More like 'RCMP band concert at Burnaby Central Secondary School'
![Valleyview Kindergarten Christmas concert, [December 1950] thumbnail](/media/Hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/205/215-007.jpg?width=280)
Valleyview Kindergarten Christmas concert
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36049
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [December 1950]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 16.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Valleyview Kindergarten class, with a Christmas tree decorated with streamers and candles on one side, and their teacher on the other. A woman sits at a piano behind them. The students are sitting in chairs, arranged in rows and are wearing dresses and suits.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [December 1950]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Grace Dickie subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 16.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 215-007
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1989-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Valleyview Kindergarten class, with a Christmas tree decorated with streamers and candles on one side, and their teacher on the other. A woman sits at a piano behind them. The students are sitting in chairs, arranged in rows and are wearing dresses and suits.
- 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
- Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
![Valleyview Kindergarten Christmas concert, [December 1950] thumbnail](/media/Hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/205/215-007.jpg)
booklet
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34887
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.18
- Description
- Burnaby A Proud Century - Booklet -- [1992]. Booklet created as part of the Burnaby Centennial Celebrations outlining the history and growth of Burnaby in the last 100 years. The booklet was published by Canada Wide Magazines Limited in Burnaby. The booklet includes many advertisements from local businesses. The front cover of the booklet has a medal with the Burnaby Centennial logo on it with "Burnaby - A Proud Century/ Burnaby, B.C." written around the edge. there are gold and red ribbons hanging around the medal. The booklet measures 21.5cm x 28cm.
- Title
- Burnaby - A Proud Century
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts
- Documentary Artifacts - Booklets
- Celebrations
- Celebrations - Centennials
Images
brochure
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34890
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.21
- Description
- Burnaby Lake Discovery Day - Flyer -- [1992]. Advertising flyer for the Burnaby Lake Discovery Day as part of the Burnaby Centennial Celebration. The event was held on Sunday, July 12th, 1992 from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Burnaby Sports Complex. The flyer lists the entertainment and activities for the day. On the back of the flyer is a map of where the event was and the sponsors for the event. The flyer measures 14cm x 21.8cm.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts
- Documentary Artifacts - Leaflets
- Celebrations
- Celebrations - Centennials
Images
calendar
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34886
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.17
- Description
- Burnaby's Centennial - Calendar -- [1992]. Calendar produced by Burnaby Parks and recreation for the year 1992, in celebration of Burnaby's Centennial. The front of the calendar has three photographs of various scenes from Burnaby's history. Insides each month has three photographs also from Burnaby's history. At the back of the calendar is a Leisure Directory for the various clubs and centres around the city. The calendar measures 27.5cm x 21cm.
Images
fundraising form
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34874
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.5
- Description
- Celebrate Our Centennial - Fundraising Form -- [1992]. Capital Campaign fundraising form for the expansion of the Burnaby Art Centre. The campaign was part of the Burnaby Centennial Celebration. The goal was to raise 3.5 Million Dollars for a four phase expansion project for Music and Sound Studios, Performing Arts Studios, Community Art Gallery, Multi-use Studio Theatre and a Community Theatre. The form folds into an envelope that can be mailed to the City of Burnaby. The form measures 28cm x 21.5cm.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts
- Documentary Artifacts - Forms
- Celebrations
- Celebrations - Centennials
Images
invitation
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact37658
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV996.5.1
- Description
- The Official Opening of Heritage Village - Invitation -- [1971]. Invitation to the Official Opening Luncheon of the Heritage Village by His Excellency The Right Honourable Roland Michener, Governor-General of Canada along with the Mayor and Municipal Council of Burnaby. The invitation was addressed to "Mrs. M. Trainer & guest" for a civic luncheon at The Astor Motor Hotel on November 19th, 1971. At the top of the invitation is an illustration of a blue rhododendron flower and the British Columbia Centennial '71 logo. The invitation measures 18.5cm x 14.5cm.
- Object History
- The invitation was issued to special guests to attend the official opening of Heritage Village (now the Burnaby Village Museum) in 1971, as well as a luncheon with the Governor General and his wife as special guests. This particular invitation was issued to Mary Trainer, who was the Centennial Co-ordinator charged with supporting the work of Burnaby's 1971 Centennial Committee, chaired by James Barrington. The Centennial Committee organized a variety of projects and events in 1971 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of British Columbia's entry into Confederation. The construction of the Heritage Village was their major project.
- Colour
- White
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts
- Documentary Artifacts - Cards
- Celebrations
- Celebrations - Centennials
- Names
- Burnaby Village Museum
Images
leaflet
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34872
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.3
- Description
- Centennial Committee - Leaflet -- [1992]. Accordion style leaflet produced by the Burnaby Centennial Committee for the Christmas Celebration of Burnaby's Centennial. The leaflet describes what Christmas in Burnaby might of been like in 1892. The leaflet was created by Design Lino Iacobelli's. The leaflet measures 41cm x 21.5cm when unfolded.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts
- Documentary Artifacts - Leaflets
- Celebrations
- Celebrations - Centennials
Images
leaflet
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34876
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.7
- Description
- Passport to Burnaby - Leaflet -- [1992]. A commemorative leaflet as part of the Burnaby Centennial Celebration. The goal was to promote travel to host centres to receive a stamp as part of a passport. When all stamps were collected the page could be entered into a draw. Participating Host Centres were C.G. Brown Memorial Swimming Pool, Cameron Recreation Centre, Confederation Centre, Burnaby Mountain Golf Course, Burnaby Municipal Hall, Burnaby Village Museum, Bob Prittie Metrotown Branch, The Burnaby Arts Centre, Still Creek Recycling Depot, and Bonsor Recreation Complex. The passport has been stamped for Burnaby Municipal Hall. The leaflet was produced by the Finance Department and the Centennial Committee. The leaflet measures 28cm x 21.5cm.
- Title
- Passport to Burnaby
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts
- Documentary Artifacts - Leaflets
- Celebrations
- Celebrations - Centennials
Images
leaflet
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34892
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.23
- Description
- Gift and Souvenir Price List - Leaflet -- [1992]. Leaflet for gifts and souvenirs from the Burnaby Centennial Celebration. the front page has the Burnaby Centennial logo on it. Inside are colour pictures of the products available and information. The price list and order form is on the back of the leaflet. Orders could have been placed in person at the Burnaby Centennial Office or by fax. The leaflet measures 36.5cm x 21.5cm when open.
- Title
- Gift & Souvenir Price List
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts
- Documentary Artifacts - Leaflets
- Celebrations
- Celebrations - Centennials
Images
prize ribbon
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34880
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.11
- Description
- Centennial in Action - Ribbon -- [1992]. First Place blue ribbon as part of the Burnaby Centennial Celebration. At the top of the ribbon in gold text is "Centennial/ In / Action" followed by the Burnaby Centennial logo. The ribbon/event was sponsored by McDonald's and has its logo at the bottom of the ribbon. The ribbon measures 5cm x 21cm.
- Category
- 08. Communication Artifacts
- Classification
- Personal Symbols - - Achievement Symbols
- Object Term
- Prize
- Colour
- Blue
Images
prize ribbon
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34881
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.12
- Description
- Centennial in Action - Ribbon -- [1992]. Second Place red ribbon as part of the Burnaby Centennial Celebration. At the top of the ribbon is the McDonald's logo followed by "Centennial/ In/ Action" in gold text. Below is the Burnaby Centennial logo. The ribbon measures 5cm x 22.5cm.
- Colour
- Red
Images
prize ribbon
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34883
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.14
- Description
- Centennial in Action - Ribbon -- [1992]. Burgundy Participant ribbon as part of the Burnaby Centennial Celebration. At the top of the ribbon in gold text is "Centennial/ In/ Action" followed by the Burnaby Centennial logo. The ribbon/event was sponsored by McDonald's and has its logo at the bottom of the ribbon. The ribbon measures 5cm x 21.5cm.
Images
prize ribbon
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34884
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.15
- Description
- Centennial in Action - Ribbon -- [1992]. Green Participant ribbon as part of the Burnaby Centennial Celebration. At the top of the ribbon in gold text is "Centennial/ In/ Action" followed by the Burnaby Centennial logo. The ribbon/event was sponsored by McDonald's and has its logo at the bottom of the ribbon. The ribbon measures 5cm x 22cm.
- Colour
- Green
Images
program
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34885
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.16
- Description
- Centennial Celebration Dinner - Program -- [1992]. Program for the Corporation of the District of Burnaby Centennial Celebration Dinner on September 18th, 1992. The front of the program has an oval cut out that shows a photograph of the second municipal hall. Inside the program outlines the evening's events and a list of donors. On the back of the program is the names of the executive members of the Burnaby Centennial Committee. The program was printed by Hemlock Printers and designed by Design Works. The leaflet measures 13cm x 25.5cm.
- Colour
- Beige
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts
- Documentary Artifacts - Leaflets
- Celebrations
- Celebrations - Centennials
Images
program
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34889
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.10.20
- Description
- Burnaby Centennial Celebration - Program -- [1992]. Program for September 22nd, 1992, Centennial Celebration. The front of the program has a coloured version of the Burnaby Centennial Logo. Insides, outlines the evening's events including a speech from the Mayor, the flag raising, Time Capsule, and the Burnaby Centennial song. On the back of the program is the Oath of Citizenship in English and French. The program measures 12cm x 15.5cm.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts
- Documentary Artifacts - Leaflets
- Celebrations
- Celebrations - Centennials
Images
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Centennial 1873 - 1973
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary6330
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 363.2 ROY
- Place of Publication
- [Ottawa?]
- Publisher
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- Publication Date
- 1973
- Physical Description
- [48] p. : col. ill., facsims., map, ports. ; 28 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Police
- Subjects
- Occupations
- Occupations - Police Officers
- Public Services - Policing
- Public Services
- Celebrations
- Celebrations - Centennials
![Lion dance at Metrotown Mall, [2001] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-1586-1.jpg?width=280)
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
- No restrictions
- 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.
- 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
![Lion dance at Metrotown Mall, [2001] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-1586-1.jpg)
![Lion dance at New Westminster Quay, [2001] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-1585.jpg?width=280)
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.
- 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
![Lion dance at New Westminster Quay, [2001] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-1585.jpg)
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
- 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![Karen and Blair Laramee with a puppet, [2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-3075.jpg?width=280)
Karen and Blair Laramee with a puppet
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97949
- 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 Karen and Blair Laramee, of Cliff Productions, repairing a 12-foot-tall puppet ahead of a presentation for "Weedless Wednesday," at Seaforth Elementary School.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2000]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : col.
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 535-3075
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2018-12
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Karen and Blair Laramee, of Cliff Productions, repairing a 12-foot-tall puppet ahead of a presentation for "Weedless Wednesday," at Seaforth Elementary School.
- Subjects
- Performances
- Performances - Dramatic Performances
- Recreational Activities - Theatre
- Occupations - Actors
- Names
- Seaforth School
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Bartel, Mario
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Collected by editorial for use in a January 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
- Caption from metadata: "Karen and Blair Laramee, of Cliff Productions, do some emergency repairs to one of their 12-foot tall rapping puppets before presenting a no-smoking message to students at Seaforth Elementary on Weedless Wednesday. One of the troupe's puppets was damaged when its head rolled out of their pickup truck onto the highway en route to the school."
- Geographic Access
- Government Road
- Street Address
- 7881 Government Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Lozells (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Government Road Area
Images
![Karen and Blair Laramee with a puppet, [2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-3075.jpg)