Skip to main content

Nonprofit organizations

Description
Photograph of a certificate from former Premier Ujjal Dosanjh to the Punjabi Language Education Association at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

Ujjal Dosanjh is a Canadian lawyer, civil rights activist, and politician. Born in Panjab, India in 1947, Dosanjh emigrated to England at the age of 17 and came to Canada four years later, in 1968. He started off at a Vancouver sawmill, but when a back injury hindered his career at the mill, he enrolled at Langara College and completed a degree in political science at Simon Fraser University. He earned a law degree at the University of British Columbia and established a law practice in Vancouver in 1979. First elected as MLA for Vancouver-Kensington in 1991, Dosanjh twice served as Caucus Chair and also chaired the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills. Dosanjh was sworn in as British Columbia's 33rd Premier and Canada's first Indo-Canadian Premier on February 24, 2000, serving until 2001. He had previously served as Minister of Government Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Human Rights, Sports and Immigration in 1995, and served as Attorney General from August 1995 to February 2000. He was also the leader of the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) and later served as a Member of Parliament with the Liberal Party. A long time human rights activist, his past community involvements include: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, MOSAIC, the B.C. Multicultural Society and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. In 1977 he helped set up the first farm workers' legal information services while he was chair of the Labour Advocacy Research Association. Throughout his career, Dosanjh has been a strong advocate for social justice, healthcare, and public policy issues.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.
Description
Group portrait of Raminder Dosanjh presentng a certificate to the Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) on behalf of her husband, former Premier Ujjal Dosanjh, at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

​Raminder Dosanjh is a Canadian educator and community activist, recognized for her contributions to women's rights and social services. After immigrating to Canada in 1970, she co-founded the India Mahila Association, focusing on supporting South Asian women facing domestic challenges and advocating for their empowerment. Dosanjh has also been involved with organizations such as MOSAIC Immigrant Services Centre and the Vancouver Multicultural Society, contributing to immigrant integration and multicultural initiatives. In recognition of her decades-long service, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Shakti Awards.

Ujjal Dosanjh is a Canadian lawyer, civil rights activist, and politician. Born in Panjab, India in 1947, Dosanjh emigrated to England at the age of 17 and came to Canada four years later, in 1968. He started off at a Vancouver sawmill, but when a back injury hindered his career at the mill, he enrolled at Langara College and completed a degree in political science at Simon Fraser University. He earned a law degree at the University of British Columbia and established a law practice in Vancouver in 1979. First elected as MLA for Vancouver-Kensington in 1991, Dosanjh twice served as Caucus Chair and also chaired the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills. Dosanjh was sworn in as British Columbia's 33rd Premier and Canada's first Indo-Canadian Premier on February 24, 2000, serving until 2001. He had previously served as Minister of Government Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Human Rights, Sports and Immigration in 1995, and served as Attorney General from August 1995 to February 2000. He was also the leader of the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) and later served as a Member of Parliament with the Liberal Party. A long time human rights activist, his past community involvements include: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, MOSAIC, the B.C. Multicultural Society and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. In 1977 he helped set up the first farm workers' legal information services while he was chair of the Labour Advocacy Research Association. Throughout his career, Dosanjh has been a strong advocate for social justice, healthcare, and public policy issues.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.
Description
Group portrait of unidentified women and girls at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.
Description
[Photograph of an unidentified woman speaking at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.
Description
Photograph of an unidentified man speaking at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.
Description
Photograph of an unidentified man speaking at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.
Description
Photograph of former MLA Dave Hayer speaking at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

Dave Hayer is a former MLA for Surrey-Tynehead, first elected in 2001. He has held several key roles in the BC Legislature, including Chair of Surrey Caucus and member of multiple government committees. Before entering politics, he was a businessperson, Assistant Publisher of the Indo-Canadian Times, and worked in various industries, including real estate and newspapers. Hayer has been actively involved in community organizations such as the Rotary Club of Surrey and Surrey Chamber of Commerce. He holds a BA in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and is known for his work on community development and public service.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.
Description
Photograph of former MLA Dave Hayer speaking at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

Dave Hayer is a former MLA for Surrey-Tynehead, first elected in 2001. He has held several key roles in the BC Legislature, including Chair of Surrey Caucus and member of multiple government committees. Before entering politics, he was a businessperson, Assistant Publisher of the Indo-Canadian Times, and worked in various industries, including real estate and newspapers. Hayer has been actively involved in community organizations such as the Rotary Club of Surrey and Surrey Chamber of Commerce. He holds a BA in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and is known for his work on community development and public service.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.
Description
Photograph of an unidentified woman speaking at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.
Description
Photograph of an unidentified man speaking at the 3rd annual celebration of International Mother Language Day in Surrey, B.C.

International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21, following UNESCO's declaration on November 17, 1999, after advocacy led by Bangladesh and other nations. This day is celebrated worldwide with enthusiasm to honor linguistic heritage and promote the preservation of mother languages.

The Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) is a community-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Punjabi language and advocating for its inclusion in British Columbia's educational institutions. Since 2002, PLEA has organized annual IMLD celebrations, along with various events aimed at promoting Punjabi language and culture.

Princess Margaret Secondary School is a public school located in Surrey, British Columbia, as part of the Surrey School District. Formed in 1906, the Surrey School District serves the cities of Surrey and White Rock and the rural area of Barnston Island. Princess Margaret Secondary School was initially built in 1949-50. The school was named after H.R.H. Princess Margaret, second daughter of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, and opened on December 4, 1950. In 1999, a new Princess Margaret Secondary School was built on what had been the running track, and the site of the old school became the parking lot for the new one.

L.A. Matheson Secondary School is a public secondary school in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of School District 36 Surrey. The school opened in 1969 as a junior secondary school as a feeder to High School but in 1998 became a full secondary school serving grades 8 through 12.