Audio

Audio interview with Malkit Singh Sidhu conducted by MB and Dr. Kusum Soni. Malkit Singh Sidhu is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1959. He began working in a sawmill in Mission, B.C. In part one Sidhu discusses his immigration history and his experience working sawmills. Sidhu also discusses buying groceries, the economy and his co-workers. He also discusses what it was like working in a unionized mill.

Audio interview with Malkiat Singh Dhaliwal conducted by MB. Malkiat Singh Dhaliwal is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1981. He first began working as a cleaner in Maple Ridge, B.C. Dhaliwal discusses his personal history and working in the mills after being a cleaner. Dhaliwal also mentions his co-workers, his working conditions, the types of jobs he had at the mill, and his wages. He further discusses the few parties and celebrations he attended in his leisure time such as Diwali and Lohri. Lastly, he discusses Canada's economy.

Audio interview with Kulwant Singh Cheema conducted by SB. Kulwant Singh Cheema is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1966. He first began working at KP sawmill in Merritt, B.C. Cheema discusses his immigration story to Canada, his marriage, the working conditions in sawmills, and wages. He also mentions his housing conditions, the food he ate and his co-workers. He also discusses the economy and his time spent outside of work.

Audio interview with Joginder Singh Bassi conducted by SB. Joginder Singh Bassi is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1959. He began his first job in Victoria on a farm. In the interview he discusses his family/immigration history, marriage, working in both sawmills and on farms in Canada. Bassi also discusses his co-workers, living conditions in bunkhouses. He further mentions the length of his shifts, his wages, and retirement.

Audio interview with Jinder Heer conducted by MB. Jinder Heer is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1970. In the interview he discusses his family/personal history, as well as his work in sawmills and as a cab driver. Heer mentions how he was also a shareholder and not just an employee. He also discusses his wages, working conditions and marriage. Heer also mentions buying his first home, his leisure time activities, as well as the community events he attended such as Vaisakhi and sports tournaments.

Audio interview with Jasbir Singh Bains conducted by IA. Jasbir Singh Bains is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1969. He first began working at a farm in Canada. Bains further speaks about his wages and the working conditions, including how he had to work in colder climates. He mentions his experience living in bunkhouses and the food that was served. He also mentions the racism he and others experienced, and recounts a particular incident he encountered.

Audio interview with Jagtar Singh Mann conducted by SB. Jagtar Singh Mann is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1980. His first job was at Shake and Shingle sawmill in Abbotsford. He also discusses his educational background, life in India, experience working in sawmills in Canada and type of positions he held at the sawmill. Mann also discusses a recent human rights issue he fought for, when he was ordered to remove his turban to work and he refused.

Audio interview with Jagat Singh Gill conducted by SB. Jagtar Singh Gill is a Canadian citizen who first came to Canada in 1970. His first job in Canada was working in a sawmill. He also discusses his immigration history, personal background, working in a farm in India and working in sawmills in Canada. Gill also discusses the people he worked with and speaks about his cancer diagnosis and life in Canada.

Audio interview with Harbimble Singh Banga and his wife Baldeesh Banga conducted by MB. Harbimble Singh Banga was born a Canadian citizen in New Westminster, B.C. He first worked on the family dairy farm and then later started working in sawmills. His first job was at Western Forest Industries in Honeymoon Bay, BC. He also discusses his marriage and wedding, as well as the people he worked with and the challenges he faced.

Audio interview with Hakam Singh Dhaliwal conducted by MB. Hakem Singh Dhaliwal is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1967. His first job was working at a Wonnoc Shake and Shingle sawmill in Mission, BC. He discusses his personal history and educational background, and also mentions his first job working in a mill in Canada and how it was difficult work. He further discusses his various other jobs such as truck driving, farming and mill ownership. He also discusses his marriage and family.