Abbotsford

Transcription and English transliteration of an interview with Sarvan Singh Gill. Sarvan Singh Gill was born in 1933 in Village CHak 91, Tehsil Toba Teak Singh, District Lyallpur, West Punjab, Pakistan. After the Partition of India in 1947, his family moved to East Punjab, near Ludhiana. Sarvan Singh first came to Canada in 1981 and was later sponsored by his son in 1984. He worked as a security guard and speaks about learning English in Canada. He lived in both Vancouver and Toronto, and upon retiring, moved to Abbotsford. He also talks about a racist encounter he had with a group of young White kids in Toronto. Sarvan Singh speaks about meeting new people and making friends in Canada and mentions that he was known in the community because he was the sarpanch (head) of his village.

Narrative of Sarvan Singh Gill. Sarvan Singh Gill was born in 1933 in Village CHak 91, Tehsil Toba Teak Singh, District Lyallpur, West Punjab, Pakistan. After the Partition of India in 1947, his family moved to East Punjab, near Ludhiana. Sarvan Singh first came to Canada in 1981 and was later sponsored by his son in 1984. He worked as a security guard and speaks about learning English in Canada. He lived in both Vancouver and Toronto, and upon retiring, moved to Abbotsford. He also talks about a racist encounter he had with a group of young White kids in Toronto. Sarvan Singh speaks about meeting new people and making friends in Canada and mentions that he was known in the community because he was the sarpanch (head) of his village.

Interview with Sadhu Singh Gill. Sadhu Singh Gill was born in 1927 in Baduaal village, Zira, district Ferozpur and worked as a farmer on his own land in India. In 1970, Sadhu Singh's son, Amarjeet Singh Gill moved to Canada and then began sponsoring his family members. Sadhu Singh joined his son in Calgary in 1979. In 1989, Sadhu Singh's wife passed away making him a widower. Sadhu Singh speaks about his experiences of moving and adjusting to life in Canada.

Transcription and English transliteration of an interview with Sadhu Singh Gill. Sadhu Singh Gill was born in 1927 in Baduaal village, Zira, district Ferozpur and worked as a farmer on his own land in India. In 1970, Sadhu Singh's son, Amarjeet Singh Gill moved to Canada and then began sponsoring his family members. Sadhu Singh joined his son in Calgary in 1979. In 1989, Sadhu Singh's wife passed away making him a widower. Sadhu Singh speaks about his experiences of moving and adjusting to life in Canada.

Narrative of Sadhu Singh Gill. Sadhu Singh Gill was born in 1927 in Baduaal village, Zira, District Ferozpur and worked as a farmer on his own land in India. In 1970, Sadhu Singh's son, Amarjeet Singh Gill moved to Canada and then began sponsoring his family members. Sadhu Singh joined his son in Calgary in 1979. In 1989, Sadhu Singh's wife passed away making him a widower. Sadhu Singh speaks about his experiences of moving and adjusting to life in Canada.

Interview with Rajinder Singh Gill. Rajinder Singh speaks about his family's immigration history and their expereinces living in Canada.

Transcription and English transliteration of an interview with Rajinder Singh Gill. Rajinder Singh speaks about his family's immigration history and their expereinces living in Canada.

Narrative of Dharm Singh Gill, grandfather of Rajinder Singh Gill. Dharm Singh came to Canadain 1928 to meet his uncle Jeewan Singh. Dharm Singh was able to attain a legal status in Canada with the help of Dr. D. P. Pandia. He continued to reside in Canada while his family was in India. Not until 1954, was he able to return to meet his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. In 1959, Dharm Singh brought over his son Zora Singh who was later able to sponsor the rest of the family, including his son, Rajinder Singh. Rajinder Singh soon began working at a sawmill and the whole family was very active within the Gur Sikh Temple.

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.

Transcription and English transliteration of an 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.