transcription available

Documents

2023_0016_0017_006

Audio Tracks

Interview with Richard Liu, [1936-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 Sep. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0017_004.mp3

Interview with Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19603

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1967-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (93 min., 7 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (92 min., 57 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal, founders of Vancouver Sath conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview is taking place at the Burnaby Village Museum's exhibit "Truths not Often Told: Being South Asian in…

1 audio

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: 2 sound recordings (wav) (93 min., 7 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (92 min., 57 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: James Binks Interviewee: Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 29, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks:1:33:07 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together into one track and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal, founders of Vancouver Sath conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview is taking place at the Burnaby Village Museum's exhibit "Truths not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby". The interview focuses on the history of "Vancouver Sath" as well as literary works created by Hundal and Binning and the Punjabi literary magazine "Watno Dur" and "Watan". 00:00 - 13:30 Interview opens with brief introductions and information on Sadhu Binning, Sukhwant Hundal and Vancouver Sath provided by the interviewer, James Binks. Interviewees Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal describe how they met and what they were focused on prior to the formation of the organization Vancouver Sath. Binning briefly describes how he became involved as a writer in the literary world and recalls how he published his first poem in an Indian literary magazine in 1972. Hundal describes how he immigrated to Canada from Punjab in 1975, the various industries that he worked in as a new immigrant and his interest in literature with a focus on social issues. Hundel describes how he developed a relationship with Sadhu Binning after his short story was published in "Watno Dur" literary magazine which in turn lead to his involvement with the Punjabi Literary Association and becoming co-editor of "Watnu Dur". 13:31 – 27:44 Hundal provides more background on his life as a South Asian immigrant, working in sawmills and completing a diploma in Power and Process Engineering and how he first became interested in literature while living in India. Binning and Hundal both share their insights into the formation of Vancouver Sath and provide details on their involvement with the Punjabi literary publication “Watnu Dur”. Binning describes how the inspiration for the formation of the Vancouver Sath organization came from India and that Binning, Hundal and some other members of the Punjabi Literary Association decided to form their own group where they could have more informal discussions around social, political and literary issues. 27:45 – 43:31 Binning describes how the political issues that were happening in Punjab between 1978 and 1983 influenced discussions in the South Asian community whereas prior to 1978 there was more focus on local issues that new immigrants were facing. Binning conveys how their work with Vancouver Sath endeavored to focus more on local issues and Hundal conveys how they made the decision to begin producing theatrical works rather than just written works to reach a wider audience. Hundal and Binning share names of the people that were involved with Vancouver Sath and describe some of the early plays that they performed. Binning describes the foundations of the organization where they worked together as a collective making decisions in producing and performing the works with Binning and Hundal taking on the responsibility for the written work. They talk about their first paid experience being invited to perform a few of their plays at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. 43:32 – 55:17 Hundal and Binning describe how they continued to support themselves financially since they weren’t making money from Vancouver Sath. Binning and Hundal provide further details on how their collective worked with the process of writing the plays and presenting and discussing details with the Vancouver Sath community before performing to an audience. Hundal talks about the transition that the magazine “Watno Dur” took in 1986 which lead to renaming it “Watan”. Hundal and Binning discuss how in 1992 and 1993 they decided to try to get more young people involved and began publishing a magazine in English called “Ankur”. They describe the content and list some of the authors who contributed to the magazine. 55:18 – 1:20:12 Hundal and Binning provide background details on the author of “Maluka”, Sadhu Singh Dhami and describe the details that lead them to translating the book into Punjabi, touring with the author and adapting the novel into a play which Vancouver Sath performed. Binning and Hundal describe and discuss other plays that Vancouver Sath performed including some plays that were recorded and broadcast over local radio stations. 1:20:13 – 1:32:57 Binning and Hundal reflect on what lead Vancouver Sath to discontinue theatrical performances in the mid 1990’s. Binning and Hundal state how they are both still very involved in publishing literary works but no longer perform theatrical works. Binning and Hundal describe some of their literary works and projects that they’ve been involved in and also reflect on and describe the current theatre scene in the South Asian community. Hundal conveys that even though they no longer call themselves “Vancouver Sath” they continue to enjoy working as a collective discussing literary works and ideas.

History: Interviewees' biographies: Dr. Sadhu Binning was born on May 10, 1947 to mother Gurmej Kaur and father Jeet Singh Binning. Due to lack of proper records management in India at the time of his birth, it is believed that he was actually born sometime in December of 1947. He grew up alongside two brothers and one sister in a village located in Kapurthala, Punjab. Dr. Binning attended secondary school in the nearby city of Phagwara, Punjab although he did not complete his education here. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed reading both Punjabi and Hindi novels and learned how to read Urdu as well. Dr. Binning’s uncle, Dhana Singh immigrated to Canada in 1933 and returned to India in 1953. When Dhana Singh returned to Canada in 1957, he sponsored Dr. Binning’s father, Jeet Singh Binning to immigrate. Dhana Singh co-owned a few saw mills in British Columbia and also worked in the truck driving industry. Dr. Binning remembers that some people who had lived in Canada would visit their village and that they appeared to be strong and healthy and looked happy. He also noticed that they would eat meat, so whenever they would visit there would be meat available. In 1967, when he was nineteen and a half years old, Dr. Binning immigrated Canada to join his father. He recalls his father and uncle and a friend arriving at the airport to pick him up. During his first few days, Dr. Binning made the decision to remove his turban and beard upon receiving advice from his uncle. Dr. Binning first obtained work on a farm in Abbotsford, working alongside his mother. While working, Dr. Binning also attended English classes in Vancouver. Dr. Binning’s Uncle Dhana Singh worked in a Vancouver saw mill and tried to help find work for his nephew but was unsuccessful. Dr. Binning soon found work at a saw mill in Avola and worked there until the end of the summer until a friend helped find him work in a saw mill in North Vancouver. During his free time, he enjoyed camping with friends. In 1970, Dr. Binning left the saw mill after obtaining a job at the post office. The post office offered lower wages than working at the mill but Dr. Binning believed that he would become more educated working here. While working as a postman, Dr. Binning recalls facing a lot of discrimination and racism and was often referred to as a ‘Paki’ multiple times a day. In 1973, Dr. Binning married Jagish Sihota. Sadhu and Jagdish originated from nearby villages in India and met each other in Canada. Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish worked at the Royal Bank of Canada for thirty years until her retirement. While working, she also looked after the household and their son and daughter. Jagdish also handwrote a magazine, “Watno Dur" (English translation: ‘away from homeland’) which was distributed in the community. In 1976, Dr. Binning became the editor of the magazine and the name was later changed to “Watan’ as they had accepted their new homeland of Canada. While working at the post office, Dr. Binning also attended night school starting in eighth grade. After receiving his high school diploma, he was accepted to Simon Fraser University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology and in 1986 he obtained a Masters degree from Simon Fraser University. While attending university, Dr. Binning was very active within the community and wanted to work to improve society. He first thought that he would return to India to contribute and improve rights in his homeland but upon seeing the prevalence of the movements in Canada, he realized that work needed to be done here too. In 1983, Dr. Binning became a founding member and contributor to a theatrical collective known as “Vancouver Sath”. The theatrical group produced plays that represented societal issues and were invited to perform at multiple conferences throughout British Columbia and Canada. The group focused and acknowledged the many issues in Punjab and in Canada. One of the plays that the group produced focused on the exploitation of Punjabi women who worked on farms in Canada. Dr. Binning continued to be involved as an integral member of Vancouver Sath until 1995. Over the years, Dr. Binning has strongly lobbied for Punjabi language education and between 1988 and 2008 he worked as Punjabi instructor at the University of British Columbia. He first worked as a teaching assistant at UBC under Dr. Harjot Oberoi and due to low wages, he simultaneously worked at the Post Office. In 2019, Dr. Binning received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UBC in recognition of his work. Since 1973, Dr. Binning has lived in Burnaby and has resided in the same home that he and his wife purchased in 1987. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, watercolour painting, travelling abroad and going on road trips. Suhkwant Hundal is a founding member in the group known as Vancouver Sath and has spent a lot of time in Burnaby rehearsing and writing plays. Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal co-wrote the Vancouver Sath's first play, "Picket-Line" and many others. This play was staged in November 1984. He's authored and edited pieces for the various newsletters and magazines including "Watno Dur" and "Watan". Through the 1980's and early 1990's Hundal has been active in South Asian advocacy in Burnaby and the Lower Mainland. In his retirement years, Hundal has been a lecturer on Punjabi language at the University of British Columbia in the Department of Asian Studies. Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Occupations - Writers; Organizations; Organizations - Unions; Migration; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Performances - Dramatic Performances; Social Issues; Social Issues - Discrimination; Social Issues - Racism

Names: Vancouver Sath; Binning, Dr. Sadhu; Hundal, Sukhwant; Dhami, Sadhu Singh; Pritam, Amrita; Rampuri, Gurcharan; Tut, Mukhan; Thobani, Sunera; Hoss Mushroom Farm; Deol, Jeevan; Dulai, Phinder; Dhillon, Sital; Bhangoo, Bhavna; Rai, Gurmail; Punjabi Lekhak Manch; Di Awaz, Samay; Johal, Balinder; Sara, Amanpal; United Farm Workers Union; Canadian Farmworkers Union

Responsibility: Binks, James

Accession Code: BV023.16.7

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1967-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available on request

Audio Tracks

Interview with Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal, 1967-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0007_003.mp3

Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19604

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 6 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 7 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 - 00:13:30 Interview opens with introductions. Samuel (Sam) and Angela Nalliah provide biographical details including their p…

1 image 1 audio

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: 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 6 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 7 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: James Binks Interviewees: Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah Location of Interview: Nalliah family home Interview Date: May 29, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 68 min., 6 sec. Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Ruth (Angela) Nalliah with husband Samuel Nalliah WARNING: Some of the content discussed in this interview (00:40:58 – 00:57:31) regarding the Tamil genocide may be upsetting to some people.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 - 00:13:30 Interview opens with introductions. Samuel (Sam) and Angela Nalliah provide biographical details including their parentage, place of birth (Sri Lanka), spoken language and education. Sam Nalliah shares details on his education while living in Sri Lanka, his later education in Wales where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and his migration to Halifax in 1978 after obtaining a job at Dalhousie University as a systems analyst. Sam conveys how he decided to relocate from Halifax to Vancouver in 1986 and started his employment with BC Tel. Angela Nalliah shares details on her education and employment after immigrating to Canada from Sri Lanka in 1986. Angela conveys how she first lived in Ottawa, moved to Toronto in 1989 where she began working for TD bank and moved to Vancouver in 1999. 00:13:31 – 00:20:03 Sam Nalliah talks about how he and his wife Angela first met and married in 1999 and moved to Vancouver. Sam shares information on where his other family members immigrated to and why he decided to immigrate to Canada. Angela shares information on other members of her family who immigrated to Canada before her and how her uncle sponsored them all to come. 00:20:04 – 00:29:30 Sam provides further details regarding his family make up including; his first wife, his daughters (born in 1983 and 1985), his step daughter (born in 1991) and his youngest daughter (born in 2000). Sam tells how he worked as a Systems and Operations Manager at Shaughnessy Hospital and later at BC Hydro. Sam provides locations of homes that they lived in Burnaby and Vancouver. Sam and Angela describe what they liked about living in Burnaby, where their daughter attended school and where they did their shopping. 00:29:31 – 00:32:11 Angela talks about working for Prospera Credit Union from 2003 after TD bank downsized. Sam describes how they rented out their house in Vancouver and lived in a rental home in Burnaby that was owned by the City of Burnaby. Sam and Angela recollect the time period that they lived in Burnaby and Vancouver before deciding to move to Surrey in 2015. 00:32:12 – 00:35:59 Sam and Angela provide details regarding their daughter’s post-secondary education and careers. Angela talks about her social activities, volunteer work and involvement with the Thamil Cultural Society of British Columbia, the Women’s Network as well as the Westminster Bible Chapel Church in Burnaby and the Green Timbers Evangelical Covenant Church in Surrey. 00:36:00 – 00:40:57 Sam recalls hearing Prime Minster Pierre Elliott Trudeau speak about the Charter of Rights and Freedoms at Dalhousie University and the effect that his speech made on him. Sam talks about joining the National Democratic Party when Peter Julian was elected as a Member of Parliament for Burnaby. 00:40:58 – 00:57:31 (WARNING: Some of the content discussed in this portion of the interview may be upsetting to some people) Sam and Angela speak about their involvement with the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC). Angela describes the brutal violence that she witnessed while living in Sri Lanka during the Anti-Tamil state sponsored genocide in the 1980’s. Sam and Angela recollect and discuss their views and actions pertaining to the MV Sun Sea incident where a Thai cargo ship carrying Sri Lankan Tamil refugees to British Columbia were identified as terrorists by the Canadian Government and held in detention facilities. 00:57:32 – 01:08:07 Sam reflects on what he likes about Burnaby. Angela and Sam talk about Hindu temples attended by many Tamil and Sri Lankan people living in Burnaby and the lower mainland. Angela talks about the many cultural events and celebrations that are celebrated within the Tamil and Sri Lankan community including the Pongal Festival. Angela and Sam reflect on how grateful they are to be residents of Canada.

History: Interviewees biographies: Samuel (Sam) Nalliah was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1949. Sam immigrated to Halifax in 1977 after obtaining a position as a systems analyst at Dalhousie University. In 1986, Sam sponsored his parents to come to Canada. In 1986, after being introduced to the milder weather in Victoria, Sam decided to move to British Columbia. He moved to Burnaby in 1990 and began working for BC Tel in Burnaby. Following his job at BC Tel, Sam worked as a Systems and Operations Manager at Shaughnessy Hospital and later at BC Hydro. Ruth (Angela) Nalliah was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1964 and immigrated to Canada in 1986. As a Tamil living in Sri Lanka in the 1980’s Angela witnessed first hand the brutal violence during the Anti-Tamil state sponsored genocide. In 1986 Angela was relieved to be able to immigrate to Canada after being sponsored by her uncle. Angela first lived and worked in Ottawa and Toronto before marrying Samuel Nalliah in Ottawa in 1999 and the couple moved to Burnaby. Angela worked for TD bank in both Toronto and Vancouver until it downsized in 2003 and she began working for Prospero Credit Union. While living in Burnaby, Angela attended the Westminster Bible Chapel and after moving to Surrey she became a member of the Green Timbers Evangelical Covenant Church. Sam and Angela Nalliah have four daughters and since moving to British Columbia they’ve lived in Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey. Both Sam and Angela are involved with the Tamil Cultural Association of British Columbia and the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) as well as participates in Sri Lankan and Tamil community cultural events. Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Education; Events - Festivals; Government; Government - Federal Government; Migration; Occupations; Organizations - Political Parties; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Religions; Religions - Christianity; Religions - Hinduism; Rights; Rights - Human Rights; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Social Issues - Discrimination

Names: Nalliah, Ruth "Angela"; Nalliah, Samuel "Sam"; Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC); Westminster Bible Chapel; Thamil Cultural Society of British Columbia (TCSBC)

Responsibility: Binks, James

Accession Code: BV023.16.8

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah, 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0008_003.mp3

Interview with "The Bollywood Boyz", Harvinder Sihra and Gurvinder Sihra

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19608

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1970-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Jul. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (84 min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (62 min., 3 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with "The Bollywood Boyz", Harvinder Sihra and Gurvinder Sihra conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. 00:00:00 – 00:05:26 Gurvinder “Gurv” Sihra and brother Harvinder “Harv’ Sihra introduce themselves, providing details on …

1 image 1 audio

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: 2 sound recordings (wav) (84 min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (62 min., 3 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Rajdeep Interviewees: "The Bollywood Boyz", Harvinder Sihra and Gurvinder Sihra Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: July 8, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:02:03 min Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph credit: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with "The Bollywood Boyz", Harvinder Sihra and Gurvinder Sihra conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. 00:00:00 – 00:05:26 Gurvinder “Gurv” Sihra and brother Harvinder “Harv’ Sihra introduce themselves, providing details on where they were born and grew up (in Burnaby), names of their parents and provide details on their family history. They describe how their grandparents and other relatives continued to live in Punjab after their father and mother immigrated to Canada in the 1970’s, recall the reasons their parents decided to immigrate and details of their lives before and after arriving in Canada. 00:05:27 – 00:06:46 Gurvinder and Harvinder describe some of their experiences travelling through Vancouver airport and compare their experiences with their mother’s own experiences. Gurvinder and Harvinder describe the layout of the airport and how customs and immigration has changed over time. 00:06:47 – 00:09:21 Gurvinder and Harvinder provide details about their mother, Parveen Sihra. They share information regarding her education in India and how she was unable to get work related to her degree in biology after immigrating to Canada. They convey how she worked in the Burnaby City Hall cafeteria in the 1990’s and how she worked part time in order to take care of her children. They share how their parents were proud Canadians participating in events inside and outside the South Asian community and were both fluent in English but often spoke Punjabi at home. 00:09:22 – 00:16:06 Gurvinder and Harvinder recall their childhood experiences growing up in Burnaby. They talk about the sports that they were involved with including hockey and Taekwondo, family vacations spent travelling to India and their experiences attending Marlborough Elementary School and Moscrop Secondary School.They describe how they first became interested in watching wrestling and trying it out on their own in their family home. Gurvinder and Harvinder recall their own experiences of discrimination while growing up and playing sports. 00:16:07 – 00:27:37 Gurvinder and Harvinder reflect and recall events that lead them to their dream of becoming professional wrestlers. They talk about pivotal events including attending their first live wresting event at GM Place with their father in 1996, beginning their training in Calgary in 2004, travelling across the country to participate in minor wrestling events, wrestling in Rogers Arena in 2017 and 2020 and getting their first call to join WWE. They talk about the support that they’ve had along the way to getting them where they are today and comment on why they want to be wrestlers in the WWE. 00:27:38 – 00:29:25 Gurvinder and Harvinder provide background information on their various wrestling personas and names in the world of professional wrestling including the Singh Brothers and the Bollywood Boyz. 00:29:26 – 00:38:43 Gurvinder and Harvinder talk about their experiences wrestling in India and the support and expectations of family members in becoming successful. Gurvinder and Harvinder recall and reflect on the experience of being fired from the WWE when cutbacks were made during the COVID pandemic. 00:38:44 – 00:42:53 Gurvinder and Harvinder describe what a day in their lives looks like now. They talk about how they’re still very passionate and focused on their wrestling careers and describe their experiences of having support and enthusiasm from fans and their parents. They talk about travelling across the country to particpate in different wrestling events. 00:42:54 – 00:47:18 Gurvinder and Harvinder talk about their training regimen including exercise and diet and describe areas in Burnaby where they like to train in gyms and the outdoors. 00:47:19 – 00:49:49 Gurvinder and Harvinder talk about neighbourhoods in Burnaby including Metrotown and Deer Lake and how they’ve seen them change over the years. 00:49:50 – 00:54:27 Gurvinder and Harvinder talk about their highest and lowest points in their wrestling careers, highlighting specific events. They talk about the physical stamina it takes for wrestling and compare their sport with the sport of Kabaddi (a contact team sport between two teams originating in India). 00:54:28 – 00:59:01 Gurvinder and Harvinder reflect on what toughness means to them, and what keeps them motivated to do what they do. 00:59:02 – 01:01:31 Gurvinder and Harvinder impart their words of wisdom to younger kids in chasing their passions and dreams and talk about their favourite Bollywood films and actors.

History: Interviewees' biographies: The Bollywood Boyz are a Canadian professional wrestling tag team composed of brothers Gurvinder "Gurv" Sihra (born in 1984) and Harvinder "Harv" Sihra (born in 1987). The pair are best known for their time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) where Gurvinder and Harvinder performed under the ring names Sunil Singh and Samir Singh. They were both born and raised in Burnaby by their parents Harjeet and Parveen Sihra and attended Moscrop Secondary School. Gurvinder graduated from Douglas College where he studied criminology and has worked in loss prevention and has a third degree black belt in Taekwondo. Harvinder attended Douglas College with studies in history and has worked as a model and an actor. Both Gurvinder and Harvinder Sihra are Sikhs. 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: Education; Migration; Pandemics - COVID-19; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Religions - Sikhism; Social Issues; Social Issues - Discrimination; Social Issues - Racism; Sports; Sports - Martial Arts; Sports - Wrestling; Sports - Ice Hockey; Travel

Names: The Bollywood Boyz; Sihra, Guvinder "Gurv"; Sihra, Harvinder "Harv"; Sihra, Harjeet; Sihra, Parveen; World Wrestling Entertainment "WWE"; Moscrop Secondary School; Marlborough Elementary School; Metrotown

Responsibility: Rajdeep

Geographic Access: Deer Lake Park

Accession Code: BV023.16.12

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1970-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Jul. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Photographer: World Wrestling Entertainment "WWE"

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0012_003.mp3

Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19348

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future …

1 document 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Anushay Malik Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Dr. Sadhu Binning Location of Interview: Love farmhouse at Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 25, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:15:57) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto three separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future exhibits and for researchers to learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby. During the interview, Dr. Binning shares his ancestral background along with his relatives' and his own personal experiences as a South Asian immigrant living and working in British Columbia and Burnaby. Dr. Binning conveys that he’s a Burnaby resident who’s lived in Burnaby since 1973 and that his children were born here. Binning shares his ancestral heritage beginning with his uncle Dhana Singh who emigrated from Punjab to British Columbia in 1931 and began working in the forest industry. He explains how Dhana Singh and another partner owned, operated and worked in small sawmills in the vicinity of Kamloops, Williams Lake and also on Vancouver Island. Binning conveys that in the beginning Dhana Singh and many other South Asian immigrants were not legal residents until 1938. In 1938, about 350 South Asian immigrants (mainly Punjabi) gathered resources to hire a lawyer to obtain permanent residency. Binning mentions that one of the notable South Asians in the group who was also a close friend of his uncle, was Darshan Singh Sangha, a trade unionist who was a founding member of the International Woodworkers of America (IWA) union and an active member of the Communist Party of Canada. Binning conveys how Darshan Singh Sangha returned to India in 1947 to be a part of the revolution, how he was very active in the communist movement in India. While in India, Darshan Singh Sangha, was known as Canadian and thereby adopted “Canadian” as his surname, becoming “Darshan Singh Canadian”. Binning further explains that his uncle Dhana Singh Sangha returned to India in 1951, married and came back to B.C. in 1957 bringing with him, his wife and children. In 1960, with the support of his uncle, Binning’s father, Jit Singh Binning immigrated to British Columbia and began working in sawmills in the lower mainland, Kamloops, Quesnel and on Vancouver Island. Binning clarifies that his uncle, Dhana Singh was able to immigrate to Canada with the support of his cousins from the Tarker Singh Bains family. Binning further describes Darshan Singh Sangha’s involvement with the Communist party and the IWA and how the majority of the members were from the forest industry. As an active and prominent member of the labour movement, Darshan Singh Sangha fought for the rights of South Asians and Chinese who working in the industry and facing racism, unfair wages and discriminatory practices. Binning describes how Darshan Singh Sangha wrote a book in English in 1943, titled “Rise of the New Asia”. Binning conveys how immigrants of Chinese and South Asian decent didn’t have the right to vote in British Columbia and how Darshan Singh Sangha was instrumental in obtaining the right to vote in British Columbia, although he was never given the credit. Binning describes his uncle Dhana Singh as a likeable guy with many friends, first living in Kamloops before moving to Vancouver. Binning imparts how the sport of wrestling is a popular Punjabi sport along with Punjabi kabaddi. He conveys that his uncle became involved in wrestling while working in sawmills. South Asian immigrants had to do physical labour working in sawmills, the work could be tough and could often lead to physical fights. A number of South Asian immigrants working in the mills already had experience as wrestlers from back home. Dhana Singh later left the lumber industry to work in the agriculture sector. Binning explains how immigration rules changed in the 1960s which lead to larger numbers of South Asians immigrating to Canada. Many of these new immigrants were educated and politically conscious. All of these new immigrants faced racism but being politically conscious from an independent India and with the ability to speak English they organized themselves to fight for their rights. Binning imagines the items that his uncle and his father may have brought with them in their suitcase when immigrating to Canada. Binning describes three items, including a rajai (a blanket with cotton inside that is sewn together), a bistra (small attaché case or trunk) and a piece of cloth to lie on. Binning further describes the roles in Indian society as caste divisions and that it was usually women’s work in making the rajais. Binning recollects the locations that his father and his family lived after coming to Vancouver. Binning explains that a few years after living together in Vancouver, he and his family moved to Burnaby in 1973 to be closer to his Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish Binning’s family. Dr. Binning and family lived in a house in Burnaby located on Irmin Street near Royal Oak between 1973 and 1987. While living at this house their children attended McPherson Park Junior High School and later Burnaby South Secondary School. Binning reflects on some of the racism that he and his family have faced while living in Burnaby which led him to write a poem that he published in 1994 titled “No More Watno Dur”. Binning explains the meaning of the title “Watan” meaning “country and everybody” “a country far way from the motherland”. Binning explains the origins of the magazine “Watan” that was started by a friend in 1973. The magazine got its roots in Vancouver in 1973 from an organization called the “Punjabi Literary Association”. Binning became the editor of the magazine in 1976 and his friend joined him as assistant editor in 1978. Binning continued to work as editor until 1983 or 1984 when he returned to school to complete his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree. Binning describes the origins of the “Vancouver Sath” that was formed by a small group of South Asians around 1982. Binning was a founding member of the organization and held meetings and rehearsals at his house in Burnaby. Vancouver Sath first started out as an informal discussion forum by a group of politically conscious Punjabi writers and activists. Binning talks about issues and problems that Vancouver Sath addressed including; racism as well as domestic violence in the South Asian community. Binning explains how he and Sukhwant Hundal wrote articles on these issues and others that were happening in the South Asian community in Canada. Binning talks about how in 1983, the group was inspired to begin performing theatrical works after consulting with Gursharan Singh who was from a well known theatrical group from Punjab who were performing in Vancouver. In the beginning the Vancouver Sath’s plays were focused on the problems in Punjab but they soon decided to address social issues in their own South Asian community here in Canada. Binning summarizes and draws attention to, some of the plays that Vancouver Sath has written and performed including; “Picket Line”, about Punjabi women farmworkers’ rights; “Lattan de Bhoot”, about domestic abuse; “A Crop of Poison”; “Kihda Viah” (English translation- “Whose Marriage”) about arranged marriage and others about social issues in the South Asian community. The plays were performed in public schools and community centres in Vancouver and Richmond, Simon Fraser University and some were also performed in Toronto, Calgary and Williams Lake. Binning mentions some of the traditional foods that he likes to eat and where he and his family have shopped to find ingredients. He recalls how his mother, Gurmaje Kaur Binning did all of the cooking and was often cooking all day long. In the sixties, the Binning family address on 13th Avenue in Vancouver was also used as a postal address for many friends and family who’d recently immigrated. When these friends dropped by to pick up their mail, his mother often provided them with tea and food. After Binning and his wife, Jagdish moved to their own home in 1973, he shared in some of the shopping and cooking but his wife did the majority of the work due to his busy schedule. The interview closes with Binning providing an explanation of how “Watno Dur” magazine changed it’s name to “Watan” magazine. Binning reflects on how this came to be, when he made the decision to get an education in Canada and to stay here, not just as a “Canadian” but as a “Punjabi Canadian.

History: Interviewee biography: Dr. Sadhu Binning was born on May 10, 1947 to mother Gurmej Kaur and father Jeet Singh Binning. Due to lack of proper records management in India at the time of his birth, it is believed that he was actually born sometime in December of 1947. He grew up alongside two brothers and one sister in a village located in Kapurthala, Punjab. Dr. Binning attended secondary school in the nearby city of Phagwara, Punjab although he did not complete his education here. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed reading both Punjabi and Hindi novels and learned how to read Urdu as well. Dr. Binning’s uncle, Dhana Singh immigrated to Canada in 1933 and returned to India in 1953. When Dhana Singh returned to Canada in 1957, he sponsored Dr. Binning’s father, Jeet Singh Binning to immigrate. Dhana Singh co-owned a few saw mills in British Columbia and also worked in the truck driving industry. Dr. Binning remembers that some people who had lived in Canada would visit their village and that they appeared to be strong and healthy and looked happy. He also noticed that they would eat meat, so whenever they would visit there would be meat available. In 1967, when he was nineteen and a half years old, Dr. Binning immigrated Canada to join his father. He recalls his father and uncle and a friend arriving at the airport to pick him up. During his first few days, Dr. Binning made the decision to remove his turban and beard upon receiving advice from his uncle. Dr. Binning first obtained work on a farm in Abbotsford, working alongside his mother. While working, Dr. Binning also attended English classes in Vancouver. Dr. Binning’s Uncle Dhana Singh worked in a Vancouver saw mill and tried to help find work for his nephew but was unsuccessful. Dr. Binning soon found work at a saw mill in Avola and worked there until the end of the summer until a friend helped find him work in a saw mill in North Vancouver. During his free time, he enjoyed camping with friends. In 1970, Dr. Binning left the saw mill after obtaining a job at the post office. The post office offered lower wages than working at the mill but Dr. Binning believed that he would become more educated working here. While working as a postman, Dr. Binning recalls facing a lot of discrimination and racism and was often referred to as a ‘Paki’ multiple times a day. In 1973, Dr. Binning married Jagish Sihota. Sadhu and Jagdish originated from nearby villages in India and met each other in Canada. Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish worked at the Royal Bank of Canada for thirty years until her retirement. While working, she also looked after the household and their son and daughter. Jagdish also handwrote a magazine, “Watno Dur’ (English translation: ‘away from homeland’) which was distributed in the community. In 1976, Dr. Binning became the editor of the magazine and the name was later changed to “Watan’ as they had accepted their new homeland of Canada. While working at the post office, Dr. Binning also attended night school starting in eighth grade. After receiving his high school diploma, he was accepted to Simon Fraser University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology and in 1986 he obtained a Masters degree from Simon Fraser University. While attending university, Dr. Binning was very active within the community and wanted to work to improve society. He first thought that he would return to India to contribute and improve rights in his homeland but upon seeing the prevalence of the movements in Canada, he realized that work needed to be done here too. In 1983, Dr. Binning became a founding member and contributor to a theatrical collective known as “Vancouver Sath”. The theatrical group produced plays that represented societal issues and were invited to perform at multiple conferences throughout British Columbia and Canada. The group focused and acknowledged the many issues in Punjab and in Canada. One of the plays that the group produced focused on the exploitation of Punjabi women who worked on farms in Canada. Dr. Binning continued to be involved as an integral member of Vancouver Sath until 1995. Over the years, Dr. Binning has strongly lobbied for Punjabi language education and between 1988 and 2008 he worked as Punjabi instructor at the University of British Columbia. He first worked as a teaching assistant at UBC under Dr. Harjot Oberoi and due to low wages, he simultaneously worked at the Post Office. In 2019, Dr. Binning received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UBC in recognition of his work. Since 1973, Dr. Binning has lived in Burnaby and has resided in the same home that he and his wife Jagdish purchased in 1987. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, watercolour painting, travelling abroad and going on road trips. Interviewer biography: 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”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Industries - Logging/lumber; Industries - Forestry; Foods; Migration; Organizations - Societies and Clubs; Organizations - Unions; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Performances; Performances - Dramatic Performances; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism

Names: Binning, Dr. Sadhu; Binning, Gurmaje Kaur; Binning, Jit Singh; Binning, Jagdish; Sangha, Darshan Singh; Canadian Farmworkers Union; Hundal, Sukhwant; Sangra, Harjinder; Singh, Dhana; Vancouver Sath

Responsibility: Petrusa, Kate; Malik, Anushay

Accession Code: BV022.29.3

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby

Documents

2022_0029_0003_005

Audio Tracks

Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning, [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0003_004.mp3

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