Audio

Interview with Nazar Singh Gill. Nazar Singh Gill was from Dhudike, district Moga, in Punjab, India. He arrived in Canada in 1963 with his daughter. His wife, Bachan Kaur Gill sponsored him and their daughter. When Nazar Singh arrived, he began working in a sawmill. He later bought land for farming. Nazar Singh speaks about his experiences moving to Canada, what it was like adjusting to a new life, and how he was able to grow as a person.

Interview with an unidentified man. In the interview the man discusses the history of Paldi and the history of South Asians in the sawmill industry on Vancouver island.

Interview with an unidentified man. In the interview the man discusses the history of Paldi and the history of South Asians in the sawmill industry on Vancouver island.

Interview with Mohinder Singh Gill. Mohinder (Moe) Singh Gill was born in Chanawal, Punjab, India. When he was a child, he travelled with his mother and sister in 1955 to Canada. His father, Major Singh Gill, was already living in British Columbia. Moe Gill first worked at a sawmill, and later, he and his father were able to purchase a farm in Abbotsford and both began working there soon after. An active member of the community, Moe Gill was elected as a city councilor in 1995, and continued in this role for many years. In this interview, Moe Gill speaks about his brief career as a wrestler. He also speaks about his retirement.

Interview with Mohinder Singh Gill. Mohinder (Moe) Singh Gill was born in Chanawal, Punjab, India. When he was a child, he travelled with his mother and sister in 1955 to Canada. His father, Major Singh Gill, was already living in British Columbia. Moe Gill first worked at a sawmill, and later, he and his father were able to purchase a farm in Abbotsford and both began working there soon after. An active member of the community, Moe Gill was elected as a city councilor in 1995, and continued in this role for many years.

Interview with Harnek Singh Gill. Harnek Singh was born in Dhudike, district Moga, Punjab, in 1947. He came to Canada in 1961, and found work in a sawmill. After 12 years of millwork, Harnek Singh purchased ten farms and also found work at a graveyard and various factories to make enough money to support himself and his family. Harnek Singh was married to Bhagwan Kaur in 1964. The couple went on to have three children. Harnek Singh further speaks about his experiences moving to Canada and talks about the Sikh community in Abbotsford.

Interview with Sher Singh Ghuman. Ghuman was born in Sanghredi district Sangroor, Punjab, in 1947. He arrived in Canada in 2005. In India, Ghuman was a school teacher, but when he came to Canada he worked labour jobs, and later worked as a secretary at the Indo-Canadian Senior Citizen Centre. Ghuman speaks about his struggles leaving his home in Punjab to join his son and daughter-in-law in Abbotsford, BC. Ghuman gives his perspective on life in Canada and speaks about his experiences moving.

Interview with Harjinder (Helen) Kaur Doman and Darcia Kaur Doman. Helen and Darcia speak about their family history and the history of the family business. Harjinder (Helen) Kaur and Harbanse (Herb) Singh Doman. Both Helen and Herb were born in Duncan, BC. Both had fathers who were involved with the lumber industry on Vancouver Island. The couple was married in 1955. Herb Doman went on to establish a successful lumber company and Helen became an active community volunteer. Doman Industries went on to become a highly profitable enterprise and the family went on to lead successful lives. Herb and Helen went on to have four children together: Darcia, Sherry, Verinda, and Jaspaul (Rick).

Interview with Sukhdev Singh Dhaliwal. Sukhdev Singh Dhaliwal who was born in 1933, and immigrated to Canada in 1949. Sukhdev Singh speaks about his experience learning English and adapting to a new life in Canada. He worked in sawmills and when he received citizenship, he returned to India to get married. Later on, Sukhdev Singh was able to purchase a grocery store that his family ran for years. After his wife Amarjit passed away, he married Joginder Kaur Dhaliwal.

Interview with Paul Singh Dhaliwal. Paul Singh Dhaliwal who was born on May 14, 1914 in Chunnawal, Punjab. Dhaliwal moved to Canada in 1932 to meet his uncle, Pagat Singh.