"Biography" found 197 records

Biographies and histories

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88224

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [199-]

Collection/Fonds: Mary Forsyth fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of Mary Forsyth's typewritten biographies and histories for; "Mainland Dairy (McLeod's)", "Gilley Ave", "Riverway West Baptist Church", "Murphy family", "Burnaby Lodge", "Stride Ave", "Peter Byrne", "Not Burnaby!", "Niska family", "Julia Evans", "de Delley family", "New Haven", "Morri…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [199-]

Collection/Fonds: Mary Forsyth fonds

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Description Level: File

Record No.: MSS185-028

Access Restriction: Open access

Accession Number: 2014-27

Scope and Content: File consists of Mary Forsyth's typewritten biographies and histories for; "Mainland Dairy (McLeod's)", "Gilley Ave", "Riverway West Baptist Church", "Murphy family", "Burnaby Lodge", "Stride Ave", "Peter Byrne", "Not Burnaby!", "Niska family", "Julia Evans", "de Delley family", "New Haven", "Morris family" and "Marine Drive." Biographical and historical information was compiled by Mary Forysth with the intention of publishing a book.

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Transcribed title

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 Rajinder and Raj Pandher

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19610

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 4 sound recordings (wav) (186 min., 1 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (186 min., 2 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa and Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview was conducted on January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023. 00:00 – 08:52 First part of interview…

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: 4 sound recordings (wav) (186 min., 1 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (186 min., 2 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewers: Kate Petrusa and James Binks Interviewees: Rajinder and Raj Pandher Location of Interview: Love farmhouse, Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 4 Total Length of all Tracks: (3:06:01 min) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto four separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa and Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview was conducted on January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023. 00:00 – 08:52 First part of interview begins on January 10. Rajinder Pander provides information on where he was born and where he grew up and shares details regarding his family and his childhood including; his elementary and high school education and experiences and his involvement and interest in the sport of field hockey. 08:53 – 23:24 Raj Pander provides information on where she was born and shares details regarding her family and education. Raj recalls details of her family life in India including her family farm, her father’s service in the Indian National Army and other ancestor’s involvement in the military. Rajinder assists with the details regarding Raj’s father’s military service and explains how he was highly decelerated for his heroic actions. Rajinder conveys further information in reference to the Sikh Empire. 23:25 – 35:53 Rajinder and Raj share information on their formal education. Raj explains how she learned English and talks about the other spoken languages that her family used while she was growing up. Rajinder and Raj recall how they first met which lead them to marry in 1971. Rajinder provides information about his older brothers who left India before him. He explains how his elder brother, Kirpal Singh Pandher immigrated to Canada in 1970 and provides details on his other brother who lived in Malaysia and England before coming to Canada in 1975. Rajinder conveys how after his brother, Kirpal Singh Pandher arrived in Canada, he lived in Campbell River and worked at the saw mill there. 35:54 – 1:01:38 Rajinder and Raj share their immigration stories including details of; what lead them to immigrate, their immigration route, what they brought with them and where they lived and worked. Rajinder and Raj tell of how they both faced discrimination in finding work that they were qualified for and describe some of the jobs that they worked at before obtaining their Real Estate licences. 1:01:39 – 1:13:09 Rajinder and Raj share information on where they’ve purchase traditional food supplies in Burnaby and Rajinder provides further details on his employment and recalls how they were able to purchase their first home in Burnaby. 1:13:10 - 1:19:33 Rajinder describes how he began writing for the Sikh newsletter “The Western Sikh Samachar”. Rajinder shares how he first started printing small pamphlets of Sikh Cultural history in 1975 and how he’s been volunteering with the National Democratic Party (NDP) since 1973. 1:19:34 - 1:38:24 Second part of interview continues on January 24, 2023. Rajinder provides further information about the Sikh newsletter “The Western Sikh Samachar”, provides an historical summary of the Sikh Empire and the Sikh religion and describes a book that’s he’s written about his culture and the village he lived in India. 1:38:25 - 1:52:24 Raj describes some of the traditional textiles that she’s created including a dury, embroidered cloth (pakha and pakhi) and clothing. Raj shares a story of a train derailment in India in which her father survived. 1:52:25 - 2:14:53 Raj Pandher talks about her father’s letters and diaries, Rajinder talks about receiving a Diamond Jubilee Medal for his community service and they both talk about their daughter Amanjit’s education and career accomplishments. Raj describes her involvement in the community council of her children’s school and both Raj and Rajinder describe their involvement in multicultural education and events that they were involved with in Burnaby and New Westminster. Interviewer lists Rajinder Pandher’s many volunteer awards and accomplishments. 2:14:54 - 2:39:53 Raj and Rajinder describe some of their family photographs as well as personal items from India including decorative arts and textiles. They talk about celebrating their 30 year wedding anniversary and the origin of their Sikh names. Rajinder describes a visit to Paldi in 1977 when the whole family was baptized at the Sikh temple and provides informaton about Hardial Singh Atwal, the first Sikh child born in Canada. Rajinder discusses what he thinks a cookhouse looked like, his friendship with former Mayor William J. Copeland and wages of South Asians working in sawmills. 2:39:54 - 3:06:01 Raj and Rajinder talk about food including where they’ve purchased traditional South Asian foods and what they grow in their home garden. Rajinder provides details about the Burnaby Multicultural Society, talks about South Asian work ethics and housing and shares some of the cultural and religious traditions of Sikhs and celebrations that take place in Vancouver and Burnaby.

History: Interviewees biographies: Rajinder Pandher was born five years prior to the Partition of India in the Village of Jhamat, Ludhiana District, Punjab. Raj Pandher was born in 1948 in the Village of Chapar, Ludhiana District, Punjab. Rajinder played field hockey while living in India and is passionate about the sport. Both Rajinder and Raj Pahndher attended college in India and were married in India in 1971. Rajinder Pandher immigrated to Canada in 1972 and his wife, Raj Pandher joined him in 1973. After arriving in Canada, Rajinder Pandher started working at a sawmill in Campbell River but didn't like the work and moved to Vancouver to find better employment opportunties. In 1976, the couple moved to Burnaby and rented until they could buy a home a year later. They raised two children who attended Second Street Elementary School and Cariboo Hill Secondary School in Burnaby. Rajinder and Raj Pandher were both very involved with multicultural efforts at their childlren's schools including turban tying and sari demonstrations and Rajinder was a founding member of the Burnaby Multicultural Society. Interviewers biographies: Kate Petrusa is the Assistant Curator at the Burnaby Village Museum. In her role, she manages all aspects of the collection – including caring for physical artifacts and making their digital counterpart accessible. Before coming to Burnaby Village Museum in 2019, Kate has worked at several Museums around the Lower Mainland as a Curator and contractor since 2013. 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; Housing; Employment; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Persons - Volunteers; Religions - Sikhism; Migration; Organizations; Organizations - Societies and Clubs; Social Issues - Racism; Social Issues; Celebrations; Sports - Field Hockey

Names: Pandher, Raj; Pandher, Rajinder; Copeland, William J.; Pandher, Harman; Pandher, Amanjit; Burnaby Multicultural Society; The Western Sikh Samachar

Responsibility: Petrusa, Kate; Binks, James

Accession Code: BV023.1.2

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcripts available upon request

Audio Tracks

Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher, [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0001_0002_003.mp3

Interview with Shushma Datt and Sudhir Datta

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19611

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1946- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 20 Jan. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (90 min., 21 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (90 min., 4 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Shushma Datt and her son, Sudhir Datta conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Curator, Jane Lemke and Anushay Malik. 00:00 – 12:47 Interview opens with introductions. Shushma Datt shares information about; where she’s lived in Burnaby sin…

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: 2 sound recordings (wav) (90 min., 21 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (90 min., 4 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewers: Jane Lemke and Anushay Malik Interviewees: Shushma Datt and Sudhir Datta Location of Interview: Spice Radio, Norland Avenue, Burnaby Interview Date: January 20, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:30:21 Digital master recordings (wav) were edited into one recording and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Shushma Datt and her son, Sudhir Datta conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Curator, Jane Lemke and Anushay Malik. 00:00 – 12:47 Interview opens with introductions. Shushma Datt shares information about; where she’s lived in Burnaby since immigrating in 1972 and her arranged marriage which lead her to immigrate to Canada. Datt provides detailed information about her family background in Kenya and her parent’s decision to move their family from Kenya to India in the 1960s and then to England in the 1965. Datt describes her family’s experiences living in Kenya and India in the 1960s and provides some context on the political unrest that happened in Kenya which lead her family to leave. 12:48 - 28:07 Datt talks about her time living in England and shares information on her family life and her employment experiences. Datt conveys an experience from her childhood that inspired her to become a broadcaster and shares her experiences working for the BBC oversees service in England (1965-1972). Datt describes some of the articles that she's written for various publications and the people that she's interviewed. Datt highlights a particular experience about writing a critical review about the controversial design on Jimi Hendrix’s album “Axis: Bold as Love” that depicted Hindu religious iconography. 28:09 – 34:47 Datt and Datta provide further details about Datt's arranged marriage which lead her to immigrate to Canada in 1972 and to work as a broadcaster in Canada. Datt recalls her experiences working as a radio station operator for CHQM, a radio broadcaster for CJVB and starting her own South Asian radio station Rim Jhim in 1987. 34:48 – 40:01 Datt and Datta share information on where they’ve lived in Vancouver and Burnaby. Datt and Datta recall pivotal family life events that impacted their lives in 1974. 40:02 – 45:53 Datt recalls the travel trunks and contents that she and her family brought with them when they left Nairobi. Datt describes the letters that her parents wrote. Datt and Datta describe photos of their family and convey the impacts to their family after two of Datt’s brothers died at 24 years of age. 45:54 – 50:56 Interview continues chronologically from 1974, after Datt’s son, Sudhir Datta was born. Datt describes how she had to work hard to help pay her bills and support her family. Datta describes his childhood growing up as a South Asian child living and attending school in Burnaby (1979-1992). Datt and Datta recall Datt’s graduation ceremony and Datta’s Order of British Columbia awards ceremony. 50:57 – 58:03 Datt and Datta talk about food and cooking and where they’ve shopped for traditional food supplies. Datta explains her family lineage as Hindus who eat meat and how she’s been a vegetarian for over 30 years. Datt and Datta share stories about Datt’s mother Leela Datta. 58:04 – 1:05:38 Both Datt and Datta reflect on what’s it’s been like living as South Asians in Burnaby. Datt conveys the message that she got from her mom, Leela Datta "not to assimilate but to integrate". They both reflect on how the ethnic and cultural diversity of neighbourhoods has changed over time and Datt describes his experiences as a student in Burnaby. 1:05:39 – 1:16:51 Datt and Datta talk about the role of religion in their lives, describe the purpose of Radio Rim Jhim and reflect on how the South Asian community has grown in Metro Vancouver and the disparities created within. They both recall how their lives were threatened and impacted in 1984 following an interview that Datt did with Indira Ghandhi. Datt talks about the origins of her and her son’s surnames. 1:16:52 – 1:26:11 Datt and Datta talk about and reflect on their own experiences of racism and discrimination. Datt talks about Spice Radio’s annual campaign “Raise your hands against Racism”. Datt and Datta provide background on the radio stations Rim Jhim and Spice Radio including; how they got started, their unbiased approach to broadcast content and their experiences in the complex realm of broadcasting a multi-cultural radio station. 1:26:12 – 1:30:04 In closing, Datt and Datta convey what they think that younger generations of South Asian Canadians should understand about the South Asian Community in British Columbia.

History: Interviewees biographies: Shushma Datt was born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1946 and is the second eldest of six children. In the 1960s during the unrest in Kenya, her family moved to India. After about nine months of living in India, Datt's family decided to return to Kenya, leaving Datt and her brother to complete their education in India. While living in India, Datt studied at Delhi University and worked at the Indian newspaper. In 1965, Datt, her parents and five siblings decided to leave Kenya and immigrated to England. While living in England, Datt got work as a broadcaster with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) overseas service, producing her first program in 1969. During her time with the BBC, Datt has interviewed many influential artists including Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles as well as the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. In 1972, Datt immigrated to Canada and settled in Burnaby. In late 1973, Datt sponsored her mother who joined her in Burnaby. Datt joined the CJVB radio station in Vancouver working as the Punjabi and Hindi language broadcaster. Datt worked here until 1978 when she started her own radio station, Radio Rim Jhim. In 2005, Datt obtained her own AM radio band license for a multicultural radio station RJ1200 which was later rebranded "Spice Radio". In 2015, Datt launched Spice Radio's annual "Hands Against Racism" campaign which has won awards from the Government of British Columbia and the B.C. Association of Broadcasters. Datt has also been a producer for Omni TV and Shaw TV and was the first woman to obtain a broadcasting license from the Canadian Radio- Television Telecommunications Commission. In 1992, Shushma Datt was awarded the Order of British Columbia and is also the recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. Datt has been listed by the Vancouver Sun newspaper as among the 100 "most influential Indo-Canadians" and has been recognized by the Royal British Columbia Museum as one of the 150 "most influential British Columbians". Sudhir Datta is the only child of Sushma Datt and was born in Burnaby. Datta graduated with a computer science degree from Capilano University in 1995. Datta is the Vice President of Media Broadcasting (founded in 1984) creating television and radio programming for Canada's South Asian Community and has been the General Manager and Program Director of Spice Radio since 2006. Datta is also the author of many articles highlighting the South Asian community in Vancouver. 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”. Jane Lemke has worked in various museums in the Lower Mainland and has been the Curator at Burnaby Village Museum since 2019. Her educational background includes a Master of Arts degree in History and a Master of Museum Studies degree. Her research focus has been on trauma and memory and its role in shaping Canadian identity. She loves sharing memories and stories of Burnaby with the public. Jane sits on the Council of the BC Museums Association and is the Chair of the BC Museums Association Professional Development and Education Committee.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Migration; Occupations - Broadcasters; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Occupations - Journalists; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Radio Stations; Religions; Religions - Hinduism; Religions - Sikhism; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism

Names: Datt, Shushma; Datta, Sudhir; Datta, Lila Vati "Leela"; Spice Radio; Rim Jhim

Responsibility: Malik, Anushay; Lemke, Jane

Accession Code: BV023.1.3

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1946- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 20 Jan. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcript available upon request

Audio Tracks

Interview with Shushma Datt and Sudhir Datta, [1946- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 20 Jan. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0001_0003_003.mp3

Robert Burnaby biographies

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58325

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1976-[1986]

Collection/Fonds: Pixie McGeachie collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of a number of Robert Burnaby biographies written by Pixie McGeachie including the one published in the forward to "Land of Promise / Robert Burnaby's Letters from Colonial British Columbia 1858-1863."

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1976-[1986]

Collection/Fonds: Pixie McGeachie collection

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Description Level: File

Record No.: MSS065-002

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Accession Number: 2011-04

Scope and Content: File consists of a number of Robert Burnaby biographies written by Pixie McGeachie including the one published in the forward to "Land of Promise / Robert Burnaby's Letters from Colonial British Columbia 1858-1863."

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file

Accent on the archives- Burnaby history and camp

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4607

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 2002 and 2004]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records + 1 photograph : col. + laser copies

Scope and Content: File consists of master copies of articles which were created by Paulene Hall for the newsletter "Guidelines Burnaby Royal Area" - "Accent on the Archives". Burnaby Guide archival materials were compiled from scrapbooks, photographs, newspapers, biographies and research to create articles for th…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Series: Burnaby Girl Guides newsletters series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records + 1 photograph : col. + laser copies

Scope and Content: File consists of master copies of articles which were created by Paulene Hall for the newsletter "Guidelines Burnaby Royal Area" - "Accent on the Archives". Burnaby Guide archival materials were compiled from scrapbooks, photographs, newspapers, biographies and research to create articles for the newsletter. Subject matter within these master copies is about the history of Burnaby Girl Guides and camp.

Creator: Hall, Paulene

Subjects: Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs; Recreational Activities - Camping

Names: Girl Guides of Canada

Accession Code: BV016.49.91

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [between 2002 and 2004]

Media Type: Textual Record; Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of file

Accent on the Archives - Girl Guide Trefoil Guild

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4577

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 2004 and 2009]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records + 13 photographs

Scope and Content: File consists of master copies of articles which were created for the newsletter "Guidelines Burnaby Royal Area" - "Accent on the Archives". Burnaby Guide archival materials were compiled from scrapbooks, photographs, newspapers, biographies and research to create articles for the newsletter. Sub…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Series: Burnaby Girl Guides newsletters series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records + 13 photographs

Scope and Content: File consists of master copies of articles which were created for the newsletter "Guidelines Burnaby Royal Area" - "Accent on the Archives". Burnaby Guide archival materials were compiled from scrapbooks, photographs, newspapers, biographies and research to create articles for the newsletter. Subject matter within this file includes the Burnaby Trefoil Guild as well as biographical information and photographic material related to activities of it's members: Kay Thomas, Rosemary Meech, Ivy Brunet McGeachie, Dorothy Sherritt, Pat Cole, Wendy Burton, Lorna Cloutier, Joanne Stregger.

Creator: Hall, Paulene

Subjects: Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs

Names: Girl Guides of Canada; Trefoil Guild

Accession Code: BV016.49.88

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [between 2004 and 2009]

Media Type: Textual Record; Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of file

Accent on the archives- Phyllis Munday

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4608

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1998]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records + 4 postage stamps

Scope and Content: File consists of a master copy of an article created by Paulene Hall for the newsletter "Guidelines Burnaby Royal Area" - "Accent on the Archives". Burnaby Guide archival materials were compiled from scrapbooks, photographs, newspapers, biographies and research to create articles for the newsl…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Series: Burnaby Girl Guides newsletters series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records + 4 postage stamps

Scope and Content: File consists of a master copy of an article created by Paulene Hall for the newsletter "Guidelines Burnaby Royal Area" - "Accent on the Archives". Burnaby Guide archival materials were compiled from scrapbooks, photographs, newspapers, biographies and research to create articles for the newsletter. Subject matter within this file is about Phyllis Munday. In 1924 Phyllis with her colleague Annette Buck became the first women to reach the summit of Mount Robson. During her lifetime she scaled over 100 peaks many of which were in B.C.'s remote Coast Mountains. At Guiders' conferences Phyllis inspired many young Guiders with her stories about her life and Guiding experiences. Munday was granted the Order of Canada in 1973 for her pioneering efforts and for her dedicated service to the Girl Guides, St. John Ambulance and the Alpine Club of Canada. A stamp was created in her honour in 1998.

Creator: Hall, Paulene

Subjects: Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs

Names: Girl Guides of Canada; Munday, Phyllis; Hall, Paulene

Accession Code: BV016.49.92

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1998]

Media Type: Textual Record; Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of file

Accent on the Archives - Sea Ranger Kathy Hardy

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4605

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 2008

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of a master copy of an article created by Paulene Hall for the newsletter "Guidelines Burnaby Royal Area" - "Accent on the Archives" November 2008. Burnaby Guide archival materials were compiled from scrapbooks, photographs, newspapers, biographies and research to create articles…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Series: Burnaby Girl Guides newsletters series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of a master copy of an article created by Paulene Hall for the newsletter "Guidelines Burnaby Royal Area" - "Accent on the Archives" November 2008. Burnaby Guide archival materials were compiled from scrapbooks, photographs, newspapers, biographies and research to create articles for the newsletter. Subject matter within this file is about South Burnaby resident Kathy Raadsheer (nee Hardy) and her experiences as a Ranger in Burnaby.

Creator: Hall, Paulene

Subjects: Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs

Names: Girl Guides of Canada; Raadsheer, Kathryn Hardy; Hall, Paulene

Accession Code: BV016.49.89

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 2008

Media Type: Textual Record; Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of file

Accent on the Archives- Vivian Henderson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4606

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 2007

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records + 4 photographs : col. + laser copies : col.

Scope and Content: File consists of a master copy of an article created by Paulene Hall for the newsletter "Guidelines Burnaby Royal Area" - "Accent on the Archives" May 2007. Burnaby Guide archival materials were compiled from scrapbooks, photographs, newspapers, biographies and research to create articles for …

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Series: Burnaby Girl Guides newsletters series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records + 4 photographs : col. + laser copies : col.

Scope and Content: File consists of a master copy of an article created by Paulene Hall for the newsletter "Guidelines Burnaby Royal Area" - "Accent on the Archives" May 2007. Burnaby Guide archival materials were compiled from scrapbooks, photographs, newspapers, biographies and research to create articles for the newsletter. Subject matter within this file is about Vivian (Vi) Henderson who was the second Burnaby Royal Area Commissioner from 1974 to 1979. File also includes a memorial card in remembrance of Vivian Ellen Susan Henderson.

Creator: Hall, Paulene

Subjects: Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs

Names: Girl Guides of Canada; Henderson, Vivian; Hall, Paulene

Accession Code: BV016.49.90

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 2007

Media Type: Textual Record; Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of file

Burnaby Girl Guides administrative records and histories series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription18955

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1920]-2002

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Description Level: Series

Physical Description: 5 cm of textual records + 33 photographs

Scope and Content: Series consists of administrative records and histories pertaining to the Burnaby Girl Guides. Records include correspondence, histories, biographies and cancelled warrants for Girl Guide commissioners.

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Series: Burnaby Girl Guides administrative records and histories series

Description Level: Series

Physical Description: 5 cm of textual records + 33 photographs

Scope and Content: Series consists of administrative records and histories pertaining to the Burnaby Girl Guides. Records include correspondence, histories, biographies and cancelled warrants for Girl Guide commissioners.

Names: Girl Guides of Canada

Accession Code: BV015.35; BV016.49

Date: [1920]-2002

Media Type: Photograph; Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of series

CCF records

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82736

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1956-1978

Collection/Fonds: Hazel Simnett collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records: ill. (some col.)

Scope and Content: File consists of two booklets and a newsclipping. The first booklet entitled "Pertinent Portraits" by Barry Mather and Fraser Wilson was originally published in The Commonwealth newspaper in 1934 and re-published by the Boag Foundation in 1978. It contains biographies of CCF members and is signed b…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1956-1978

Collection/Fonds: Hazel Simnett collection

Series: Simnett political papers series

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records: ill. (some col.)

Description Level: File

Record No.: MSS167-004

Accession Number: 2013-22

Scope and Content: File consists of two booklets and a newsclipping. The first booklet entitled "Pertinent Portraits" by Barry Mather and Fraser Wilson was originally published in The Commonwealth newspaper in 1934 and re-published by the Boag Foundation in 1978. It contains biographies of CCF members and is signed by Harold Winch. Second booklet entitled "Canadian Labour and Politics" by Clifford A. Scotton provides a short history on the Canadian Labour movement with a chapter focusing on the CCF and the NDP. The newsclipping is from the Seattle Post Intelligencer, dated November 1, 1956. It features an article of President Eisenhower claiming the United States will not get involved in Middle East issues.

Subjects: Officials - Elected Officials

Names: New Democratic Party; Co-operative Commonwealth Federation "CCF"; Winch, Harold Edward

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file; Simnett political papers series

The international book of song : sweet melodies for the home, the choicest selections from the greatest masters and composers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3376

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Author: Scull, William Ellis, 1862-

Publication Date: c1901

Call Number: 784.8 SCU

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: BV992.24.1

Call Number: 784.8 SCU

Author: Scull, William Ellis, 1862-

Place of Publication: [s.l.]

Publisher: [s.n.]

Publication Date: c1901

Physical Description: vii, 9-440 p. [16] leaves of plates : ill., ports. ; 24 cm.

Inscription: "From Estate of Bessie H.W.P. Choate, April 6, 1906, Burnaby Historical Society" - endpapers (front)

Library Subject (LOC): Songs

Notes: "All the popular favorites whose music is perennial, pathos, love, humor, religion, patriotism and national songs. Music for the family circle, school, and all private and public occasions." -- Title page; "Beautifully illustrated by portraits of eminent composers and artists of song, with interesting biographies" -- Title page; Author's full name and dates: Scull, William Ellis, 1862-

The Morris Family

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription87919

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1992 (date of original) -[199-]

Collection/Fonds: Mary Forsyth fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of typewritten draft biographies of the Morris family written by Mary Forsyth along with handwritten notes; a copy of a newspaper article from the "Centennial News Feature, Tales of Burnaby's Past"; "Doctor's wife, three young girls escape train-car crash, Burnaby, B.C. 1933" which wa…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1992 (date of original) -[199-]

Collection/Fonds: Mary Forsyth fonds

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Description Level: File

Record No.: MSS185-006

Access Restriction: Open access

Accession Number: 2014-27

Scope and Content: File consists of typewritten draft biographies of the Morris family written by Mary Forsyth along with handwritten notes; a copy of a newspaper article from the "Centennial News Feature, Tales of Burnaby's Past"; "Doctor's wife, three young girls escape train-car crash, Burnaby, B.C. 1933" which was written by William R. Topham and an obituary for Wesley Gardiner Morris. Biographical and historical information was compiled by Mary Forysth with the intention of publishing a book.

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Transcribed title

The new century perfect speaker : a complete encyclopedia of elocution, oratory and etiquette : including portraits and biographies of the most distinguished statesmen, diplomarts, divines and public speakers of Canada, Great Britain and the United States ; also the complete etiquette of home, social, public and official life and a special department for children

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary2964

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Author: Cooper, John A. (John Alexander), 1868-

Call Number: 808.5 COO

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: HV972.113.1

Call Number: 808.5 COO

Author: Cooper, John A. (John Alexander), 1868-

Place of Publication: Guelph, Ont.

Publisher: World Pub. Co.

Physical Description: xx, 658 p. : ill. ; 25 cm.

Library Subject (LOC): Elocution; Etiquette; Manners and customs; Reading; Oratory

Notes: Author's full name and dates: Cooper, John Alexander, 1868-1956

Waplington and Fleming families album series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription18958

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1900-2004]

Collection/Fonds: Waplington family fonds

Description Level: Series

Physical Description: 1 album (88 photographs, textual records, graphic material)

Scope and Content: Series consists of an album about the Waplington and Fleming families. The album contains photographs, family documents, stories, poems, biographies and genealogy about family members.

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Waplington family fonds

Series: Waplington and Fleming families album series

Description Level: Series

Physical Description: 1 album (88 photographs, textual records, graphic material)

Scope and Content: Series consists of an album about the Waplington and Fleming families. The album contains photographs, family documents, stories, poems, biographies and genealogy about family members.

Date: [1900-2004]

Media Type: Photograph; Textual Record; Graphic Material

Notes: Title based on contents of series

The Waplingtons and Flemings

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4027

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1911] - 2002

Collection/Fonds: Waplington family fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 album (77 photographs + textual records + ephemera)

Scope and Content: File consists of an album about the Waplington and Fleming families. The album contains photographs, original family documents; including marriage and birth certificates and school awards, report cards and diplomas, a family tree as well as histories, stories, poems and biographies about the family…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Waplington family fonds

Series: Waplington and Fleming families album series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 album (77 photographs + textual records + ephemera)

Scope and Content: File consists of an album about the Waplington and Fleming families. The album contains photographs, original family documents; including marriage and birth certificates and school awards, report cards and diplomas, a family tree as well as histories, stories, poems and biographies about the family. John (Jack) Bancroft Waplington and Sarah Alice Cogswell Waplington (nee Nickerson) were the owners of the house and property located at 3813 Deer Lake Avenue from 1925 to 1946. Ray and Frances Louise Fleming (nee Waplington) owned the home from 1947 to 1958. In 1959 the Burnaby Municipality purchased the Fleming property at this location and rented it out for several years prior to it's demolition around 1970 to make way for Burnaby Heritage Village.

Names: Waplington, John "Jack"; Waplington, Sarah Alice Cogswell Nickerson "Cutie"; Fleming, John Reyland "Ray"; Fleming, John "Jack" Reyland; Ehlers, Edith "Edie" Fleming; Fleming, Frances "Fanny" Waplington

Accession Code: BV016.46.52

Date: [1911] - 2002

Media Type: Textual Record; Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of file; Photographs are described at item level. Photographs and documents were removed from Family history album for conservation purposes

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Biographies and histories

Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill

Audio Tracks

Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher

Audio Tracks

Interview with Shushma Datt and Sudhir Datta

Audio Tracks

Robert Burnaby biographies

Accent on the archives- Burnaby history and camp

Accent on the Archives - Girl Guide Trefoil Guild

Accent on the archives- Phyllis Munday

Accent on the Archives - Sea Ranger Kathy Hardy

Accent on the Archives- Vivian Henderson

Burnaby Girl Guides administrative records and histories series

CCF records

The international book of song : sweet melodies for the home, the choicest selections from the greatest masters and composers

The Morris Family

Waplington and Fleming families album series

The Waplingtons and Flemings