South Asian Canadian sawmill workers

Narrative of Mayo Singh as told by the Paldi gurdwara granthi, Mohinder Singh. Mohinder Singh discusses Mayo Singh Manhas' personal history and immigration to Canada in 1906. Mayo Singh began working in sawmills in BC during the first world war. Mohinder Singh discusses how Mayo Singh purchased an at-risk-of-closing sawmill with a few other men. He was able to build a strong business and used the profits to purchase 1300 acres on the island. Mayo Singh partnered with Kapoor Singh and began to develop a town on the land which they named Paldi. The narrative also mentions how Mayo Singh was a very generous man as he donated money to many people in need. Unfortunately, after his death his legacy collapsed despite efforts from family members. However, today Mayo Singh's daughter-in-law, Joan Mayo, holds an annual prayer at the Paldi Gurdwara in memory of her husband, Rajindi Mayo.

Audio interview with Manga Lagah conducted by MB. Manga Langah is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1954. Lagah discusses working in a mill factory, the difference between union and nonunion mills, as well as his family and marriage. Lagah mentions the celebrations he attended in his leisure time such as Lohri, Vaisakhi, and the Nagar Kirtan. He also speaks about cooking, challenges he faced with racism, and his wages.

Transcription of interview with Manga Lagah in which he discusses his working conditions in a mill factory, the difference between union and non-union mills, his family, and his marriage. Lagah mentions the celebrations he attended in his leisure time such as Lohri, Vaisakhi, and the Nagar Kirtan. He also discusses cooking, wages, and challenges he faced with racism.

Narrative of Manga Lagah which discusses his experience working in a mill factory, his family and marriage. Lagah mentions the celebrations he attended in his leisure time such as Lohri, Vaisakhi, and the Nagar Kirtan. He also mentions cooking, wages and challenges he and his wife faced with racism.

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 two, Sidhu discusses what it was like when he first landed to Canada.

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.

Transcription of interview with Malkit Singh Sidhu discusses his immigration history, and experience working at sawmills. Sidhu also discusses buying groceries, the economy, and his co-workers. He further mentions what it was like working in a unionized mill. Lastly, he mentions the moment he first landed in Canada.

Narrative of Malkit Singh Sidhu discusses his immigration history and his experience working at sawmills. Sidhu also discusses the economy and his co-workers. He further mentions 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.

Transcription of interview with Malkiat Singh Dhaliwal discusses his personal history, his first job in Canada working as a cleaner, and working in sawmills. Dhaliwal also mentions his co-workers, his working conditions, the types of jobs he had at the mill, and his wages. He further speaks about the few parties and celebrations he attended in his leisure time such as Diwali and Lohri. Lastly, he discusses Canada's economy.