Abbotsford

Creator: University of the Fraser Valley Library

Exhibit card for The Langar Project, a project done at the University of the Fraser Valley that was created from a partnership between the South Asian Studies Institute and the University of the Fraser Valley Library. The title of the card reads, "Langar: The Communal Meal," and the page continues by explaining how Langar is the communal meal served in Sikh Gurdwaras and fosters a sense of equality among those who partake in it. It emphasizes that the practice has been around since the time of Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religion. At the top of the page is an image of Sikh woman and some Sikh men gathered together in a kitchen making rotis. At the bottom of the page is a collage with five photographs depicting images from Sikh Langar halls. One shows steaming pots, the next depicts a Sikh man stirring a large pot of food, the third photograph shows a tray with food, the fourth photograph shows a young Sikh boy serving food in a Langar hall, and the final photograph shows an older Sikh man standing next to a large pile of trays, washing plates. The logo for the South Asian Studies Institute is visible in the top right corner of the page.

Creator: University of the Fraser Valley Library

Title card for The Langar Project, a project done at the University of the Fraser Valley that was created from a partnership between the South Asian Studies Institute and the University of the Fraser Valley Library. The title, "The Langar Project: A Partnership Project at University of the Fraser Valley South Asian Studies Institute and UFV Library" is centred on the page. The logos for both the South Asian Studies Institute and the University of the Fraser Valley Library are also featured on the page. The Langar Project was both an online and physical exhibit that focused on the practice of Langar in Sikh Gurdwaras. Using images, physical objects, and written elements, the exhibit provided the history and the significance of Langar in the Sikh faith.

Photo of Tarlochan Singh Lally taken at the South Asian Studies Institute in Abbotsford, B.C.

Photo of Sukh Cheema sitting at a desk.

Photo of Ranjit Singh Nut and Malkiat Kaur on their wedding day at the Gur Sikh Temple in Abbotsford, BC.

Group photo of Rajinder Singh Gill and Manjit Gill standing outside the Gur Sikh Temple on their wedding day. There are other unidentified South Asian Canadians in the photo including men, women, and children. The group is standing outside on the gurdwara's staircase. The men are dressed in formal wear and the women are wearing salwar kameez suits.

Audio interview with Mohinder Singh Gidda conducted by MB. Mohinder Singh Gidda is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1970. Gidda began working at the Snowcrest Canary in Abbotsford, B.C when he arrived in Canada. He discusses his work experience in both farms and sawmills. Gidda also discusses the people he worked with, his experience living in bunkhouses, his unions experiences, and the racism he faced over the years.

Transcription of interview with Mohinder Singh Gidda in which he discusses his personal history and immigration to Canada in 1970. Gidda began working at Snowcrest Canary in Abbotsford, B.C and worked in both farms and sawmills in Canada. He also discusses the people he worked with, his experiences living in bunkhouses, his union experiences, and the racism he faced over the years.

Narrative of Mohinder Singh Gidda discusses his personal work background, life in India, and immigration to Canada in 1970. Gidda mentions his marriage and working in both farms and various sawmills in B.C. He discusses his wages, working conditions and encounters with racism. He further discusses stories about union debates and his support for the International Woodworkers of America (IWA). Gidda concludes by reflecting on his past.

Photo of Kulwant Singh Cheema sitting with his wife. They are sitting behind a desk. There is a tree visible in the background. The photo was taken at the South Asian Studies Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, BC.