More like 'Chinese New Year envelope'

100 records – page 1 of 5.

Lion dance at Metrotown Mall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription95728
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of Lunar New Year celebrations at the Metrotown mall. In one photograph, Burnaby North MLA Pietro Calendino helps to "waken the lion." In the other, a Buddha dances with the lions in the atrium of the mall as spectators look down from the storeys of the mall above.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-1586
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of Lunar New Year celebrations at the Metrotown mall. In one photograph, Burnaby North MLA Pietro Calendino helps to "waken the lion." In the other, a Buddha dances with the lions in the atrium of the mall as spectators look down from the storeys of the mall above.
Subjects
Celebrations
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Performances
Names
Metrotown
Calendino, Pietro
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2001 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-1586-1: "Burnaby North MLA Pietro Calendino helps "waken the lion" by painting dots on its tongue and eyes, at Chinese New Year's celebrations at Burnaby's Metrotown mall."
Caption from metadata for 535-1586-2: "A "Buddha" dances with the lions at Chinese New Year's celebrations at Burnaby's Metrotown Centre."
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
4700 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

Lion dance at New Westminster Quay

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription95727
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of lion dancers celebrating Lunar New Year at the New Westminster Quay. As the dancers perform, a crowd of adults and children gather in a circle to watch.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-1585
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of lion dancers celebrating Lunar New Year at the New Westminster Quay. As the dancers perform, a crowd of adults and children gather in a circle to watch.
Subjects
Celebrations
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Performances
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2001 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Lion dancers welcome the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Snake, at the New Westminser Quay."
Images
Less detail

Lunar New Year at Lougheed Town Centre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96192
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2006]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of Lunar New Year celebrations at Lougheed Town Centre. The photographs depict the Grand Ensemble Choir singing and members of the North Burnaby Retired Society performing a traditional dance.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2006]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-1889
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of Lunar New Year celebrations at Lougheed Town Centre. The photographs depict the Grand Ensemble Choir singing and members of the North Burnaby Retired Society performing a traditional dance.
Subjects
Celebrations
Organizations - Choirs
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Buildings - Commercial - Malls
Names
Lougheed Town Centre
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2006 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-1889-1: "The Grand Ensemble Choir entertains shoppers during Lunar New Year celebrations on Saturday at Lougheed Town Centre."
Caption from metadata for 535-1889-2: "Members of the North Burnaby Retired Society perform a traditional Chinese dance as part of Lunar New Year celebrations, Saturday at Lougheed Town Centre."
Geographic Access
Austin Road
Street Address
9855 Austin Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cameron Area
Images
Less detail

Mayor Doug Drummond at a lion dance

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97989
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Mayor Doug Drummond dotting the eyes of a lion during a Lunar New Year celebration in the atrium of the Metrotown mall.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-3094
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of Mayor Doug Drummond dotting the eyes of a lion during a Lunar New Year celebration in the atrium of the Metrotown mall.
Subjects
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Officials - Mayors and Reeves
Names
Drummond, Douglas P. "Doug"
Metrotown
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a February 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Burnaby mayor Doug Drummond dots the eye of the lion at Chinese New Year celebrations at the Metrotown Centre. Dotting the eye symbolizes waking up the lion."
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
4700 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

Lion dance at Simon Fraser University

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96248
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2005]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of members of the Qun Ying Athletic Club from Gilmore Community School performing the lion dance under the Convocation Mall roof at Simon Fraser University, as part of Lunar New Year celebrations.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2005]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-1931
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of members of the Qun Ying Athletic Club from Gilmore Community School performing the lion dance under the Convocation Mall roof at Simon Fraser University, as part of Lunar New Year celebrations.
Subjects
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Persons - Students
Recreational Activities - Theatre
Names
Simon Fraser University
Gilmore Avenue School
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Medig, Kari
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a February 2005 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Members of the Qun Ying Athletic Club from Gilmore Community School perform the Lion Dance to bring in the Chinese New Year at Simon Fraser University on Wednesday afternoon."
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
University Drive
Street Address
8888 University Drive
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Less detail

Gung Haggis Fat Choy

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96169
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2005]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of Todd Wong on the Simon Fraser University campus, posing in a SFU T-shirt and kilt with a dragon puppet and other objects. Wong was the founder of "Gung Haggis Fat Choy," a combination celebration of Robbie Burns Day and Chinese New Year.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2005]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-1866
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of Todd Wong on the Simon Fraser University campus, posing in a SFU T-shirt and kilt with a dragon puppet and other objects. Wong was the founder of "Gung Haggis Fat Choy," a combination celebration of Robbie Burns Day and Chinese New Year.
Subjects
Holidays
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Buildings - Schools - Universities and Colleges
Names
Simon Fraser University
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2005 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-1866-1: "Todd Wong, aka Toddish McWong, is getting ready to celebrate Gung Haggis Fat Choy, a convergence of Robbie Burns Day and Chinese New Year that he cooked up while trying to come up with an idea for "a really good house party" when he was a student at Simon Fraser University."
Caption from metadata for 535-1866-2: "Todd Wong, aka Toddish McWong, dreamed up Gung Haggis Fat Choy, a combination celebration of Robbie Burns Day and Chinese New Year, while he was a student at Simon Fraser University in the early 1990s. The school will celebrate the newfound holiday with the first Gung Haggis Fat Choy Canadian Games, feature dragoncart races, a lion dance, highland dancers and bag pipers, at Convocation Mall on Jan. 28."
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
University Drive
Street Address
8888 University Drive
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Less detail

Calligrapher Peter Chuk

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96335
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2003]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of Peter Chuk, a Chinese calligrapher, creating good luck messages during Lunar New Year celebrations at Lougheed Town Centre.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2003]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-2016
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of Peter Chuk, a Chinese calligrapher, creating good luck messages during Lunar New Year celebrations at Lougheed Town Centre.
Subjects
Arts
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Names
Lougheed Town Centre
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a February 2003 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-2016-1: "Peter Chuk, a Chinese calligrapher, is framed by the brushes of his craft as he writes good luck messages during Chinese New Year celebrations at Burnaby Lougheed Town Centre on Saturday."
Caption from metadata for 535-2016-2: "Peter Chuk, a Chinese calligrapher, paints good luck messages during Chinese New Year celebrations, Saturday at Burnaby's Lougheed Town Centre."
Geographic Access
Austin Road
Street Address
9855 Austin Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cameron Area
Images
Less detail

Dragon dancers at Brentwood Mall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96005
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2004]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of two dragon dancers from the Yau Kung Moon Athletic Association performing for a crowd inside the Brentwood Mall.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2004]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-1756
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of two dragon dancers from the Yau Kung Moon Athletic Association performing for a crowd inside the Brentwood Mall.
Subjects
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Performances
Buildings - Commercial - Malls
Names
Brentwood Shopping Centre
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2004 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Dragon dancers from the Yau Kung Moon Athletic Association, celebrate Chinese New Year, Saturday at Burnaby's Brentwood Mall. The dragon is controlled by the King of Heaven, and the dance is symbolic of its arrival on earth to help people and brighten the future."
Geographic Access
Lougheed Highway
Street Address
4567 Lougheed Highway
Planning Study Area
Brentwood Area
Images
Less detail

Lion dance at Brentwood Mall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97982
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of a lion dance during a Burnaby Chinese Parents Association's celebration for Lunar New Year at Brentwood Mall. Shoppers watch from the side of the floor and from above, looking down into the atrium.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-3087
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of a lion dance during a Burnaby Chinese Parents Association's celebration for Lunar New Year at Brentwood Mall. Shoppers watch from the side of the floor and from above, looking down into the atrium.
Subjects
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Buildings - Commercial - Malls
Performances
Names
Brentwood Shopping Centre
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a February 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "A pair of Chinese lions dance in the new year at the Burnaby Chinese Parents Association's Chinese New Year celebration at Brentwood Mall."
Geographic Access
Lougheed Highway
Street Address
4567 Lougheed Highway
Planning Study Area
Brentwood Area
Images
Less detail

Lunar New Year at Crystal Mall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96296
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2002]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Lunar New Year celebrations at the Crystal Mall. A person dressed as the God of Fortune greets a shopper.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2002]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-1979
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of Lunar New Year celebrations at the Crystal Mall. A person dressed as the God of Fortune greets a shopper.
Subjects
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Events
Buildings - Commercial - Malls
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a February 2002 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "The Chinese God of Fortune greets shoppers at Burnaby's Crystal Shopping Mall, on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Horse. The God of Fortune brings luck to people, and prosperity to the community."
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
4500 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

Lunar New Year at Lougheed Town Centre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96245
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2005]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of Lunar New Year celebrations at Lougheed Town Centre. Photographs depict performers from the Yuen's Family Martial Arts Centre demonstrating traditional Chinese swordplay and the Lion dance, as a crowd looks on in the mall's atrium.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2005]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-1928
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of Lunar New Year celebrations at Lougheed Town Centre. Photographs depict performers from the Yuen's Family Martial Arts Centre demonstrating traditional Chinese swordplay and the Lion dance, as a crowd looks on in the mall's atrium.
Subjects
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Recreational Activities - Theatre
Buildings - Commercial - Malls
Names
Lougheed Town Centre
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a February 2005 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-1928-1: "A performer from Yuen's Family Martial Arts Centre demonstrates traditional Chinese swordplay during Chinese New Year celebrations, Saturday at the Lougheed Town Centre."
Caption from metadata for 535-1928-2: "Having awoken the Lion, the "Buddha" tries to tame the angry beast so that it may bring luck instead of terror, in a reenactment of the origins of the traditional Chinese Lion dance, performed by the Yuen Family Martial Arts Centre, at Chinese New Year celebrations, Saturday at the Lougheed Town Centre."
Geographic Access
Austin Road
Street Address
9855 Austin Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cameron Area
Images
Less detail

Lunar New Year celebrations at Brentwood

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96133
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2003]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of lions and ceremonies during Lunar New Year celebrations at Brentwood Town Centre.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2003]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-1830
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of lions and ceremonies during Lunar New Year celebrations at Brentwood Town Centre.
Subjects
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Buildings - Commercial - Malls
Ceremonies
Events
Names
Brentwood Shopping Centre
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2003 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-1830-1: "A "Gold Lion" from the Yau King Moon Club welcomes the Year of the Goat at Brentwood Town Centre, on Saturday."
Caption from metadata for 535-1830-2: "Nika White adds her dab in the traditional "Dotting of the Lion's Eye" Ceremony at Chinese New Year celebrations, Saturday at Brentwood Town Centre."
Geographic Access
Lougheed Highway
Street Address
4567 Lougheed Highway
Planning Study Area
Brentwood Area
Images
Less detail

New Year at T&T Supermarket

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96001
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2004]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of two managers at the Metrotown T&T Supermarket displaying foods and customs before Chinese New Year.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2004]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-1752
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of two managers at the Metrotown T&T Supermarket displaying foods and customs before Chinese New Year.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Holidays - Chinese New Year
Names
Metrotown
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2004 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-1752-1: "Yanting Chen, the seafood manager at T&T Supermarket, at Metrotown, with a red snapper. Fish is a traditional meal for Chinese New Year's Eve, and a whole fish symbolizes abundance and completeness."
Caption from metadata for 535-1752-2: "Melina Hung, the marketing manager for T&T Supermarket, at Metrotown, makes sure she'll have prosperity for the coming new year by picking an even number of oranges. Serving food in even numbers during Chinese New Year is seen as a harbinger of good fortune and abundance."
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
4700 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

Duraisamy family

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97702
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
4 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of the Duraisamy family, who moved to Canada from Sri Lanka, displaying how they blend Christian Christmas and Hindu traditions in their home.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
4 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-2977
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of the Duraisamy family, who moved to Canada from Sri Lanka, displaying how they blend Christian Christmas and Hindu traditions in their home.
Subjects
Holidays - Christmas
Religions - Christianity
Religions - Hinduism
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a December 2001 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-2977-1: "Siva and Kanges Duraisamy, originally from Sri Lanka, have been gradually melding their Hindu and Christian Christmas traditions."
Caption from metadata for 535-2977-2: "The Duraisamy family, originally from Sri Lanka, have been gradually melding Hindu and Christian Christmas traditions since moving to Canada in 1999."
Caption from metadata for 535-2977-3: "Niroo Duraisamy, 8, shows off the letter to Santa Claus he composed on his home computer. Since moving to Canada from Sri Lanka in 1999, his family has gradually incorporated western Christmas traditions into their holiday."
Caption from metadata for 535-2977-4: "Siva Duraisamy tries to figure out why the family's Frosty the Snowman decoration won't light up."
Images
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
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Interview with Jagandeep "Jag" Nagra

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19605
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1984-2023 (interview content), interviewed 5 Jun. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (wav) (47 min., 26 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (47 min., 27 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Jagandeep "Jag" Nagra interviewed by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 – 00:04:31 The interview opens with introductions and biographical details about Jag Nagra. The interviewer shares information about Jag Nagra…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews 2023 subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (wav) (47 min., 26 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (47 min., 27 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: James Binks Interviewee: Jagandeep "Jag" Nagra Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: June 5, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 47:27
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Jagandeep "Jag" Nagra interviewed by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 – 00:04:31 The interview opens with introductions and biographical details about Jag Nagra. The interviewer shares information about Jag Nagra’s art career and the many art projects and commissions that Jag has worked on. Jag shares information about her parents, providing details about their immigration to British Columbia from Punjab and the places that Jag and her family have lived over the years. 00:04:32 – 00:12:38 Jag talks about what inspired her to become interested in art, her art education and how her artistic practice and expression have developed over time. Jag describes how she first started in graphic design, how she’s become more involved in public art and her experience working in design. Jag touches on her experiences of being a South Asian growing up and living in a predominantly white neighbourhood and provides information about her parents, Avatar Singh Nagra and Rajwant Kaur Nagra and their migration to Canada. 00:12:39 – 00:20:03 Jag talks about her inspiration in creating her work, her involvement with the revitalization of the Punjabi Market in Vancouver, the Punjabi Market Collective and other public art projects that she’s been involved with focusing on the South Asian community and LGBTQ+ issues. 00:20:04 – 00:41:09 Jag talks about her involvement with the Burnaby Village Museum’s exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. The interviewer and Jag take a walk throughout the exhibit while Jag describes the art work that she created for the exhibit and her creative process. Jag reflects on her own experiences being involved in the exhibit. 00:41:10 – 00:47:27 Jag talks about her own experiences as a South Asian Queer artist reflecting on her experiences within the art community. In closing Jag reflects on the impacts of the exhibit that celebrates South Asian culture in Burnaby.
History
Interviewee biography: Jagandeep "Jag" Nagra is a queer Panjabi Visual Artist passionate about community development, making art accessible and ending stigma against LGBTQ+ people within the South Asian community. Nagra has worked with clients such as the Vancouver Canucks, Tim Hortons and Microsoft and is currently serving as Vice Chair of the Punjabi Market Collective. She is featured in the internationally acclaimed, award wining LGBTQ documentary Emergence: Out of the Shadows. Her artworks are part of the Museum of Vancouver’s permanent collection and have been commissioned for the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit "Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby". Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Migration
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Persons - LGBTQ+
Occupations - Artists
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Social Issues - Discrimination
Names
Nagra, Jagandeep "Jag"
Responsibility
Binks, James
Accession Code
BV023.16.9
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
1984-2023 (interview content), interviewed 5 Jun. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Documents
Audio Tracks
Less detail

Shafq-E-Gurlrung

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7626
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Parmar, Nadeem, 1936-
Publication Date
2009
Call Number
891.421 PAR
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
BV022.33.1
ISBN
9788178835808
Call Number
891.421 PAR
Author
Parmar, Nadeem, 1936-
Place of Publication
Ludhiana, India
Publisher
Chetna Parkashan
Publication Date
2009
Physical Description
150 p. : 23 cm.
Inscription
Title page has inscription and signature from author dated "6.12.2022"
Library Subject (LOC)
Poetry
Panjabis (South Asian people)--British Columbia
Subjects
Persons
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Names
Parmar, Kalwant Singh "Nadeem"
Object History
Kalwant Singh Parmar was born June 9, 1936, Chuck 138 in Lyalpur (Old India before 1947). He was given his writer's name ("Nadeem", which means 'friend' in Persian). He holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Teaching from Punjab University and a diploma from the London Board of Education (L.B.E.)and a P.Eng. from Lancaster. Nadeem emigrated to Burnaby in 1973 and worked various jobs before working with CN/CP Telecommunications. He has seven books published in Punjabi, three in Urdu and is published in eight anthologies. He is fluent in Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi.
Notes
Written in Punjabi
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Shookhtay Dria ka Panni

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7627
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Parmar, Nadeem, 1936-
Publication Date
2009
Call Number
891.421 PAR
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
BV022.33.2
ISBN
9788179149614
Call Number
891.421 PAR
Author
Parmar, Nadeem, 1936-
Place of Publication
Chandigarh, India
Publisher
Tarlochan Publishers
Publication Date
2009
Physical Description
125 p. : 23 cm.
Inscription
Title page has inscription and signature from author dated "6.12.2022"
Library Subject (LOC)
Poetry
Panjabis (South Asian people)--British Columbia
Subjects
Persons
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Names
Parmar, Kalwant Singh "Nadeem"
Object History
Kalwant Singh Parmar was born June 9, 1936, Chuck 138 in Lyalpur (Old India before 1947). He was given his writer's name ("Nadeem", which means 'friend' in Persian). He holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Teaching from Punjab University and a diploma from the London Board of Education (L.B.E.)and a P.Eng. from Lancaster. Nadeem emigrated to Burnaby in 1973 and worked various jobs before working with CN/CP Telecommunications. He has seven books published in Punjabi, three in Urdu and is published in eight anthologies. He is fluent in Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi.
Notes
Written in Punjabi
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David Ali

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96222
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2006]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of David Ali standing inside the prayer hall of a mosque. Ali's shoes are visible in the foreground of the photograph, next to text on a floor tile that reads: "No Shoes Past the Line."
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2006]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-1914
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of David Ali standing inside the prayer hall of a mosque. Ali's shoes are visible in the foreground of the photograph, next to text on a floor tile that reads: "No Shoes Past the Line."
Subjects
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Religions - Islam
Buildings - Religious - Mosques
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a February 2006 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Muslims, like David Ali, remove their shoes when entering the prayer hall to preserve the sanctity of the hall and keep it seperate from the outside world."
Images
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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
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100 records – page 1 of 5.