49 records – page 1 of 3.

42nd Burnaby Brownies 6th annual Canadian temple cathedral

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription5223
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
May 10, 1965
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 9.5 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph from the 6th Annual Mother & Daughter Banquet for the 42nd Burnaby Group, May 10, 1965. A group of four people are seated at a white clothed table and are identified from left to right as: District Guide member Mrs. Spriggs, Brown Owl and chairman-Mrs. T. Pearson, Anglican Bishop Rev. Dr…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
Series
Burnaby Girl Guides scrapbooks and photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 9.5 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph from the 6th Annual Mother & Daughter Banquet for the 42nd Burnaby Group, May 10, 1965. A group of four people are seated at a white clothed table and are identified from left to right as: District Guide member Mrs. Spriggs, Brown Owl and chairman-Mrs. T. Pearson, Anglican Bishop Rev. Dr. Voice (Pastor, Canadian Temple Cathedral & sponsor of the 42nd Burnaby Guides) and District Commissioner, Mrs. Isabelle Roper. Mrs. Helen Taylor is serving and is behind Mrs. Roper. There is a raised stage behind them along with a union jack flag and Girl Guide flag hanging from the ceiling. A photograph of Lady Baden Powell adorns the front of the table cloth along with a Canadian Flag, a graphic illustration of a Girl Guide in uniform and the number "6".
Subjects
Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs
Names
Girl Guides of Canada
Roper, Isabelle
Taylor, Helen
Spriggs, Mrs.
Voice, Reverend Dr.
Accession Code
BV016.49.116
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
May 10, 1965
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on content of photograph
Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "6th Annual Mother & / Daughter Banquet_42nd Burnaby / Group. _ May 10th 1965 / D.G. Member Mrs. Spriggs / M___Pearson - Brown Owl / Chairman . Bishop / Rev. Dr. Voice - Pastor Canadian / Temple Cathedral & sponsor of / our group / Com. Mrs. Roper / Mrs. Helen Taylor serving / Thought you would like / this one. F.P."
Images
Less detail

Annie Ellis in Burnaby Players costume

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37772
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1963 (date of original), copied 1991
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 2.6 x 4.0 cm print on contact sheet 20.3 x 26.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Annie Ellis, in a Burnaby Players costume, at the back of 6113 Silver Avenue, the Ellis family home.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1963 (date of original), copied 1991
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Image Bank subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 2.6 x 4.0 cm print on contact sheet 20.3 x 26.2 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
370-360
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1999-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of Annie Ellis, in a Burnaby Players costume, at the back of 6113 Silver Avenue, the Ellis family home.
Subjects
Occupations - Actors
Clothing - Costumes
Names
Burnaby Players
Ellis, Annie King
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 b&w copy negative accompanying
Negative has a pink cast
Geographic Access
Silver Avenue
Street Address
6113 Silver Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

Arthur W. Mawbey

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46259
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1959 and 1964]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 13.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of World War I veteran Arthur W. Mawbey sitting in front of the Union Jack in uniform during a Remembrance Day observance ceremony. He is smoking a pipe, with one hand resting on his cane, and the other hand holding a white wooden cross with maple leaf resting on it.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1959 and 1964]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 13.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1147
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of World War I veteran Arthur W. Mawbey sitting in front of the Union Jack in uniform during a Remembrance Day observance ceremony. He is smoking a pipe, with one hand resting on his cane, and the other hand holding a white wooden cross with maple leaf resting on it.
Subjects
Persons - Veterans
Wars - World War, 1914-1918
Symbols - Flags
Clothing - Military Uniforms
Names
Mawbey, Arthur W.
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Banquet hall inside Dragon Inn

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19077
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Larry Lee family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of the banquet hall of the Dragon Inn. People are seated at long tables covered in white table cloths.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Larry Lee family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of the banquet hall of the Dragon Inn. People are seated at long tables covered in white table cloths.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Names
Dragon Inn
Accession Code
BV022.19.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[196-]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Bob Prittie with Cheryl Manning and Faure Girgrich

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46024
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1969, published February 21, 1969
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 14 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Mayor Bob Prittie visiting the rehearsal of "Man in the Moon" put on by the Burnaby players. Bob Prittie is sitting next to Cheryl Manning who is dressed as a Phoenix, and holding a "rejuvenation egg" up for him to look at. Faure Girgrich is at his shoulder, dressed as "Moon Tree."
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1969, published February 21, 1969
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 14 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-912
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Mayor Bob Prittie visiting the rehearsal of "Man in the Moon" put on by the Burnaby players. Bob Prittie is sitting next to Cheryl Manning who is dressed as a Phoenix, and holding a "rejuvenation egg" up for him to look at. Faure Girgrich is at his shoulder, dressed as "Moon Tree."
Subjects
Officials - Mayors and Reeves
Recreational Activities - Theatre
Clothing - Costumes
Names
Prittie, Robert W. "Bob"
Manning, Cheryl
Girgrich, Faure
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
King, Basil
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Bruce Northorp and Robert Prittie

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46210
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1969 and 1973]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 19.5 x 24.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Royal Canadian Mounted Police staff-sergeant Bruce Northorp in uniform, shaking hands with Burnaby Mayor Robert Prittie, as the Mayor presents him with the RCMP's 20-year long-service metal at a ceremony at city hall.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1969 and 1973]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 19.5 x 24.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1098
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Royal Canadian Mounted Police staff-sergeant Bruce Northorp in uniform, shaking hands with Burnaby Mayor Robert Prittie, as the Mayor presents him with the RCMP's 20-year long-service metal at a ceremony at city hall.
Subjects
Clothing - Uniforms
Public Services - Policing
Ceremonies - Awards
Personal Symbols - Certificates
Officials - Mayors and Reeves
Names
Northorp, Bruce
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Street Address
4949 Canada Way
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
Less detail

Burnaby-Hastings Rotary Club's Minor League Baseball team

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1689
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1967 or 1968]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11 x 16.5 cm (sight), mounted in folder 19 x 45.5 cm, folded to 19 x 22.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Burnaby-Hastings Rotary Club's Minor League Baseball team sitting and standing in two rows with their coach.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11 x 16.5 cm (sight), mounted in folder 19 x 45.5 cm, folded to 19 x 22.5 cm
Material Details
Window mat and folder are glued together
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Burnaby-Hastings Rotary Club's Minor League Baseball team sitting and standing in two rows with their coach.
Subjects
Sports - Baseball
Sports - Team Sports
Clothing - Uniforms
Accession Code
BV003.68.115
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1967 or 1968]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
09-Jun-09
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on inside cover of folder (that houses photograph) reads: "Burnaby - Hastings Rotary/ 1967-68"
Images
Less detail

Burnaby-Hastings Rotary Club's Minor League Baseball team

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1690
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
June 1965
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11 x 16.5 cm (sight), mounted in folder 19 x 45.5 cm, folded to 19 x 22.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Burnaby-Hastings Rotary Club's Minor League Baseball team standing in two rows with their coach.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11 x 16.5 cm (sight), mounted in folder 19 x 45.5 cm, folded to 19 x 22.5 cm
Material Details
Window mat and folder are glued together
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Burnaby-Hastings Rotary Club's Minor League Baseball team standing in two rows with their coach.
Subjects
Sports - Baseball
Sports - Team Sports
Clothing - Uniforms
Accession Code
BV003.68.116
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
June 1965
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
09-Jun-09
Scale
100
Images
Less detail

Can. Girl Guide association - Provincial leaders conference

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4901
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
Apr 1961
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 17 x 24.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Canadian Girl Guide Association- Provincial Leaders conference at the Civic Centre. Prince George, B.C. Girl Guide leaders are seated along five long tables covered with white table cloths inside a large room. Burnaby Girl Guide leaders in attendance are identified as Audrey Park,…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
Series
Burnaby Girl Guides scrapbooks and photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 17 x 24.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Canadian Girl Guide Association- Provincial Leaders conference at the Civic Centre. Prince George, B.C. Girl Guide leaders are seated along five long tables covered with white table cloths inside a large room. Burnaby Girl Guide leaders in attendance are identified as Audrey Park, Phyllis Martin, Marg Nelson, Ethel Steele, Eve McLean, Isabelle Roper, Del Carrell, I. Foskie, D. Fowler, Doris Stafford, Ann Dugdale and Molly Daly.
Subjects
Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs
Names
Girl Guides of Canada
Park, Audrey
Martin, Phyllis
Nelson, Margaret
Steele, Ethel
McLean, Eve
Roper, Isabelle
Carrell, Del
Foskie, I.
Fowler, Doreen
Stafford, Doris
Dugdale, Ann
Daly, Molly
Accession Code
BV015.35.259
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
Apr 1961
Media Type
Photograph
Related Material
Same photograph as BV016.49.111
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
January 6, 2021
Scale
100
Photographer
Craftsman Photographers
Notes
Title based on caption of photograph
Note in ink on verso of photograph reads: "Audrey Park, Phyllis Martin, Marg Nelson, Ethel Steele, Eve McLean / Isobel Roper, Del Carrell, I. Foskie / D. Fowler / Doris Stafford / Ann Dugdale, Molly Daly"
Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "Craftsman Photographers / 3322-4th Ave Prince George, B.C."
Caption in white ink at bottom of photograph reads: "Can. Girl Guides Assoc. - Provincial Leaders Conference / April 14-15/61_ Civic Centre, Prince George, B.C. / Craftsmen / Photographers"
Note in black ink on scrapbook page reads: "Among those attending: Audrey Park, Phyllis Martin, Marg Nelson, Ethel Steele, / Eve McLean, Isobel [sic] Roper, D. Catrell, I. Foskie, D. Fowler, Doris Stafford, Ann Dugdale / and Molly Daly."
Photograph is a part of scrapbook "Burnaby Girl Guides. -- [1914]-1969, predominant ca. 1920" (BV.015.35.164)
Images
Less detail

Diane Ouston

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46198
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1960 and 1979]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Diane Ouston, Public Health Nurse, and head of the home care project at the Simon Fraser Health Unit.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1960 and 1979]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1086
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Diane Ouston, Public Health Nurse, and head of the home care project at the Simon Fraser Health Unit.
Subjects
Occupations - Nurses
Clothing - Uniforms
Names
Ouston, Diane
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on verso of photograph reads: "Mrs. Diane Ouston,P.H.N., head, home care project, SFHU / SAVE PICTURE AND FILE!! / Mrs. Diane Oustin / 1 x 3" p.3 FRIDAY"
Images
Less detail

"E" Division

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10426
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
Nov. 8, 1962
Collection/Fonds
Robert Stanley Vannerus fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 p. textual record
Scope and Content
Item consists of a letter dated November 8, 1962 regarding "Kit and Clothing / S/Cst. R. Vannerus" with the Burnaby Detachment.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Robert Stanley Vannerus fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 p. textual record
Scope and Content
Item consists of a letter dated November 8, 1962 regarding "Kit and Clothing / S/Cst. R. Vannerus" with the Burnaby Detachment.
Accession Code
BV010.4.13
Date
Nov. 8, 1962
Media Type
Textual Record
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Less detail

Fire Chief William Menzies

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46268
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1954 and 1964]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 7.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Fire Chief William Menzies in uniform.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1954 and 1964]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 7.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1156
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Fire Chief William Menzies in uniform.
Subjects
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Clothing - Uniforms
Names
Menzies, William "Bill"
Burnaby Fire Department
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Firefighters Ken Gurr, Norman Brooke, Warren Evans and Fred Blake

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1539
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[196-] (date of original)
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Firefighters Ken Gurr, Norman Brooke, Warren Evans and Chief Training Officer Fred Blake in uniform, standing in front of a fire truck, with a sign in the background that reads "Be Fire-Wise/ Save Lives/ Join The/ Channel 8 [illegible]."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm print
Material Details
Copy print is of poor quality
Scope and Content
Photograph of Firefighters Ken Gurr, Norman Brooke, Warren Evans and Chief Training Officer Fred Blake in uniform, standing in front of a fire truck, with a sign in the background that reads "Be Fire-Wise/ Save Lives/ Join The/ Channel 8 [illegible]."
Subjects
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Clothing - Uniforms
Names
Burnaby Fire Department
Accession Code
BV998.31.21
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[196-] (date of original)
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
02-Jun-09
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Typed sticker on verso of photograph reads: "(L to R)/ Ken Gurr, Norman Brooke,/ Warren Evans, Chief Train-/ ing Officer Fred Blake."
Address sticker on verso of photograph reads: "MR & MRS F BLAKE 4165 Pandora Street Burnaby BC Canada V5C 2B2"
Images
Less detail

Governor General presents the Silver Cross

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46308
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
December 3, 1968
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 20.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Governor General Roland Michener presenting the Silver Cross for Gallantry to Boy Scout Randall Annett of Burnaby for his attempt to save his younger brother from a fire earlier that year. In the background is the Governor General's Aid-de-camp Brigadier General E. G. Eakins in unifor…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
December 3, 1968
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 20.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1196
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Governor General Roland Michener presenting the Silver Cross for Gallantry to Boy Scout Randall Annett of Burnaby for his attempt to save his younger brother from a fire earlier that year. In the background is the Governor General's Aid-de-camp Brigadier General E. G. Eakins in uniform.
Subjects
Ceremonies - Awards
Officials - Governor Generals
Clothing - Uniforms
Names
Michener, Daniel Roland "Roland"
Annett, Randall
Boy Scouts of Canada
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Newspaper clipping attached to verso of photograph reads: "Governor-General Roland Michener presents the silver cross for gallantry to Boy Scout Randall Annett of Burnaby for his attempt to save his younger brother from a fire earlier this year. Randall broke down a door, dragged his brother from the house and extinguished his burning clothes. The award is made to scouts who show considerable courage. In background is the governor-general's aid-de-camp Brig.-Gen. E. G. Eakins. The presentation was made during the governor-general's visit to Burnaby on Monday afternoon."
Images
Less detail

Horse-drawn plough at work

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36338
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1961 or 1962]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 18 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a boy and a man clearing land with a horse-drawn plough at 5288 Hardwick Street, near Still Creek. The two draft horses are walking towards the camera with their ears up. The boy is standing behind them, holding on to the plough, and the man is walking along beside him. Clothes are ha…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1961 or 1962]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Tony S. Fabian subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 18 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
251-003
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1991-09
Scope and Content
Photograph of a boy and a man clearing land with a horse-drawn plough at 5288 Hardwick Street, near Still Creek. The two draft horses are walking towards the camera with their ears up. The boy is standing behind them, holding on to the plough, and the man is walking along beside him. Clothes are hanging to dry on a line that is partially visible on the left.
Subjects
Agricultural Tools and Equipment - Plows
Transportation - Horses
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
Less detail

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 …
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
Audio Tracks

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

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
Less detail

Interview with John Gordon Davis November 21, 2002 - Tape 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13082
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1940-1989] (interview content), November 21, 2002 (interview date), digitized in 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Oral History collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 audio cassette (50 min., 53 sec)
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with (John) Gordon Davis conducted by Mabel F. Nichols with her husband Jack Nichols. Mabel is interviewing Gordon as part of a research project to provide background information to the Burnaby Village Museum who are accepting a donation of Gordon's wife Anne's World War I…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Oral History collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 audio cassette (50 min., 53 sec)
Material Details
Interviewer: Mabel F. Nichols and husband Jack Nichols Interviewee: John Gordon Davis Location of Interview: New Westminster Interview Date: November 21, 2002 Total Number of tracks: 2 (side A & B of audio cassette) Total Length of all Tracks: 50 min., 53 sec.
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with (John) Gordon Davis conducted by Mabel F. Nichols with her husband Jack Nichols. Mabel is interviewing Gordon as part of a research project to provide background information to the Burnaby Village Museum who are accepting a donation of Gordon's wife Anne's World War II nursing uniform. Gordon provides background information on his family history and describes his experiences while serving overseas during World War II (WWII) including his experiences as a radar operator and working at a military air squadron repair depot. Gordon also provides biographical information about his wife Anne Davis (nee Williams) and her experiences serving as a military nurse during WWII and their life in Burnaby. Interviewer, Mabel and Jack Nichols also provide anecdotal stories about their own life in Burnaby during the interview. Track 1 - Side A (30:34) 00:00 - 30:34 Interview opens with discussion between interviewer Mabel F. Nichols and Gordon Davis about his wife, Anne Davis' experience working in the nursing corps. Mr. Davis provides background information about working in mining between 1933 and 1940 before training in Ontario to become a radar operator during World War II. Gordon also describes his parents origins and how they moved to Burnaby in 1940 while Gordon headed off to Nova Scotia to serve with the RCAF. Gordon also shares information about his sister Anne Davis who married George L. Davis from Kirkland Lake and how they lived with Gordon's parents in the auto court in Burnaby. He tells of how George L. Davis worked for Dominion Bridge Co. and later as a meat cutter for Safeway near 6th Avenue and Kingsway in Burnaby. Mabel shares her own husband Jack's experiences growing up in Burnaby as the son of butcher, George Nichols, his career as a deisel mechanic and later in the GVRD Engineering Department. Gordon shares that his father, Gilbert died in 1957 and his mother Elizabeth died in 1968 and his older sister Ruth died in 1990. Gordon recollects his wedding day and honeymoon in North Wales in 1945 with his wife Anne. Track 2 - Side B (29:19) 00:00 - 14:37 Gordon continues with his recollections about his wedding and honeymoon in North Wales in 1945. The interviewers, Mabel and Jack discuss the geography of the area sharing their own experiences travelling in 1981 and try to get an idea of where Gordon and his wife were married. They agree that the place was Llandudno. He tells of signing up for another year of Military Service since his wife was still serving in the nursing corps. and describes working North of London at a Military facility to repair aircraft including mosquito bombers. 14:38 - 21: 53 Gordon shares information about working in the Middle East in 1943 while his wife Anne survived the bombing of the Dutch passenger ship, the Marnix that she was travelling on. Gordon tells of how Anne couldn't swim but had a life jacket on and was picked up by a life boat. Anne corresponded with Gordon to let him know that she was alright but had to be cryptic since all letters were censored. Gordon tells of how Anne then travelled to India. Interviewer, Mabel, speaks of her own brother Bill who was picked up in Gibralter and taken to England. 21:54 - 26:18 Gordon recollects first meeting his wife Anne in London and the bombing that occurred during WWII. He tells of how Anne trained as a midwife at the Royal College of Midwives in Yorkshire and how he attended Radio college in Ontario. 26:19- 29:19 Gordon speaks about his experience travelling east on the Queen Mary in World War II and how full the ship was. He says that they were 30 days at sea from May to June in 1942.
History
Interviewee biography: John Gordon Davis was born to Elizabeth Ann Vert (nee Eyres) and Gilbert Davis on September 13, 1913 in North Cobalt, Ontario. Gordon was the second youngest of six children. After graduating from high school he attended Radio College in Toronto. He spent two years prior to World War II working in radio on British ships. In 1940, after retiring, his parents moved to British Columbia. They purchased the Flowerland Auto Court in 1941 at 4212 Douglas Road, Burnaby. During this time, Gordon moved to Ontario and sought employment in radio range stations that were dealing with new technology throughout Europe. He joined the RCAF in 1941. While in London, in May of 1941, he met his future wife Anne Williams. In World War II, Anne served as a nurse in Queen Alexandra's Imperial Army Nursing Corps. In November 1943, Anne survived the bombing of the Dutch passenger ship, SS Marnix while it sailed in a convoy from England to the Mediterranean. Gordon did many tours throughout the Middle East, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, the Battle of the Bulge, Sarnia before he was known as “surplus to requirement”. Since Anne was still in the nursing corps, Gordon signed on for another year and was sent north of London to a Repair Squadron where he worked on operational repairs of Mosquito bombers which were manufactured in Canada. Anne and Gordon continued their correspondence and eventually married in North Wales on January 23, 1945. Gordon was shipped back to Canada in October of 1945 and moved in with his parents at their auto court on Douglas Road in Burnaby. Anne joined Gordon in Burnaby in April 1946 when her mission was completed. Anne packed up her things in a large trunk that she addressed to Gordon’s parents on Douglas Road. Gordon moved around British Columbia in his work for BC Electric and eventually retired with HB Contracting Ltd. in Surrey working on the BC pipeline between 1953 and 1954. In the late 1950s, Gordon and Anne purchased a home in Burnaby at 1508 6th Street (now 7591 6th Street) which they lived in until 1984. In 1985, Anne and Gordon sold their house in Burnaby and moved to Hyack House in New Westminster. Anne Davis died in 1989 at the age of 76 years. Gordon's father, Gilbert died in 1957 and his mother Elizabeth Ann Verta died in 1968. Interviewer biography: Mabel F. Nichols (nee Lawrence) was one of six children born in Hope [ca.1932] to Elmer E. Lawrence and Louise (nee Pennier). Elmer and Louise married in Yale B.C. in 1916. Mabel’s mother, Louise Pennier was part of the Sts'ailes Nation (Chehalis First Nation). Elmer and Louise had three sons and three daughters. Both of Mabel’s parents died in Langley in 1960. Mabel married Jack (John) Nichols [between 1959 and 1960]. They lived at 6004 Wilson Street, Burnaby in 1959; 4910 Willingdon Avenue [between 1960 and 1962] and 4662 Hazel Street [between 1963 and 1987] before moving to Surrey. Jack Nichols' parents, George and Alma Nichols owned and operated Nichols Family Meat Market at 4018 Kingsway (later renumbered 4500 Kingsway). The family lived behind the butcher shop.
Subjects
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Occupations - Nurses
Clothing - Uniforms
Names
Davis, John Gordon "Gordon"
Davis, Anne Williams
Davis, Gilbert
Nichols, Mabel F. Lawrence
Nichols Family Meat Market
Accession Code
BV005.37.1
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1940-1989] (interview content), November 21, 2002 (interview date), digitized in 2020
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of sound recording
Recording is closed due to poor sound quality
See also: Anne Davis' (nee Williams) WWII nursing uniform- BV003.15.10 & BV03.15.11 & BV003.15.12
Less detail

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19347
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (m4a) (118 min., 39 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (115 min., 20 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of an oral history interview with Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill and their daughter, Prem Kaur Gill conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep. The interview is conducted in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The three members of the Gill family share the…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
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

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
Less detail

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…
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

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
Less detail

Interview with Shanaz Khan

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20284
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1956-2023] (interview content), interviewed 24 Sep. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (wav) (65 min., 54 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (63 min., 54 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Shanaz Khan conducted by Burnaby Village Museum registrar Rajdeep on September 24, 2023. 00:00:00- 00:09:59 Shanaz Khan shares information about herself, her family and life in Fiji before she immigrated to Vancouver in 1972 and her fi…
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) (65 min., 54 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (63 min., 54 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Rajdeep Interviewee: Shanaz Khan Location of Interview: Love farmhouse at Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: September 24, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:05:54 Digital master recording (wav) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Shanaz Khan conducted by Burnaby Village Museum registrar Rajdeep on September 24, 2023. 00:00:00- 00:09:59 Shanaz Khan shares information about herself, her family and life in Fiji before she immigrated to Vancouver in 1972 and her first experiences after immigrating to Vancouver including where her family lived, her work as an accountant for major banks in Vancouver, training and working as a chef and living in Surrey and Vancouver. 00:10:00 - 00:14:59 Shanaz shares experiences in her career as an accountant working in Vancouver and Tumbler Ridge and her experiences of racism that she faced in her workplace. Shanaz talks about her life after retirement and her volunteer work. 00:015:00 - 00:22:53 Shanaz talks about her life in Burnaby for the last 19 years and what she likes about living here. Shanaz recollects locations of stores in Vancouver where her family shopped to find traditional foods and where her family lived after immigrating. Shanaz shares some of her favourite traditional foods. 00:22:54 - 00:37:41 Shanaz recollects some of her childhood experiences growing up in Fiji and her experiences of swimming in Fiji, Hawaii and in Vancouver. Shanaz talks about her fitness regime and places that she likes to exercise in Burnaby including trails and green spaces and reflects on the changes to Burnaby with increased development, the cost of housing and the crime rate. 00:37:42 - 00:52:41 Shanaz talks about the traditional clothing and western clothing that she’s worn and accessed while living in Burnaby and Vancouver. Shanaz describes some traditional Islamic religious practices including the nikah (marriage), funerals, prayers, Eid, Hajj and her own personal practices as well as locations of mosques and cemeteries available to Muslims in the lower mainland. 00:52:42 - 01:05:54 Shanaz talks about her parent’s religious and ancestral background, her religious upbringing and the demographics of Fiji.
History
Interviewee biography: Shanaz Khan was born and raised in Suva, Fiji in the 1950's. In the early 1970's, Shanaz immigrated to Vancouver with her parents and younger brother. Shanaz attended John Oliver High School and took one year of accounting courses at Langara College. Over the years Shanaz worked as an accountant in major banks and for a mining company in Tumbler Ridge. Shanaz also worked as a chef at various restaurants and bakeries after completing training at a Vancouver Culinary School. Shanaz has made her home in Burnaby for the past 19 years. Following her retirement, Shanaz has volunteered for different organizations including the YWCA. 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
Buildings - Religious - Mosques
Cemeteries
Ceremonies - Funerals
Ceremonies - Weddings
Education
Housing
Migration
Occupations
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Religions - Islam
Religions - Christianity
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Sports - Swimming
Names
Khan, Shanaz
Responsibility
Rajdeep
Accession Code
BV023.16.18
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1956-2023] (interview content), interviewed 24 Sep. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Shanaz Khan, [1956-2023] (interview content), interviewed 24 Sep. 2023

Interview with Shanaz Khan, [1956-2023] (interview content), interviewed 24 Sep. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0018_002.mp3
Less detail

49 records – page 1 of 3.