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Creator: Bodalia, Chandra
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Photograph of former MLA Jinny Sims and Dave Hayer 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.
Born in the Jullundur District of India in 1952, Jinny Jogindera Sims is an Indo-Canadian teacher and politician. She moved to Canada in 1975 with her husband, after obtaining a degree in education from the University of Manchester. Starting out as an English teacher in Quebec, she went on to teach high school students in Nanaimo and became president of the Nanimo District Teachers Union. In 2011, she was elected as the New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Newton-North Delta. In 2017, she served as the NDP Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for Surrey-Panorama.
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.
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.
Born in the Jullundur District of India in 1952, Jinny Jogindera Sims is an Indo-Canadian teacher and politician. She moved to Canada in 1975 with her husband, after obtaining a degree in education from the University of Manchester. Starting out as an English teacher in Quebec, she went on to teach high school students in Nanaimo and became president of the Nanimo District Teachers Union. In 2011, she was elected as the New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Newton-North Delta. In 2017, she served as the NDP Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for Surrey-Panorama.
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.
Member of
Creator: Bodalia, Chandra
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.
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.
Member of
Creator: Bodalia, Chandra
Description
Photograph of former MLA Jinny Sims, Dave Hayer, and others 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.
Born in the Jullundur District of India in 1952, Jinny Jogindera Sims is an Indo-Canadian teacher and politician. She moved to Canada in 1975 with her husband, after obtaining a degree in education from the University of Manchester. Starting out as an English teacher in Quebec, she went on to teach high school students in Nanaimo and became president of the Nanimo District Teachers Union. In 2011, she was elected as the New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Newton-North Delta. In 2017, she served as the NDP Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for Surrey-Panorama.
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.
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.
Born in the Jullundur District of India in 1952, Jinny Jogindera Sims is an Indo-Canadian teacher and politician. She moved to Canada in 1975 with her husband, after obtaining a degree in education from the University of Manchester. Starting out as an English teacher in Quebec, she went on to teach high school students in Nanaimo and became president of the Nanimo District Teachers Union. In 2011, she was elected as the New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Newton-North Delta. In 2017, she served as the NDP Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for Surrey-Panorama.
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.
Creator: Bodalia, Chandra
Description
Photograph of a group of unidentified individuals at a meeting organized by the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society. The meeting was pertaining to a donation made in Riasat Ali Khan's memory from his family for the PICS Society. Standing among the group of individuals is Charan Gill.
Charan Pal Gill (June 17, 1936 - February 2, 2021), born in Hong Kong, was a social worker, social activist, labour organizer, anti-racism pioneer and a South Asian community leader in British Columbia. Gill relocated to Vancouver, Canada in 1967, where he briefly worked as a berry picker before finding employment in a sawmill in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Due to an injury to his wrist, Gill left the sawmill and after some training began working as a social worker in Prince Rupert. After working for five years as a social worker, Gill became a registered social worker after obtaining his bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia in 1970. Gill was involved with the Indian People's Association in North America (IPANA) in Vancouver. Founded in Montreal in June 1975, IPANA was a left-wing social group initially focused on generating support for the Naxalite movement in India. In 1979, Gill with IPANA in Vancouver played significant roles in the formation of the Farm Workers Organizing Committee (FWOC). On 6 April 1980, the FWOC transformed into the Canadian Farmworkers Union (CFU). The CFU became the first union in Canada's history centred on farmworkers. Gill was elected CFU founding secretary (by 2004 he also served as secretary and treasurer). He also became the editor of the Farmworker, the CFU's newspaper (published in English and Panjabi). While contributing towards the CFU, Gill pursued postgraduate studies and earned his master's degree in social work in 1983. For much of his professional career he worked for the BC Ministry of Human Resources and Ministry of Social Services and Housing. In November 1980, Gill co-founded the volunteer organization British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism (BCOFR). In 1985 Gill established a new service provider catering to the immediate needs of the South Asian community in British Columbia. The charitable organization was originally known as the Progressive Indo-Canadian Community Services Society and later became the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS). Gill served as the organization's chief executive officer until 2017. Gill gradually retired from social work while working with PICS. He also served on the boards of various organizations, including the agriculture cooperative AgSafe (formerly FARSHA) since 1993; Rainbow Community Health Co-operative since 1998; Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) since 2011; and the BC Non-Profit Housing Association from 2008 to 2012. Gill was the recipient of numerous awards and honours in recognition of his activism and contributions to human rights and workers' rights, such as, the Order of British Columbia (1999) and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Charan Pal Gill (June 17, 1936 - February 2, 2021), born in Hong Kong, was a social worker, social activist, labour organizer, anti-racism pioneer and a South Asian community leader in British Columbia. Gill relocated to Vancouver, Canada in 1967, where he briefly worked as a berry picker before finding employment in a sawmill in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Due to an injury to his wrist, Gill left the sawmill and after some training began working as a social worker in Prince Rupert. After working for five years as a social worker, Gill became a registered social worker after obtaining his bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia in 1970. Gill was involved with the Indian People's Association in North America (IPANA) in Vancouver. Founded in Montreal in June 1975, IPANA was a left-wing social group initially focused on generating support for the Naxalite movement in India. In 1979, Gill with IPANA in Vancouver played significant roles in the formation of the Farm Workers Organizing Committee (FWOC). On 6 April 1980, the FWOC transformed into the Canadian Farmworkers Union (CFU). The CFU became the first union in Canada's history centred on farmworkers. Gill was elected CFU founding secretary (by 2004 he also served as secretary and treasurer). He also became the editor of the Farmworker, the CFU's newspaper (published in English and Panjabi). While contributing towards the CFU, Gill pursued postgraduate studies and earned his master's degree in social work in 1983. For much of his professional career he worked for the BC Ministry of Human Resources and Ministry of Social Services and Housing. In November 1980, Gill co-founded the volunteer organization British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism (BCOFR). In 1985 Gill established a new service provider catering to the immediate needs of the South Asian community in British Columbia. The charitable organization was originally known as the Progressive Indo-Canadian Community Services Society and later became the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS). Gill served as the organization's chief executive officer until 2017. Gill gradually retired from social work while working with PICS. He also served on the boards of various organizations, including the agriculture cooperative AgSafe (formerly FARSHA) since 1993; Rainbow Community Health Co-operative since 1998; Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) since 2011; and the BC Non-Profit Housing Association from 2008 to 2012. Gill was the recipient of numerous awards and honours in recognition of his activism and contributions to human rights and workers' rights, such as, the Order of British Columbia (1999) and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Creator: Bodalia, Chandra
Description
Photograph of a group of unidentified individuals at a meeting organized by the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society. The meeting was pertaining to a donation made in Riasat Ali Khan's memory from his family for the PICS Society.
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Creator: Bodalia, Chandra
Description
Photograph of unidentified individuals at a meeting organized by the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society. The meeting was pertaining to a donation made in Riasat Ali Khan's memory from his family for the PICS Society.
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Creator: Bodalia, Chandra
Description
Photograph of Charan Gill at a meeting organized by the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society. The meeting was pertaining to a donation made in Riasat Ali Khan's memory from his family for the PICS Society.
Charan Pal Gill (June 17, 1936 - February 2, 2021), born in Hong Kong, was a social worker, social activist, labour organizer, anti-racism pioneer and a South Asian community leader in British Columbia. Gill relocated to Vancouver, Canada in 1967, where he briefly worked as a berry picker before finding employment in a sawmill in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Due to an injury to his wrist, Gill left the sawmill and after some training began working as a social worker in Prince Rupert. After working for five years as a social worker, Gill became a registered social worker after obtaining his bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia in 1970. Gill was involved with the Indian People's Association in North America (IPANA) in Vancouver. Founded in Montreal in June 1975, IPANA was a left-wing social group initially focused on generating support for the Naxalite movement in India. In 1979, Gill with IPANA in Vancouver played significant roles in the formation of the Farm Workers Organizing Committee (FWOC). On 6 April 1980, the FWOC transformed into the Canadian Farmworkers Union (CFU). The CFU became the first union in Canada's history centred on farmworkers. Gill was elected CFU founding secretary (by 2004 he also served as secretary and treasurer). He also became the editor of the Farmworker, the CFU's newspaper (published in English and Panjabi). While contributing towards the CFU, Gill pursued postgraduate studies and earned his master's degree in social work in 1983. For much of his professional career he worked for the BC Ministry of Human Resources and Ministry of Social Services and Housing. In November 1980, Gill co-founded the volunteer organization British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism (BCOFR). In 1985 Gill established a new service provider catering to the immediate needs of the South Asian community in British Columbia. The charitable organization was originally known as the Progressive Indo-Canadian Community Services Society and later became the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS). Gill served as the organization's chief executive officer until 2017. Gill gradually retired from social work while working with PICS. He also served on the boards of various organizations, including the agriculture cooperative AgSafe (formerly FARSHA) since 1993; Rainbow Community Health Co-operative since 1998; Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) since 2011; and the BC Non-Profit Housing Association from 2008 to 2012. Gill was the recipient of numerous awards and honours in recognition of his activism and contributions to human rights and workers' rights, such as, the Order of British Columbia (1999) and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Charan Pal Gill (June 17, 1936 - February 2, 2021), born in Hong Kong, was a social worker, social activist, labour organizer, anti-racism pioneer and a South Asian community leader in British Columbia. Gill relocated to Vancouver, Canada in 1967, where he briefly worked as a berry picker before finding employment in a sawmill in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Due to an injury to his wrist, Gill left the sawmill and after some training began working as a social worker in Prince Rupert. After working for five years as a social worker, Gill became a registered social worker after obtaining his bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia in 1970. Gill was involved with the Indian People's Association in North America (IPANA) in Vancouver. Founded in Montreal in June 1975, IPANA was a left-wing social group initially focused on generating support for the Naxalite movement in India. In 1979, Gill with IPANA in Vancouver played significant roles in the formation of the Farm Workers Organizing Committee (FWOC). On 6 April 1980, the FWOC transformed into the Canadian Farmworkers Union (CFU). The CFU became the first union in Canada's history centred on farmworkers. Gill was elected CFU founding secretary (by 2004 he also served as secretary and treasurer). He also became the editor of the Farmworker, the CFU's newspaper (published in English and Panjabi). While contributing towards the CFU, Gill pursued postgraduate studies and earned his master's degree in social work in 1983. For much of his professional career he worked for the BC Ministry of Human Resources and Ministry of Social Services and Housing. In November 1980, Gill co-founded the volunteer organization British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism (BCOFR). In 1985 Gill established a new service provider catering to the immediate needs of the South Asian community in British Columbia. The charitable organization was originally known as the Progressive Indo-Canadian Community Services Society and later became the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS). Gill served as the organization's chief executive officer until 2017. Gill gradually retired from social work while working with PICS. He also served on the boards of various organizations, including the agriculture cooperative AgSafe (formerly FARSHA) since 1993; Rainbow Community Health Co-operative since 1998; Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) since 2011; and the BC Non-Profit Housing Association from 2008 to 2012. Gill was the recipient of numerous awards and honours in recognition of his activism and contributions to human rights and workers' rights, such as, the Order of British Columbia (1999) and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Creator: Bodalia, Chandra
Description
Photograph of a group of unidentified individuals at a meeting organized by the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society. The meeting was pertaining to a donation made in Riasat Ali Khan's memory from his family for the PICS Society. Among the group of individuals is Charan Gill.
Charan Pal Gill (June 17, 1936 - February 2, 2021), born in Hong Kong, was a social worker, social activist, labour organizer, anti-racism pioneer and a South Asian community leader in British Columbia. Gill relocated to Vancouver, Canada in 1967, where he briefly worked as a berry picker before finding employment in a sawmill in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Due to an injury to his wrist, Gill left the sawmill and after some training began working as a social worker in Prince Rupert. After working for five years as a social worker, Gill became a registered social worker after obtaining his bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia in 1970. Gill was involved with the Indian People's Association in North America (IPANA) in Vancouver. Founded in Montreal in June 1975, IPANA was a left-wing social group initially focused on generating support for the Naxalite movement in India. In 1979, Gill with IPANA in Vancouver played significant roles in the formation of the Farm Workers Organizing Committee (FWOC). On 6 April 1980, the FWOC transformed into the Canadian Farmworkers Union (CFU). The CFU became the first union in Canada's history centred on farmworkers. Gill was elected CFU founding secretary (by 2004 he also served as secretary and treasurer). He also became the editor of the Farmworker, the CFU's newspaper (published in English and Panjabi). While contributing towards the CFU, Gill pursued postgraduate studies and earned his master's degree in social work in 1983. For much of his professional career he worked for the BC Ministry of Human Resources and Ministry of Social Services and Housing. In November 1980, Gill co-founded the volunteer organization British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism (BCOFR). In 1985 Gill established a new service provider catering to the immediate needs of the South Asian community in British Columbia. The charitable organization was originally known as the Progressive Indo-Canadian Community Services Society and later became the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS). Gill served as the organization's chief executive officer until 2017. Gill gradually retired from social work while working with PICS. He also served on the boards of various organizations, including the agriculture cooperative AgSafe (formerly FARSHA) since 1993; Rainbow Community Health Co-operative since 1998; Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) since 2011; and the BC Non-Profit Housing Association from 2008 to 2012. Gill was the recipient of numerous awards and honours in recognition of his activism and contributions to human rights and workers' rights, such as, the Order of British Columbia (1999) and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Charan Pal Gill (June 17, 1936 - February 2, 2021), born in Hong Kong, was a social worker, social activist, labour organizer, anti-racism pioneer and a South Asian community leader in British Columbia. Gill relocated to Vancouver, Canada in 1967, where he briefly worked as a berry picker before finding employment in a sawmill in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Due to an injury to his wrist, Gill left the sawmill and after some training began working as a social worker in Prince Rupert. After working for five years as a social worker, Gill became a registered social worker after obtaining his bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia in 1970. Gill was involved with the Indian People's Association in North America (IPANA) in Vancouver. Founded in Montreal in June 1975, IPANA was a left-wing social group initially focused on generating support for the Naxalite movement in India. In 1979, Gill with IPANA in Vancouver played significant roles in the formation of the Farm Workers Organizing Committee (FWOC). On 6 April 1980, the FWOC transformed into the Canadian Farmworkers Union (CFU). The CFU became the first union in Canada's history centred on farmworkers. Gill was elected CFU founding secretary (by 2004 he also served as secretary and treasurer). He also became the editor of the Farmworker, the CFU's newspaper (published in English and Panjabi). While contributing towards the CFU, Gill pursued postgraduate studies and earned his master's degree in social work in 1983. For much of his professional career he worked for the BC Ministry of Human Resources and Ministry of Social Services and Housing. In November 1980, Gill co-founded the volunteer organization British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism (BCOFR). In 1985 Gill established a new service provider catering to the immediate needs of the South Asian community in British Columbia. The charitable organization was originally known as the Progressive Indo-Canadian Community Services Society and later became the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS). Gill served as the organization's chief executive officer until 2017. Gill gradually retired from social work while working with PICS. He also served on the boards of various organizations, including the agriculture cooperative AgSafe (formerly FARSHA) since 1993; Rainbow Community Health Co-operative since 1998; Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) since 2011; and the BC Non-Profit Housing Association from 2008 to 2012. Gill was the recipient of numerous awards and honours in recognition of his activism and contributions to human rights and workers' rights, such as, the Order of British Columbia (1999) and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Creator: Bodalia, Chandra
Description
Photograph of a group of unidentified individuals at a meeting organized by the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society. The meeting was pertaining to a donation made in Riasat Ali Khan's memory from his family for the PICS Society. Among the group of individuals is Charan Gill.
Charan Pal Gill (June 17, 1936 - February 2, 2021), born in Hong Kong, was a social worker, social activist, labour organizer, anti-racism pioneer and a South Asian community leader in British Columbia. Gill relocated to Vancouver, Canada in 1967, where he briefly worked as a berry picker before finding employment in a sawmill in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Due to an injury to his wrist, Gill left the sawmill and after some training began working as a social worker in Prince Rupert. After working for five years as a social worker, Gill became a registered social worker after obtaining his bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia in 1970. Gill was involved with the Indian People's Association in North America (IPANA) in Vancouver. Founded in Montreal in June 1975, IPANA was a left-wing social group initially focused on generating support for the Naxalite movement in India. In 1979, Gill with IPANA in Vancouver played significant roles in the formation of the Farm Workers Organizing Committee (FWOC). On 6 April 1980, the FWOC transformed into the Canadian Farmworkers Union (CFU). The CFU became the first union in Canada's history centred on farmworkers. Gill was elected CFU founding secretary (by 2004 he also served as secretary and treasurer). He also became the editor of the Farmworker, the CFU's newspaper (published in English and Panjabi). While contributing towards the CFU, Gill pursued postgraduate studies and earned his master's degree in social work in 1983. For much of his professional career he worked for the BC Ministry of Human Resources and Ministry of Social Services and Housing. In November 1980, Gill co-founded the volunteer organization British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism (BCOFR). In 1985 Gill established a new service provider catering to the immediate needs of the South Asian community in British Columbia. The charitable organization was originally known as the Progressive Indo-Canadian Community Services Society and later became the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS). Gill served as the organization's chief executive officer until 2017. Gill gradually retired from social work while working with PICS. He also served on the boards of various organizations, including the agriculture cooperative AgSafe (formerly FARSHA) since 1993; Rainbow Community Health Co-operative since 1998; Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) since 2011; and the BC Non-Profit Housing Association from 2008 to 2012. Gill was the recipient of numerous awards and honours in recognition of his activism and contributions to human rights and workers' rights, such as, the Order of British Columbia (1999) and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Charan Pal Gill (June 17, 1936 - February 2, 2021), born in Hong Kong, was a social worker, social activist, labour organizer, anti-racism pioneer and a South Asian community leader in British Columbia. Gill relocated to Vancouver, Canada in 1967, where he briefly worked as a berry picker before finding employment in a sawmill in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Due to an injury to his wrist, Gill left the sawmill and after some training began working as a social worker in Prince Rupert. After working for five years as a social worker, Gill became a registered social worker after obtaining his bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia in 1970. Gill was involved with the Indian People's Association in North America (IPANA) in Vancouver. Founded in Montreal in June 1975, IPANA was a left-wing social group initially focused on generating support for the Naxalite movement in India. In 1979, Gill with IPANA in Vancouver played significant roles in the formation of the Farm Workers Organizing Committee (FWOC). On 6 April 1980, the FWOC transformed into the Canadian Farmworkers Union (CFU). The CFU became the first union in Canada's history centred on farmworkers. Gill was elected CFU founding secretary (by 2004 he also served as secretary and treasurer). He also became the editor of the Farmworker, the CFU's newspaper (published in English and Panjabi). While contributing towards the CFU, Gill pursued postgraduate studies and earned his master's degree in social work in 1983. For much of his professional career he worked for the BC Ministry of Human Resources and Ministry of Social Services and Housing. In November 1980, Gill co-founded the volunteer organization British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism (BCOFR). In 1985 Gill established a new service provider catering to the immediate needs of the South Asian community in British Columbia. The charitable organization was originally known as the Progressive Indo-Canadian Community Services Society and later became the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS). Gill served as the organization's chief executive officer until 2017. Gill gradually retired from social work while working with PICS. He also served on the boards of various organizations, including the agriculture cooperative AgSafe (formerly FARSHA) since 1993; Rainbow Community Health Co-operative since 1998; Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) since 2011; and the BC Non-Profit Housing Association from 2008 to 2012. Gill was the recipient of numerous awards and honours in recognition of his activism and contributions to human rights and workers' rights, such as, the Order of British Columbia (1999) and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Creator: Bodalia, Chandra
Description
Photograph of a drawing[?] of a proposed new faciliity for the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society.
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes employment programs, settlement services, language services, social programs and housing services.